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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Export Specialist

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

Supply ChainLogisticsInternational TradeOperations

🎯 Role Definition

As an Export Specialist, you are the critical link in our global supply chain, responsible for flawlessly executing the entire export process from order receipt to final delivery. You will be the in-house expert on international shipping regulations, documentation, and logistics, ensuring our goods cross borders efficiently, compliantly, and cost-effectively. This role requires a meticulous and proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, acting as the primary point of contact for international customers, freight forwarders, and customs agents to facilitate seamless global trade operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Shipping and Receiving Clerk
  • Supply Chain Analyst

Advancement To:

  • Senior Export Specialist / Team Lead
  • Trade Compliance Manager
  • Global Logistics Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Import Specialist
  • Supply Chain Planner
  • Procurement Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage the entire lifecycle of international orders, ensuring timely and accurate processing from booking to final delivery.
  • Prepare, review, and issue all necessary export documentation, including Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Certificates of Origin, Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI), and Bills of Lading (Airway/Ocean).
  • Ensure 100% compliance with U.S. export regulations, including those set by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
  • Accurately file electronic export information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES) Direct portal, ensuring timely and error-free submissions.
  • Classify products with the correct Schedule B numbers and Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN) to ensure regulatory adherence.
  • Coordinate and negotiate with freight forwarders, carriers, and drayage providers to secure competitive rates and optimal routing for air, ocean, and ground shipments.
  • Act as the primary liaison for international customers, providing proactive updates on shipment status, documentation, and estimated arrival times.
  • Interpret and apply Incoterms 2020 to all international shipments to clearly define risk and cost responsibilities between seller and buyer.
  • Manage and process Letters of Credit and documentary collections, ensuring all bank and customer requirements are met to facilitate payment.
  • Resolve any in-transit issues, such as customs holds, port delays, or damaged goods, by collaborating with logistics partners and internal stakeholders.
  • Maintain meticulous and organized records of all export transactions and documentation in accordance with company policy and federal regulations for audit purposes.
  • Audit and approve freight invoices from carriers and forwarders, verifying charges against negotiated rates and services rendered.
  • Coordinate the shipment of hazardous materials (HAZMAT/DG), ensuring full compliance with IATA and IMDG regulations and proper documentation.
  • Screen all parties involved in export transactions against denied party lists (DPL) to prevent illegal transshipments.
  • Provide international freight quotes to the sales team and customers, analyzing various cost and transit time options.
  • Collaborate closely with the warehouse and production teams to ensure product availability and readiness aligns with shipping schedules.
  • Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all key export functions to ensure consistency and facilitate training.
  • Generate and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and reports related to on-time shipping, freight costs, and carrier performance.
  • Support the Trade Compliance Manager in internal audits, risk assessments, and the implementation of compliance-related process improvements.
  • Stay current on evolving international trade laws, tariffs, and customs procedures to mitigate risks and identify new opportunities.
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives within the logistics department to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

Secondary Functions

  • Support sales and finance teams with ad-hoc reporting on international shipping costs and transit times.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of export processes and the development of departmental standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Collaborate with IT and business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements for our ERP and logistics software.
  • Participate in cross-functional project teams focused on supply chain optimization and new market entry.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Export Documentation Proficiency: Expertise in creating and managing a full range of export documents (Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading, SLI, COO).
  • AES/ACE Filing: Hands-on experience with the Automated Export System for filing Electronic Export Information (EEI).
  • Trade Compliance Knowledge: Strong understanding of U.S. export regulations (EAR, OFAC, FTR) and international customs requirements.
  • Incoterms Mastery: In-depth knowledge of Incoterms 2020 and their practical application in international sales and logistics.
  • HTS / Schedule B Classification: Ability to accurately classify products using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and Schedule B codes.
  • ERP/TMS Systems: Proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and Transportation Management Systems.
  • Freight Forwarder & Carrier Management: Experience in coordinating, negotiating, and managing relationships with logistics partners.
  • Letter of Credit (L/C) Management: Familiarity with the process and documentation requirements for Letters of Credit.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced skills in MS Excel for data analysis and reporting, along with proficiency in Word and Outlook.
  • Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT/DG) Shipping: Certification or demonstrable experience in shipping dangerous goods under IATA/IMDG regulations is a significant plus.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A precise and thorough approach is essential to ensure documentation accuracy and compliance.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex logistical and compliance issues under pressure.
  • Exceptional Communication: Clear, concise, and professional verbal and written communication skills for interacting with global partners.
  • Organizational & Time Management: Superior ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proactive & Self-Motivated: A "can-do" attitude with the initiative to anticipate needs and drive processes forward independently.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively with internal departments (sales, warehouse, finance) and external partners.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate changing regulations, shipping schedules, and customer demands.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree or an Associate's Degree with equivalent relevant experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field. Professional certification (e.g., CUSECO, CES) is highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • International Business
  • Logistics
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct, hands-on experience in an export, international logistics, or trade compliance role.

Preferred:

  • Experience within a manufacturing, distribution, or freight forwarding environment.
  • Demonstrated experience managing shipments across multiple modes (ocean, air, truck) and trade lanes.
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