Job brief
We are looking for a detail-oriented Import Export Specialist to join our global supply chain team and oversee our international trade operations. In this role, you will be the primary point of contact for clearing complex shipments, managing carrier performance, and ensuring full regulatory compliance with agencies like the FDA or CBP. You will have the opportunity to implement process improvements that reduce lead times and shipping costs for our rapidly growing product portfolio. If you are a logistics professional who thrives on solving cross-border shipping puzzles and maintaining high data integrity, we want to hear from you.
Key highlights
- Manage the end-to-end documentation process for international imports and exports to ensure 100% adherence to local and federal customs regulations.
- Classify products using Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes to ensure accurate duty calculations and compliance with international trade agreements.
- Coordinate daily activities with customs brokers and freight forwarders to minimize port congestion and avoid costly demurrage or detention charges.
- Maintain detailed records of import/export logs for internal audits and annual reviews required by trade authorities and quality management standards.
What is a Import Export Specialist?
An Import Export Specialist is a logistics professional dedicated to the compliant and efficient movement of goods across international borders. By managing complex regulatory frameworks, they ensure that every shipment adheres to customs requirements, trade agreements, and transportation safety standards. Utilizing advanced ERP systems and global trade management software, an Import Export Specialist mitigates supply chain risk and optimizes the flow of cargo from origin to destination.
What does a Import Export Specialist do?
On a typical day, an Import Export Specialist coordinates with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and port authorities to facilitate the timely clearance of international shipments. They prepare and review critical shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading, Commercial Invoices, and Certificates of Origin, ensuring strict compliance with HTS codes and Incoterms. Additionally, they monitor shipment status using TMS platforms to proactively resolve logistics bottlenecks and provide accurate delivery timelines to procurement and sales teams.
Key responsibilities
- Manage the end-to-end documentation process for international imports and exports to ensure 100% adherence to local and federal customs regulations.
- Classify products using Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes to ensure accurate duty calculations and compliance with international trade agreements.
- Coordinate daily activities with customs brokers and freight forwarders to minimize port congestion and avoid costly demurrage or detention charges.
- Audit shipping manifests, commercial invoices, and packing lists within our ERP system to guarantee data accuracy before customs submission.
- Monitor global supply chain performance metrics, identifying opportunities to consolidate shipments or optimize transit routes for improved cost efficiency.
- Serve as the internal subject matter expert on Incoterms and international trade compliance, providing guidance to purchasing and sales departments.
- Resolve complex shipment discrepancies, such as damaged goods or missing documentation, by collaborating directly with overseas suppliers and logistics partners.
- Maintain detailed records of import/export logs for internal audits and annual reviews required by trade authorities and quality management standards.
Requirements and skills
- 3+ years of experience in international logistics, with a deep understanding of ocean, air, and ground freight operations.
- Proven proficiency in navigating and managing import/export modules within major ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite.
- Strong technical knowledge of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, including entry filing procedures and duty drawback programs.
- Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) or Certified Export Specialist (CES) designation preferred, demonstrating advanced regulatory knowledge.
- Ability to interpret complex international shipping documents and troubleshoot clearance delays with global stakeholders across different time zones.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, specifically regarding freight spend tracking and landed cost calculation modeling.
- Demonstrated experience utilizing Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to track shipments and communicate ETAs to cross-functional teams.
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Business, or a related field of study.
FAQs
What does an Import Export Specialist do?
An Import Export Specialist acts as the primary facilitator for international trade, managing the flow of goods across borders while ensuring full compliance with customs and transportation laws. Their daily duties involve preparing shipping documents, selecting cost-effective freight carriers, and resolving regulatory hurdles that could delay delivery. By integrating logistics data with supply chain planning, they ensure products reach their destination efficiently and legally.
What skills are required to be an Import Export Specialist?
Essential skills for an Import Export Specialist include a deep understanding of HTS classification, Incoterms, and international shipping documentation. Candidates must be proficient in using ERP and TMS software to manage logistics data and possess strong analytical skills for cost-reduction initiatives. Furthermore, effective communication is crucial, as the specialist must frequently negotiate with third-party logistics (3PL) providers and coordinate with customs agencies.
Who does an Import Export Specialist work with?
An Import Export Specialist works closely with a diverse range of stakeholders, including internal procurement and sales teams, warehouse managers, and external partners. Externally, they maintain active communication with freight forwarders, steamship lines, air carriers, and licensed customs brokers to ensure smooth operations. This collaboration is key to overcoming logistical disruptions and managing the complex requirements of global trade compliance.
Why is an Import Export Specialist vital to a business?
An Import Export Specialist is vital because they minimize the risk of costly supply chain disruptions, such as shipment seizures, heavy fines, or prolonged customs delays. By optimizing transit routes and ensuring precise tariff classification, they directly impact the organization's bottom line and landed cost of goods. Their expertise keeps a company’s international trade operations running smoothly, allowing for faster time-to-market and reliable inventory management.