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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Import Specialist

💰 $60,000 - $90,000

Supply ChainLogisticsOperationsTrade Compliance

🎯 Role Definition

The Import Specialist is the operational cornerstone of our global supply chain, orchestrating the complex journey of goods from international suppliers to our domestic facilities. This role serves as the critical link between suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and internal teams like procurement and warehousing. You will be responsible for navigating the intricate landscape of international trade regulations, ensuring every shipment is fully compliant, accurately documented, and efficiently moved. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is dedicated to maintaining the integrity and efficiency of our inbound logistics network.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Import/Export Coordinator
  • Logistics Assistant
  • Customs Entry Writer

Advancement To:

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

Lateral Moves:

  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Procurement Specialist
  • Logistics Planner

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage the entire import shipment lifecycle, from purchase order issuance to final delivery, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
  • Prepare, review, and maintain all necessary import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading (ocean and air), and certificates of origin.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for customs brokers, providing them with complete and accurate documentation and instructions for customs clearance.
  • Determine and verify correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications for all imported products to ensure proper duty assessment.
  • Proactively track and trace all inbound international shipments, providing regular status updates to internal stakeholders and identifying potential delays.
  • Ensure full compliance with all U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and requirements from other Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) like FDA, USDA, and FCC.
  • File or oversee the timely and accurate filing of Importer Security Filings (ISF 10+2) for all ocean freight shipments.
  • Audit customs entry summaries and associated documents for accuracy, and manage the post-entry amendment process when necessary.
  • Calculate, process, and audit payments for duties, taxes, freight, and other import-related fees, ensuring accurate cost allocation.
  • Resolve and troubleshoot logistical issues, such as customs holds, port congestion, carrier delays, and documentation discrepancies.
  • Negotiate and manage relationships with freight forwarders, carriers, and customs brokers to optimize service levels and control costs.
  • Maintain a comprehensive and organized record-keeping system for all import transactions in accordance with government regulations and internal policies.
  • Collaborate closely with the procurement team to align shipping schedules with production needs and inventory targets.
  • Analyze and optimize transportation routes and logistics strategies to reduce lead times and minimize overall landed costs.
  • Coordinate the final-mile delivery from the port or airport to the designated warehouse or distribution center.
  • Manage claims with carriers or insurance companies for any goods lost or damaged during transit.
  • Stay current on evolving international trade laws, tariffs, and customs regulations, and communicate potential impacts to the business.
  • Onboard new international vendors by providing them with clear shipping and documentation requirements.
  • Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the import process to ensure consistency and compliance.
  • Prepare and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to import activities, such as carrier performance, transit times, and cost per unit.

Secondary Functions

  • Generate and analyze landed cost reports to support the finance and procurement teams in pricing and budgeting decisions.
  • Assist the Trade Compliance Manager with internal audits and risk assessments of import operations.
  • Collaborate with the warehousing team to plan for incoming container arrivals and resolve any receiving discrepancies.
  • Participate in cross-functional projects aimed at improving overall supply chain efficiency and visibility.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • HTS Classification: Proficiency in classifying goods using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
  • Customs Regulations: Deep understanding of U.S. Customs regulations (19 CFR), Incoterms, and trade compliance principles.
  • Logistics Documentation: Expertise in handling bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, and other international shipping documents.
  • ERP/TMS Systems: Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and Transportation Management Systems.
  • Microsoft Excel: Advanced proficiency in Excel for data analysis, tracking, and reporting (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables).
  • ISF Filing: Knowledge and experience with Importer Security Filing (10+2) requirements.
  • Freight Forwarding Operations: Strong knowledge of air and ocean freight forwarding processes and best practices.
  • Customs Broker Management: Experience in effectively communicating and managing relationships with customs brokers.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to analyze logistics data to identify trends, issues, and opportunities for cost savings.
  • PGA Compliance: Familiarity with the requirements of Partner Government Agencies (e.g., FDA, USDA, FCC).

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in handling complex documentation and data to prevent costly errors.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying and resolving logistical and compliance challenges as they arise.
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for liaising with global partners and internal teams.
  • Time Management & Organization: Ability to prioritize multiple shipments and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Negotiation: Skillful in negotiating rates and terms with logistics service providers.
  • Adaptability: Flexible and able to respond effectively to changes in regulations, schedules, and priorities.
  • Analytical Thinking: Strong ability to assess situations, analyze options, and make logical decisions.
  • Collaboration: A team player who works effectively with cross-functional departments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree or equivalent relevant work experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct experience in an import, customs, or international logistics role.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience working for an importer, customs brokerage firm, or freight forwarder is highly desirable.
  • A Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) certification or Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) designation is a significant advantage.
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