Sr. Manager, Global Trade Compliance

Bass Pro Shops•Springfield, MO

19h•Onsite

About The Position

Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s is North America’s largest outdoor recreation retailer, with over 200 retail destinations across the United States and Canada. The company is also a manufacturer (White River Marine Group), a hospitality operator (Big Cedar Lodge, Big Cypress Lodge), and a major importer and seller of firearms, ammunition, marine products, optics, and outdoor apparel, with $9 billion in annual revenue and 30,000 associates. Its supply chain spans dozens of countries and touches heavily regulated product categories. The Sr. Manager, Global Trade Compliance will lead global trade compliance operations for this complex, multi-segment business, which includes retail, manufacturing, and hospitality, importing and selling firearms, boats, ammunition, optics, apparel, and outdoor gear across the U.S. and Canada. This role involves building and maturing a trade compliance program that is in its growth phase, establishing scalable processes, controls, and a compliance-first culture. The individual will serve as the organization’s primary subject matter expert on import/export regulations, customs compliance, sanctions, and export controls, with direct accountability for CBP, BIS, OFAC, DDTC, and ATF regulatory compliance. The position requires influencing cross-functional partners (Merchandising, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Legal, Finance, Manufacturing) without direct authority, translating regulatory requirements into practical, business-friendly processes that protect the company without slowing it down. The role reports to the Senior Director, Global Trade Compliance, with visibility to the General Counsel and senior leadership.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive trade compliance experience in a retail, consumer goods, manufacturing, or distribution environment.
Deep working knowledge of U.S. customs law (19 CFR), HTS classification, customs valuation, country of origin rules, and CBP entry procedures.
Working knowledge of EAR, ITAR, OFAC sanctions regulations, and denied party screening requirements.
Experience managing customs brokers, freight forwarders, and third-party trade compliance vendors.
Demonstrated ability to build or significantly mature a trade compliance program, not just maintain one.
Track record of influencing cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority in organizations where compliance was not yet embedded in the culture.
Experience leading or supporting CBP audits, focused assessments, or enforcement responses.
Bachelor’s degree required.

Nice To Haves

Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) or Certified Customs Specialist (CCS).
Experience with firearms, ammunition, or defense article trade compliance (ITAR/AECA/ATF regulations).
Experience with Canadian customs (CBSA) and cross-border trade between the U.S. and Canada.
Proficiency with global trade management systems (e.g., SAP GTS, Descartes, Integration Point) and data analytics tools.
Advanced degree (J.D., M.B.A., or Master’s in International Trade) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Manage HTS classification, country of origin determination, customs valuation, and duty optimization for a diverse product mix that includes ITAR-controlled firearms and ammunition, ECCN-classified optics and electronics, and high-volume consumer goods.
Oversee customs broker relationships, entry filings, and post-entry audits, ensuring accuracy and timeliness across all U.S. and Canadian ports of entry.
Design and execute a classification governance program covering thousands of SKUs across firearms, marine, apparel, camping, and sporting goods categories.
Identify and execute duty savings opportunities through FTA utilization, foreign trade zone analysis, duty drawback, and tariff engineering, with measurable targets.
Administer sanctions screening (OFAC SDN, Entity List, Denied Persons) across customer transactions, vendor onboarding, and supply chain touchpoints.
Manage export compliance for ITAR-controlled articles (firearms, defense articles) and EAR-controlled items, including license determination, record-keeping, and end-use monitoring.
Build and maintain SOPs, audit frameworks, and written compliance procedures that eliminate reliance on institutional knowledge and can withstand regulatory scrutiny.
Lead internal audits, focused assessments, and risk-based entry reviews; own the company’s response to CBP audits, CF-28/CF-29 requests, and any enforcement actions.
Track duty spend, broker performance, classification accuracy, and compliance KPIs; present findings and recommendations to leadership on a regular cadence.
Monitor regulatory changes (tariff actions, sanctions updates, ITAR/EAR amendments) and proactively advise the business on operational impact.
Coach, develop, and hold accountable a team of trade compliance professionals; build bench strength and succession capability.
Design and deliver trade compliance training for Merchandising, Sourcing, Supply Chain, and store-level associates so that compliance becomes embedded in daily operations rather than treated as a back-office function.
Champion a compliance-first mindset in an organization that is evolving its approach to regulatory risk, earning credibility through practical solutions rather than enforcement alone.
Represent the company in interactions with CBP, BIS, DDTC, OFAC, CBSA, and other regulatory agencies; manage outside counsel and trade advisory relationships.

Benefits

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
Annual bonus eligibility
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Generous associate discount (on retail merchandise, restaurants, world-class resorts and conservation attractions)
Support for professional development including trade compliance certifications and continuing education
Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Account
Voluntary benefits
Paid holidays
Paid vacation
Paid sick time
Bass Pro Cares Fund