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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.

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.

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.

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action 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.

Our Benefits

Bridgestone Americas believes that taking care of you means more than just a prescription or dental plan. Our benefit plans are designed to meet our teammates' emotional, financial and physical needs, helping them thrive at work.

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Physical Health

At Bridgestone, we care about your physical health. That’s why we offer competitive benefits to ensure our teammates have access to quality and equitable healthcare.

Learn More
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Emotional Well-being

We recognize that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. That's why we offer a supportive work environment and resources to help our teammates manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

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Financial Well-being

Bridgestone helps you invest in your future by investing in you. We provide resources and benefits to support your financial health, including retirement plans and financial planning resources, among others.

Learn More

Bridgestone Application & Interview FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about our application and interview process to help you prepare.

Before you apply for one of the available opportunities at Bridgestone, review each of the skills needed for the role that interests you and be prepared to show how you meet the qualifications.

Whether on a job application or your resume, it is essential to customize your information to highlight the most relevant connections to the job you want.

Once you have provided your information to Bridgestone, you will receive a request for an interview if you are being considered.

In the Bridgestone hiring process, depending on the role you are being considered for, you may have a one-on-one interview or a panel interview, and both can happen in person or via video call. If you are applying for a manufacturing or retail role, you will probably interview in person or at the location where you plan to work. All these factors can change how you might prepare for and conduct an interview, so we have created a guide that covers virtual or video interview tips and in-person interview tips. We have also included other common information you should consider.

Prepare Your “Elevator Speech”
In most interviews, you will get the prompt to “tell us about yourself” or something of that nature. It’s best to prepare a short but compelling description of yourself. Consider including:
Brief summary of your career, potentially highlighting your most relevant job.
Why are you looking to start a career at Bridgestone, or are you looking to change careers/jobs?
What was interesting about this particular role or working at Bridgestone?

Be Ready to Answer Questions
During an interview, you will be asked questions about previous experience to learn more about you. Whether you are asked about strengths or weaknesses or about a particular work situation that you might have considered a challenge or a win, it helps if you structure your answers with the STAR Method.
Situation: Describe the challenge you faced, win you had, or relevant situation
Task: Explain the role you played
Action: What were the detailed steps you took or how you accomplished the task
Result: Explain the outcome
Make sure that it is relevant to the role you are seeking. This method also helps you demonstrate how you accomplished something or overcame a challenge independently or while working well with a team.

Be Ready to Ask Questions
It is also important to ask questions to help you make an informed decision about the role if an offer is extended to you. Remember that you are interviewing Bridgestone as much as we are interviewing you, so asking interview questions is critical.
Some questions you can ask:
What would my day-to-day role look like?
Describe the team I would be working with.
What is your favorite thing about working at Bridgestone?
You mentioned (insert topic here). Tell me more about that.

By asking open-ended questions that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” you can learn more about the role and the people you would be working with. And by circling back on information shared during the interview, you show that you are actively listening and interested.

Plan Your Route
If you are interviewing in person, map out the route you will take before the day of your interview to make sure you allow enough time for travel. Be mindful of traffic patterns and look for any construction in the area. Aim to be about 15 minutes early for your interview so you can find a place to park and take some time to prepare mentally.
If you have an unexpected schedule conflict, notify your recruiter via phone/email/text so they can work to reschedule your time.

Dress to Impress
Dress appropriately for the role you want. Different work environments may be more casual, but you always want to look your best for an interview. Consider this for a video interview as well. Most of us have better posture and body language when we look and feel our best. While no one may know you are wearing pajamas, your casual demeanor may not make a great first impression. Make sure you are free of as many distractions as possible. With many of us having to work from home while taking care of our families, we understand that quiet space can be challenging to find for you as well as for the interviewers. While we encourage you to find an area where you can focus and not be interrupted, we understand that life happens and might just happen during your interview, so don’t stress too much about it.

What to Bring
Even if you have provided a resume, always bring one additional copy for each person interviewing you. And for any interview, it’s always good to bring a pen and paper if you want to take notes. Stay engaged in the conversation; no one wants to see the top of your head while you write notes for the entire interview.

There may be a chance one or more of your interviews will be conducted virtually. Here are our tips to prepare;

Check Your Tech
Confirm what platform you will use and make sure that you have it properly installed and launched on your system.
If you use a device like a tablet or a laptop, ensure it is fully charged. Try not to use a phone if possible.
Confirm that your webcam and microphone are allowed and work correctly in your chosen browser.
Test your internet connection to ensure it is strong and working.
If using headphones, make sure they are connected and selected prior.
At the beginning of the interview, verify that the interviewer can hear and see you.
Close other programs on your computer. Getting notifications during your interview is distracting and unprofessional. Before your interview, ensure all other computer windows are closed, and notifications are silenced or turned off.
Switch your other devices onto silent mode; however, have your phone handy if your interviewer is having technical difficulties or trying to reach out via phone or email.
If you need any accessibility accommodations or are concerned about the required virtual platform not being fully accessible for you, please let the recruiter at Bridgestone know. We will reach out to discuss how to best support you.

Prepare Your Space
Conduct your interview in a quiet, well-lit environment, without a backlight or window that may put you in a shadow.
Find a place with a simple backdrop or blank wall to eliminate distractions and put the focus on you.
Avoid taking an interview from your vehicle. If it is the only quiet place you can find, DO NOT attempt to interview while driving or in a moving vehicle; our recruiters will end the call. After all, at Bridgestone, we make safety a business value.

Smile for the Camera
Look at the camera. Looking directly at the video camera (not the screen) is the only way to maintain direct eye contact with your interviewer.
Try to focus on sitting up straight and making eye contact. At the beginning of the interview, verify that the interviewer can hear and see you.
Be mindful of your body language. Not all physical cues translate from in-person interviews to video interviews. Be sure to have good posture and stay engaged.
Silence any other technology, i.e. smart watches; you don’t want to be distracted or appear disinterested during your interview."

When the interview ends, whether virtual or in person, you can ask what to expect as the next step in the process. The person conducting the interview can let you know if there are additional interviews to expect or if you will hear from HR with a decision as to whether you have been chosen for the role.

We ask that you be patient as we may have several candidates to interview, but we value your time and will offer the professional courtesy of a response either way. Also, if you are no longer interested in the role or have accepted another role, please notify your recruiter so they can remove you from the interview process.

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As a member of our Talent Community, you will receive access to news, events and career opportunities at Bridgestone. Sign up now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us.

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