Inbound & Trade Compliance Analyst

TITLE: Inbound & Trade Compliance Analyst

REPORTS TO: Sr. Director, Logistics & Network Strategy

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, Salary/Exempt

DESIGNATION: Designated customs compliance contact with CBP (ACE Trade Account Owner)

ABOUT US : Blu Dot (www.bludot.com), an award-winning designer and maker of modern home furnishings, is currently searching for a Inbound & Trade Compliance Expert to join our dynamic and values-driven company.

Company Purpose

Inspire a more creative way of living through good design that's good to everyone.

Core Values

- Good design is good . Good design should be reflected in everything we do.

- Keep it simple. Strive for economy in all that you do.

- Everyone is invited to our party. Treat every individual with respect & dignity.

- Our glass is half full. Focus on the positive.

- Be humble. We take nothing for granted.

- Turn it up to 11. Determine what is expected and do a little more.

- Stay curious. Try, learn, improve, repeat.

ABOUT THE ROLE : The Inbound & Trade Compliance Analyst at Blu Dot manages the flow of product from our international and domestic factories into the Blu Dot network and serves as Blu Dot's designated customs compliance contact with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This individual contributor role (no direct reports) oversees inbound transportation, import and customs compliance, and the build-out of factory drop-ship for our made-to-order Made For You and Graded-In programs.

WHO YOU ARE :

- You are an owner. You take accountability for outcomes and are comfortable being the final word on your areas of expertise.

- A relationship builder who earns trust with factories, forwarders, brokers, carriers, and colleagues.

- You lead through influence and can drive a cross-functional project without formal authority.

- You have a high attention to detail, especially when compliance and duty dollars are on the line, and you raise risk early.

- You keep calm in the face of chaos, change, pressure, and challenge.

- You communicate clearly and can explain complex regulatory topics in plain language.

- You are self-driven, approachable, and have a strong sense of integrity.

WHAT YOU WILL DO :

Inbound Transportation (International + Domestic)

- Own inbound transportation from factory to Blu Dot facilities across ocean, air, drayage, truckload, and LTL.

- Manage forwarder and inbound carrier relationships, including scorecards, SLA compliance, and business reviews.

- Track shipments from booking through delivery; manage delays and exceptions and communicate impact to Planning and Customer Care.

- Monitor inbound freight spend against budget, analyze landed cost drivers (freight, duties, fees, and detention and demurrage), audit inbound invoices for accuracy, and recommend cost-reduction opportunities.

Customs & Trade Compliance

- Serve as Blu Dot's designated customs compliance contact with CBP, including acting as ACE Trade Account Owner.

- Select and manage Blu Dot's customs broker(s), including power of attorney and performance; coordinate day-to-day entry activity.

- Maintain HTS classification and product compliance data, ensuring accuracy of country of origin, valuation, and entry data; review ACE reports and manage post-summary corrections and CBP inquiries.

- Monitor tariff changes, model duty impact, and pursue duty savings (free trade agreements, first sale, drawback, exclusions).

- Ensure compliance with furniture-related import requirements, including Lacey Act, TSCA Title VI, ISPM-15, and forced labor (UFLPA) due diligence.

- Maintain Blu Dot's import compliance program (procedures, recordkeeping, internal controls, audit readiness) and support Canada cross-border compliance.

Drop-Ship Program Leadership

- Lead the cross-functional effort to develop factory-direct drop-ship capabilities, starting with our made-to-order Made For You and Graded-In programs.

- Partner with internal teams, factories, and carriers to shape the operating model, requirements, and success measures as the program takes form.

- Execute the project plan and keep leadership informed of progress, risks, and key decisions.

Cross-Functional Leadership

- Act as subject matter expert on inbound logistics and trade compliance, and train internal teams on requirements that affect their work.

- Contribute inbound and customs requirements to budget planning and logistics systems projects, including TMS selection.

- Find and implement ways to improve and streamline inbound and compliance processes.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS*:

- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

- 5+ years of logistics experience, including 3+ years in international or import logistics

- Working knowledge of U.S. import regulations (19 CFR), HTS classification, and ACE

- Experience managing customs brokers, freight forwarders, and cross-functional projects

- Strong analytical skills; advanced Excel, with TMS, ERP, and BI tools (e.g., Tableau) a plus

- Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) credential and knowledge of Blu Dot products a plus

*Everyone's welcome to our party! Blu Dot always welcomes candidates with unique and diverse backgrounds. Blu Dot is a member of E-Verify. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.