Americas Trade Compliance Director

Company Overview

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM), headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and Bridgestone Europe, Middle East and Africa (BSEMEA), headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, operate collectively as a "Bridgestone West" strategic region. This region services the strategic business needs of teams across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa. BSAM and BSEMEA are subsidiaries of Bridgestone Corporation, globally headquartered in Japan. Bridgestone and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand products and solutions to address the needs of a broad range of customers and industries.

At Bridgestone, you are Free to Be

We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they bring their whole self to work. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you are made of, because who you are is what we need.

Job Category

Legal, Compliance & Audit

Position Summary

We are seeking an Americas Trade Compliance Director like you to join our amazing corporate team in our Nashville, TN office.

The Americas Trade Compliance Director is responsible to ensure that the Bridgestone Americas (BSAM) and all associated locations are in full compliance with the import and export laws of the countries where they do business, in a manner that is consistent with Bridgestone's values. Compliance with trade regulations will be achieved through a centralized framework including classification, certification, verification of import/export activities, and training of local staff. NA Manager will proactively work with BSAM Trade Compliance, and BSAM International Logistics to minimize risk and ensure efficient and effective processes for import/export transactions. BSAM has locations in the US, Canada, Brazil, China, Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico, Liberia, and the EU.

At Bridgestone Americas we value Diversity. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals, and teams. We are creating a workplace that fosters a culture of acceptance where you are free to be your true self because what we need is who you are. We offer a variety of experiences to help you build the career that matters to you. Apply and join one of our teams to begin a career at Bridgestone Americas. Trust your talent; trust the journey. Be Bridgestone.

Responsibilities

In this role, your primary responsibilities will include:

Principal Activities

• Overall responsibility for the trade compliance of approximately $4 billion annual transactions and duty savings programs of up to $70 million annually.
• Execute as key global resource to all BSAM locations in providing functional knowledge, support, and solutions for the integrity of global operations and quality resolution of import/export issues throughout regional locations and clients.
• Serve on the Global Trade Lead Team to align and implement cross functional BU process improvements, reduce risks, and identify key areas for growth and efficiencies.
• Design, implement and manage a robust trade compliance program for the BSAM Operations, including the ongoing development and maintenance of procedures which define responsibility and accountability for completion of activities and supporting operational processes. Assess gaps and mitigated compliance risk, coordinating with Corporate Global Trade Compliance for Global BU wide visibility.
• Develop and deliver an ongoing, tailored training program that includes but is not limited to, export control and technology, Corporate Trade Standards, general awareness, risk identification, and escalation. Conduct and/or oversee training as necessary to ensure organizational understanding of policies, procedures and regulatory requirements for Customs and Trade Compliance.
• Monitor and manage US customs while minimizing overall risks and costs related to import and export regulations, tariff numbers, tooling/supplier assists, and similar regulations. Develop and maintain country specific import/export matrices to include classifications, license requirements and shipment restrictions.
• Represent BSAM Operations in dealings with customers, suppliers, plants, BU and RU personnel as well as government agencies in response to general inquiries on shipments or licenses. i.e. CBP, BIS, Census
• Conduct periodic internal and external compliance assessments of BSAM Regional facilities to ensure adherence to policies, procedures and compliance of all activities and transactions with the appropriate import/export laws and recordkeeping including completion of Bridgestone's Audit and Self-Assessment Program. Coordinate with Management on issues, opportunities, recommended solutions and cost savings.
• Manage Custom Brokers' Performance and lead the auditing of import/export entries to ensure appropriate classification, valuation, and all entries (incl. Recon) are made within the laws that apply. Establishes and direct metrics, processes, feedback loops and action plans to deal with process improvements and law changes to ensure compliance.
• Remain current on regulatory/industry activities that impact the company's business, including OGA requirements such as NHTSA, FDA
• Manage North American FTA qualification program, including NAFTA/USMCA compliance and audits.
• Ensure Duty Drawback program is managed effectively and compliantly.
• Manage two Foreign Trade Zones in the US.

Minimum Qualifications

Essential Skill and Abilities

• Ability to develop and write clear and concise processes and procedures.
• Self-starter with strong research skills who can develop effective networks with internal and external customers.
• Ability to integrate effective compliance requirements within ongoing business processes.
• Experience conducting formal training and presentations with an ability to effectively communicate legal and procedural requirements.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to various cultures and ideally multi-lingual.
• Successful candidate will thrive in working in a small team with limited supervision, hands on designing and building compliance modules to implement globally; and
• Solid computer skills: MS Office Suite and experience with Microsoft Access is a plus.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of import / export experience (global activities).
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Pre-law, International Business, or similar.
• 10 years of import/export compliance experience with international responsibilities, effectively driving operations, and managing compliance and cost savings in a multi-plant/manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 4 years supervisory experience.
• National Customs Brokers Association (NCBA) certification as a Licensed Customer Broker.
• Experience in one or more Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (Oracle, SAP, or JD Edwards);
• Strong knowledge and working understanding of international trade rules and regulations, including customs and export compliance, process control, internal and external audits: classification, valuation, Incoterms, origin, reconciliation, drawback, other OGA's.
• Experience working with or managing Certified Maquila's, IMMEX.
• Successful experience in building and integrating import and export compliance into business operation.
• Previous experience developing and managing BIS licenses, including 748-P's, Technology Control Plans.
• Experience managing a Denied Party Screening (DPS) program.
• Strong fluency in one or more foreign languages (both verbal and written) preferred.
• Experience functioning within a strong matrix environment of a global enterprise highly preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency of USMCA, HTS, and ECCN classification rules.
• Evidenced self-development of further trade compliance training, courses, seminars.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree ; 10+ years of relevant experience including 7+ years management or leadership experience.
Or Master's degree; 8+ years of relevant experience including 5-7 years management or leadership experience.

What we offer

At Bridgestone, what really matters is to foster co-creation opportunities and empowering you to be creative and curious to make mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations. Whatever role you fill, when you represent Bridgestone, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to "Serve Society with Superior Quality", for that, we offer you more than just a competitive compensation; we will provide you:

• A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
• The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
• Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
• A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long-term well-being.
• A diverse and inclusive team.

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.