Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Exportation Specialist

💰 $55,000 - $85,000 Annually

LogisticsSupply ChainInternational TradeComplianceOperations

🎯 Role Definition

As an Exportation Specialist, you are the linchpin of our global logistics and trade compliance operations. You will be entrusted with managing the entire export lifecycle, from initial order to final delivery, ensuring every shipment complies with complex international and U.S. trade regulations. This role requires a meticulous, proactive, and knowledgeable professional who can navigate the intricacies of customs, documentation, and carrier management to support our company's international growth and market presence. You are a problem-solver and a critical partner to sales, customer service, and warehouse teams, guaranteeing our products reach our global customers efficiently and compliantly.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Import/Export Clerk
  • Supply Chain Assistant
  • International Customer Service Representative

Advancement To:

  • Senior Export Specialist or Team Lead
  • Global Trade Compliance Manager
  • Logistics or Supply Chain Manager
  • International Logistics Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Import Specialist
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Customs Brokerage Specialist
  • Freight Forwarding Operations

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage the end-to-end export shipment process, including quoting, booking, documentation preparation, and final delivery coordination.
  • Prepare, review, and ensure the accuracy of all export documentation, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading (ocean and air), Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI), and certificates of origin.
  • Ensure strict adherence to all U.S. export regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and sanctions programs administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
  • File export declarations accurately and timely through the Automated Export System (AES), ensuring compliance with U.S. Census Bureau and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements.
  • Classify products with the correct Schedule B numbers and Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN) to determine export licensing requirements and other government agency stipulations.
  • Screen all parties involved in export transactions against denied party and restricted entity lists to prevent unauthorized exports.
  • Liaise directly with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and drayage companies to negotiate rates, schedule shipments, and resolve any in-transit issues.
  • Provide exceptional support to international customers and internal sales teams by communicating shipment status, providing documentation, and answering inquiries regarding international logistics.
  • Proactively track and trace international shipments, providing real-time updates and managing exceptions to ensure on-time delivery.
  • Manage and process shipments involving letters of credit, ensuring all documentation strictly conforms to the terms and conditions to facilitate timely payment.
  • Conduct regular audits of export files and documentation to ensure record-keeping accuracy and compliance with both company policy and government regulations.
  • Investigate and resolve customs delays, compliance holds, or any other logistical challenges by working with internal and external partners.
  • Develop, maintain, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the export department to improve efficiency and ensure consistent compliance.
  • Analyze and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, freight costs, and documentation accuracy.
  • Evaluate and qualify new freight forwarders and logistics partners to optimize our transportation network for cost and service.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the trade compliance team with research on international trade regulations for new and existing markets.
  • Assist the finance department in auditing and approving freight invoices to ensure accurate billing from logistics vendors.
  • Provide training and guidance to junior staff and other departments on basic export processes and compliance requirements.
  • Participate in cross-functional projects related to supply chain optimization, new product launches, or ERP system enhancements.
  • Maintain and manage a comprehensive database of export compliance records, licenses, and classification information for auditing purposes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep understanding of U.S. Export Regulations, including EAR, ITAR, OFAC, and FTR.
  • Expertise in preparing and processing a full range of export documents (Commercial Invoices, SLIs, B/Ls, Certificates of Origin).
  • Proficiency in filing export declarations via the Automated Export System (AESDirect).
  • Strong knowledge of international commercial terms (Incoterms 2020) and their application.
  • Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) for order and logistics management.
  • Competency in using logistics and global trade management (GTM) software platforms.
  • Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in all work.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate complex logistical and compliance challenges.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration with global partners, customers, and internal teams.
  • Superior organizational and time-management abilities to handle multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Proactive and resourceful mindset with the ability to work independently and take ownership of tasks.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive relationships with vendors and stakeholders.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's degree in a relevant field combined with significant, direct experience in an export role.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.
  • Professional certifications such as Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO) or Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) are highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of direct, hands-on experience in an export operations or international logistics role.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a manufacturing, distribution, or freight forwarding environment is strongly preferred.
  • Proven track record of managing both compliance and operational aspects of international shipping.
  • Demonstrable experience classifying products and determining export license requirements.
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