Sr. Import Specialist

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

As a Senior Import Specialist, you will be a pivotal member of our customs brokerage team, responsible for leading and overseeing complex import operations. This role demands a deep understanding of import processes, customs regulations, and compliance requirements, as well as the ability to mentor and guide other team members. The Senior Import Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient and compliant importation of goods for our valued clients.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Customs Documentation: Review and process import documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with customs regulations.

2. Customs Clearance Leadership: Lead the customs clearance process for a wide range of imported goods, including tariff classifications and coordination with customs authorities.

3. Freight Forwarding: Manage the freight forwarding process of imported goods including arranging overseas transportation and bookings with our international partners.

4. Compliance Expertise: Stay up to date with changes in customs regulations, trade agreements, and tariff schedules to ensure comprehensive compliance with international trade laws and regulations.

5. Tariff Classification: Assign, as needed, the appropriate Harmonized System (HS) tariff codes for imported products, minimizing duty liabilities for clients.

6. Client Engagement: Act as a senior point of contact for key clients, providing exceptional customer service, addressing complex inquiries, and delivering insightful guidance on import operations.

7. Problem Resolution Leadership: Proactively identify and resolve complex import-related challenges, including customs delays, documentation discrepancies, or transportation issues, while mentoring other team members.

8. Accounting: Responsible for properly billing clients and vetting payments to vendors according to company policy and providing other accounting functions as needed. 

9. Vendor and Stakeholder Relations Management: Foster strong working relationships with vendors, carriers, and government agencies to facilitate the import process, resolve high-level issues, and ensure efficient cargo movement.

10. Reporting and Analytics: Generate and analyze detailed import-related reports, clearance statuses, and compliance records, to drive process improvements. Responsible for writing, updating, and reviewing client specific processes.

11. Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to other import specialists, facilitating their professional growth and ensuring the quality and efficiency of import operations.

12. Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements, implement best practices, and contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the import department's operations.

13. Team Collaboration: Collaborate closely with customs brokers, import representatives, and other team members to streamline import operations, maintain high-quality service, and achieve team goals. 

14. Time Management: Ability to handle high volumes and multiple accounts at one time, including serving as a back up to other import roles.

15. Development: Contribute to knowledge sharing by training team members and developing, maintaining, and improving Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

1. Education: High school diploma or equivalent; a bachelor's degree in a related field is a plus.

2. Import Experience: A minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on experience in import operations, with a proven track record of successfully managing complex import processes. Senior-level candidates should have in-depth knowledge of all aspects of import, including documentation, customs clearance, and compliance.

3. Customs Compliance Expertise: Advanced understanding of customs regulations, including import classifications, and documentation requirements. Mastery of relevant government agencies' regulations and procedures is essential.

4. Tariff Classification Expertise: Understanding of Harmonized System (HS) tariff codes for a wide range of imported products.

5. Leadership Skills: Demonstrated leadership abilities, including the capacity to lead a team of import specialists, mentor other team members, provide guidance on complex import issues, and serve as backup to other import roles.

6. Client Engagement: Proven ability to act as a senior point of contact for key clients, delivering exceptional customer service, addressing complex inquiries, and providing strategic guidance on import operations.

7. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Strong problem-solving skills, including the capability to identify and resolve complex import-related challenges, make informed decisions, and implement effective solutions.

8. Vendor and Stakeholder Relations Management: A history of building and maintaining strong working relationships with vendors, carriers, and government agencies to facilitate the import process and resolve high-level issues.

9. Reporting and Analytics: Advanced skills in generating and analyzing detailed import-related reports, clearance statuses, and compliance records, to drive process improvements and strategic decision-making.

10. Continuous Improvement: A commitment to identifying opportunities for process improvements, implementing best practices, and contributing to the ongoing enhancement of the import department's operations.

11. Software Proficiency: Proficiency in customs clearance software and advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook). CargoWise experience preferred. 

12. Regulatory Certifications: Possession of relevant certifications, such as Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), or other advanced certifications in international trade and customs brokerage, can demonstrate expertise and commitment to professional development.

13. Customs Broker License (Preferred): While not always required for a Senior Import Specialist role, having a customs broker license is often preferred and can be a significant advantage. 

Why You'll Love Working Here:

•  Hybrid Schedule: Work from home 2 days a week after training 
•  Company-Paid Benefits: Dental insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance 
•  Extensive Benefits Package: Medical insurance with HRA to reduce your out-of-pocket costs a long list of voluntary benefits
•  Family Culture: Supportive team environment where your contributions are valued 
•  Opportunities for growth and development in a stable, thriving industry 
•  Meaningful work that supports global trade and keeps supply chains moving 

If you have experience within customs brokerage, freight forwarding, or logistics and are ready to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you!