Defense Logistics Operations Specialist

Shearer Companies•Elkridge, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Defense Logistics Operations Specialist is responsible for providing excellent customer service and helping make SEKO profitable. This role involves processing orders in a timely and efficient manner, performing daily order and shipping activities to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction, and solving and communicating issues as they occur. The specialist will build and maintain relationships with customers, SEKO Sales personnel, and freight forwarders in support of department goals and objectives. Key duties include executing and coordinating tasks on shipments to meet all customer SOP requirements, collaborating with international transportation carriers and agent representatives, preparing rates and quotes, coordinating import and export bookings, and preparing all necessary shipping documentation. The role also involves dispatching pick-ups, acting as a liaison with Customs Brokers and terminal operators, completing invoicing and billing, and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations. The specialist must communicate clearly and effectively with various parties, understand international shipping and defense logistics processes, and apply critical-thinking skills to adapt processes and create solutions. Maintaining operational excellence and promoting a positive working relationship for all team members are also essential.

Requirements

Ability to acquire TSA certification
Outstanding customer service skills; thorough with follow-up and follow-through
Excellent problem-solving skills; ability to work with minimal direct supervision
Strong attention to detail; excellent organizational skills
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to manage time effectively to ensure timely responses and completion of tasks/projects; ability to tolerate periods of stress and adhere to deadlines
Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
A minimum of three (3) years of experience in defense logistics and/or freight forwarding operations, or a combination of the two
A minimum of two (2) years of experience working with government or defense logistics clients
ITAR compliance and shipping experience
Strong command of the English language, both orally and in writing
Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively
Proficiency with Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel and Outlook

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with Cargowise

Responsibilities

Executes/coordinates tasks on shipments to meet all customer SOP requirements to include processing, pre-alerts, delivery of freight, governmental filings, etc.
Collaborates, develops and builds relationships with international transportation carriers and agent representatives regarding air, ocean, import and export products.
Timely preparation of rates and quotes for customers and overseas agents.
Coordinates the routing of import and export bookings with airline and ocean carriers.
Prepares all necessary shipping documentation related to international bookings and processes all import and export documentation to clearing agents to include HAWBs, MAWBs, AESs, manifests, shipping instructions, hazardous cargo declarations, bills of lading, certificates of origin, etc.
Dispatches pick-ups to authorized agents and drayage companies, shipping lines, airlines, trucking companies, clearing agents, warehouse and all other parties involved in the shipment.
Acts as a liaison with Customs Brokers and agents as well as ocean and air terminal operators.
Completes invoicing and billing processes.
Complies with all applicable regulations.
Communicates clearly, timely and effectively with customers, agents, outside vendors and internal personnel.
Understanding of the processes, documentation and terminology involved in international shipping and defense logistics.
Applies industry knowledge and critical-thinking skills to adapt processes / create solutions in response to challenges, both internally and externally.
Maintains operational excellence.
Promotes a positive working relationship for all team members.
Other special projects or duties as assigned by management.