Export Specialist

Dairy Farmers of America•Kansas City, KS

About The Position

Administer the movement of export orders across international borders in accordance with organizational policies and in compliance with relevant local, country, and international customs laws and processes. Function as a primary interface with internal and external customers from an export execution standpoint. Manage customer accounts in assigned destination countries in relation to export order management activities, general requests, problem solving, and communication while maintaining DFA's high standards of compliance and customer service. Ensure that good customer relations are maintained, and customer claims and complaints are resolved fairly, effectively, and in accordance with consumer laws. Analyze each situation as needed and take appropriate action to meet customer needs. Determine the best method to resolve problems to ensure customer satisfaction and adherence to the organization's policies. Prepare, review, and maintain files for export documents required for the lawful completion of export activities. Serve as a resource and export liaison for customers (domestic and international) and internal business groups, such as sales, distribution, credit, accounting, manufacturing, and compliance; educate on appropriate export practices.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in International Business, Logistics, or related field
3 years of international trade/Business or compliance experience or 1 year of DFA export experience coupled with advancing analytical skills, customer service focus, and international trade/compliance knowledge
Experience in dairy or food industry
Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
Knowledge of import and export regulations
Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, for a diverse range of internal and external audiences to ensure customers' needs and requirements are met
Skill in analytical thinking and problem solving
Skill in critical thinking
Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
Able to respond courteously and efficiently to inquiries, complaints, and requests
Able to project a professional image
Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
Able to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
Able to make independent decisions
Must be able to read, write and speak English

Responsibilities

Manage customer accounts in assigned destination countries in relation to export order management activities, general requests, problem solving, and communication while maintaining DFA's high standards of compliance and customer service
Directly interact with appropriate individuals at the customer sites to manage the relationship with the customer
Resolve critical customer support issues and order follow-ups with network of agents and partners and/or internal management
Review circumstances, prioritize workloads, and adjust shipments and delivery timelines to meet customer requests and timelines. Work with Customs brokers and freight forwarders to resolve export operational issues
Work with QAC to make sure that complaints are properly facilitated through the complaint process flow
Manage the export documentation process to ensure appropriate required documentation is filed correctly, timely, and compliant according to destination
Coordinate efforts with different DFA operational areas and government agencies to obtain and execute all export documentation such as Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Analysis (COA), Bill of Lading (BOL), Aphis (Health Certificate), Automated Manifest System (AMS) [Sanitary Certificate], Certificate of Free Sale, Certificate of Conformance, Affidavits, Certificates of Origin, and Other Government Agency (OGA) certifications
Determine appropriate documentation according to Letter of Credit requirements, create these documents, and, when applicable, submit for shipments
Work with and file for documentation with several USG (United State Government) entities
Develop and obtain approvals for document revisions and amendments as required
Ensure required documentation is in accordance with U.S. and international regulations
File Electronic Export Information when required, supply required data elements to forwarder if shipments are routed transactions, and audit for accuracy
Assist with implementation and management of effective export compliance programs according to U.S. and international laws and regulations
Review Customer Sales Agreements and work with other departments to comply with the agreement
Collaborate with Sales during contract signing and after sales execution to facilitate Export OTC through its circle; collaborate with Credit during account set up and with Accounting during month end billing; collaborate with the international trade compliance manager to make proper documentation
Work with plant operations to help facilitate prompt GI of loads after allocation has been done
Work with SAP/IT and master data teams in order to properly set up and enter documents in our system of record
Work with the internal freight forwarding team and the domestic logistics groups to coordinate freight/load pickup and delivery of products
Assist in developing and maintaining policies, procedures, and instruction manuals to assure compliance with export laws and regulations as well as administrative practices
Utilize tools, including the CSR Dashboard, incomplete order report, orders with shipping past due report, and orders shipped not invoiced report, and communicate needed order revisions to department management
Maintain customer master files to serve as a guide when managing export orders
Audit Letter of Credit applications and give recommendations to DFA Credit Manager, if amendments are needed. Highlight risks to DFA based on requested customer payment terms
Qualify products for applicable Free Trade Agreements
Retain export records in accordance with government regulations