Import Specialist Job Overview We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Import Specialist to join our team. The Import Specialist will be responsible for managing the end-to-end import process, from coordinating production with overseas suppliers and freight forwarders to ensuring accurate documentation, customs compliance, shipment tracking, and final delivery to our distribution centers or customers. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with international logistics, ocean freight, customs documentation, and working with freight forwarders, customs brokers, suppliers, and customers. This role requires strong follow-up skills, attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. The Import Specialist will be responsible for managing the end-to-end import process, while also coordinating closely with overseas factories to monitor production, ensure cargo readiness, and maintain alignment between production schedules, shipment requirements, and customer delivery commitments. Key Responsibilities Production & Factory Coordination Coordinate closely with overseas factories to monitor production schedules, production status, and cargo-ready dates. Follow up regularly with factories to ensure production remains aligned with customer requirements and agreed shipment timelines. Monitor production progress from purchase order confirmation through completion and cargo readiness. Obtain and maintain updated production completion and cargo-ready dates from factories. Identify potential production delays early and communicate risks to management and internal teams. Coordinate with factories to resolve production, packaging, labeling, documentation, and other issues that may impact shipment schedules. Ensure factories receive and follow all required shipping, routing, labeling, packaging, and documentation instructions. Coordinate with factories and freight forwarders to ensure cargo is ready according to the confirmed vessel booking and shipping schedule. Follow up on outstanding production quantities, shortages, and pending orders to ensure timely fulfillment. Maintain accurate production and shipment status reports and provide regular updates to the Supply Chain team. Work closely with the Supply Chain, Logistics, Sales, and Operations teams to align production, inventory, and customer delivery requirements. Import & International Logistics Coordinate and manage the complete import process, including shipment planning, documentation, ocean freight, customs clearance, and final delivery. Coordinate shipments with overseas suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and customers' logistics teams. Arrange ocean freight bookings and monitor shipments from origin through final delivery. Coordinate the movement of imported merchandise to company distribution warehouses or directly to customers' distribution centers. Monitor vessel schedules, ETDs, ETAs, port arrivals, and delivery appointments to ensure shipments remain on schedule. Proactively identify potential delays and coordinate solutions with suppliers, carriers, forwarders, and internal teams. Maintain accurate and up-to-date shipment records and provide timely status updates to management and customers. Import Documentation & Customs Compliance Prepare, review, and maintain all documentation required for international imports, including: Commercial Invoices Packing Lists Bills of Lading Arrival Notices ISF documentation Certificates of Origin Other customs and import-related documentation as required Coordinate customs clearance activities with the company's customs broker. Ensure all import documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted within required timelines. Ensure compliance with applicable U.S. Customs regulations and import requirements. Monitor changes in import regulations, customs requirements, and industry practices and communicate relevant updates internally. Freight & Cost Management Request and evaluate ocean freight rates from carriers and freight forwarders as needed. Assist with freight negotiations and evaluate available transportation options based on cost, service, and transit time. Monitor freight, customs, and logistics costs and maintain accurate records. Assist with managing import budgets and identifying opportunities to improve transportation costs and efficiency. Review freight invoices and supporting documentation for accuracy when required. Supplier & Customer Communication Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with overseas suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and customers. Serve as a key liaison between internal departments, customers, suppliers, and external logistics providers. Communicate shipment schedules, routing instructions, documentation requirements, and logistics protocols clearly and professionally. Follow up consistently with all parties to ensure deadlines and customer requirements are met. Provide customers with timely and accurate shipment updates and proactively communicate any potential issues. Maintain a high level of customer service and work toward achieving 100% customer satisfaction . Cross-Functional Support Collaborate closely with Sales, Logistics, Operations, Accounting/AP, Supply Chain, and other internal departments. Provide shipment information and documentation required for invoicing, receiving, inventory planning, and customer fulfillment. Support internal reporting and maintain accurate shipment and import data. Assist with other supply chain and logistics projects as needed.

Pay:

$65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Central Islip, NY 11722