Description:
This role is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end import process, ensuring timely tracking of materials and documentation from origin through to release for delivery. The position provides support across North American operations (United States and Canada), serving various business units, customer bases, Global Strategic Sourcing, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers.
Key responsibilities include fostering effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders such as customers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies - including the Federal Maritime Commission, U.S. Customs, and the FDA. The role also manages transportation logistics from port to warehouse, aligns priorities among Supply Chain, trucking partners, and plant operations, and oversees the creation of inbound delivery documentation.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and submit U.S. customs entries for air, ocean, and cross-border shipments; verify documentation, duties, taxes, and ensure timely clearance.
- Coordinate transportation from port to warehouse, manage inbound deliveries, and align priorities with supply chain teams, carriers, plants, and external warehouses.
- Manage import processes for new products, including Dangerous Goods compliance, classification support, documentation, and compliance audits.
- Support international transportation activities, including carrier selection, contract performance reviews, and cost control.
- Reconcile ACH payments with Accounts Payable and manage claims and export processes for returns.
Additional Responsibilities
- Provide cross-regional support and input to global teams.
- Coordinate Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) activities.
- Manage and control per diem charges.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Transportation, International Business, or related field preferred.
- Fluent English language knowledge.
- Experience in U.S. Import Operations and progressive experience in import/logistics roles.
- Customs brokerage / Entry Writer experience highly desirable and may substitute for import operations experience.
- Strong knowledge of U.S. Customs, FDA, and USDA import regulations.
- Solid understanding of imported raw materials and finished goods.
- Advanced knowledge of Dangerous Goods compliance, international transportation, and new product import processes.
- Experience with duty/tax assessment and ACH payments to U.S. Customs.
- Proven experience in ocean carrier service and contract management.
- SAP and project management experience preferred.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence without direct authority.
- Experience working with customs brokers, government agencies, carriers, vendors, and internal stakeholders across Supply Chain, Quality, Plants, Warehouses, and Finance.
- Demonstrated negotiation and problem-solving skills in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
