Import-Export Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for coordinating the movement of products/equipment/materials in and out of the country in accordance with the legislature, organizational procedures, and federal regulations. Manages the necessary documentation and forms for the efficient and lawful execution of all import/export activities. Communicates with import/export-related authorities along with customers and suppliers as necessary to ensure efficient, positive, and lawful support in relations and activities. 

Communicates closely, builds, and retains strong relationships with approved freight forwarders, carriers, customers, and personnel. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ensures that all import/export documentation and procedures are followed and comply with all record-keeping requirements. 

• Ensures import/export transactions are in accordance with established procedures (IMS/EMS), guidelines, SOPs, and Federal Regulations. 
• Prepares, maintains, completes, and signs NAFTA, affidavits, and NAFTA Non-Eligible documents. 
• Maintains Import/Export website, including maintaining training records. 
• Runs the Import Export Audit Report on a quarterly basis to be reviewed by the Manager. 
• Assists Manager with developing, reviewing, and updating SOPs on annual basis. 
• Reviews information on all documents and certifies that the information (part number, UOM, country of origin, weights, quantities, ECCN, descriptions, and value) matches customs entry, physical count, and payment. 
• Processes entry amendments for US and Canada through approved customs brokers. Communicates all findings to the Import-Export Manager to have them corrected promptly. Participates in the determination of the root cause and corrective action. 
• Maintains recordkeeping for international transactions and verifies that all documentation adheres to the company’s import-export policies (IMS/EMS) and Federal regulations. 
• Reviews, codes, and approves Custom Broker Invoice and Freight Forwarder Invoices 
• Prepares, completes, and signs Dangerous Goods Declaration 
• Assists Import/Export clerk with transactions and provides guidance related to regulatory mandates. 

Coordinates activities to support Supply Chain processes with import-export requirements.

• Tracks shipment progress and provides real-time updates to interested parties. 
• Anticipates and resolves potential delays or issues that could negatively impact the delivery deadline. 
• Route shipments in the most cost-effective manner to meet the service requirement. 
• Maintains broker, freight forwarder, and carrier profiles and scorecards. 

Coordinates with Sales, Procurement, and Customer Service personnel to facilitate import-export shipments. 

• Completes import-export documentation, provides international freight quotes. 
• Calculates and provides accurate landed cost of goods and lead/transit times. 
• Prepares required documentation to ensure that import and export shipments move as scheduled. 
• Perform the necessary administrative tasks to support the import, export, and record-keeping requirements. 

Collaborates with internal and external customers to support import-export transactions and facilitate international trade. 

• Communicates directly with customers to process quotes, shipping times and lanes, and costs associated with shipments; ensures freight forwarders meet customer expectations. 
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with approved freight forwarders and customs brokers through regular communication. 

COMPANY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Producing Results – Meets or exceeds established goals and objectives. 
  • Communicates a strong sense of urgency in solving problems and getting work done. 
  • Ensures time, resources, and actions are focused on priorities that contribute to meeting business goals and objectives. 
  • Ability to effectively prioritize and manage day-to-day tasks in an efficient manner. 
  • Reliable, self-motivated, and well-organized. 
• Stellar Service – Meets or exceeds both internal and external customer requirements utilizing customer service concepts and techniques. 
• Strong interpersonal skills; positive, customer service focus; ability to work in a team environment. 
• Ability to successfully research and resolve issues in an accurate, thorough, and timely manner with minimal assistance. 
• Ability to define specific problems and offer variable solutions; ability to make recommendations to effectively resolve problems or issues by using judgment that is consistent with company policies and/or procedures. 
• Ability to communicate with external and internal customers of all levels across the company, strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Builds customer loyalty by utilizing the STAR qualities to create Positive Defining Moments in the three dimensions of service. 
• Response to unexpected customer requests with a sense of urgency and positive action; seeks opportunities to dazzle customers. 

• Recovers from a service failure in a way that enhances customers’ loyalty to the company; demonstrates sincere concern and empathy when a customer complains.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Import/Export – Extensive knowledge of regulations, issues, considerations, and documentation requirements for importing and exporting materials to and from international locations. Areas of knowledge and expertise must include: EAR, HTS, ECCN and Licensing, ITAR, Denied Parties Screening, Anti-Boycott Review, and others as directly related to function. 
• Effective Communication & Teamwork – High level of interpersonal skills and ability to effectively transmit, receive and accurately interpret ideas, information and needs through the application of appropriate communication and interpersonal skills to stakeholders at all levels of the organization. 
• Managing Multiple Projects – Ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritization and time allocation. 
• Accuracy & Attention to Detail – Understanding of the necessity and value of accuracy and attention to detail; ability to process information with high levels of accuracy.
• Computer Skills – Advanced proficiency in using MS Office software to effectively execute work tasks, including Word and Excel; requires the ability to learn or experience Adobe 

Creative suite, internal database, and software systems, i.e., MXP. Experience with basic HTML, Google sites, Gmail and Google Chrome preferred. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in an import/export administration role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Practical understanding of US Laws and regulations governing exports and imports.