Import/Export Logistics Specialist

Louis Dreyfus Company•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

This position is responsible for executing and coordinating import and export shipments of food and feed ingredients for international and domestic shipments. It also coordinates warehouse activities, including receiving, storing and dispatching goods to ensure timely customer deliveries. The specialist develops relationships with carriers to maintain or improve LDC’s competitive position, ensures compliance with global trade regulations, optimizes supply chain efficiency and maintains accurate inventory control. The role coordinates shipment documentation, customs clearance, freight forwarding, shipment tracking and issue resolution. It works with customers, carriers, sales, quality, operations and logistics teams to coordinate deliveries, manage freight information, communicate risks and improve processes. The position operates with little supervision and has no supervisory responsibilities. Domestic travel to visit customers is required, up to 20% at times. Occasional call-ins or extended hours of 50–60 hours per week may be needed for time-sensitive projects or emergencies, and some weekend work is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, finance or economics, or, in lieu of a degree, at least 4 years of experience in import/export logistics, supply chain management or customs clearance of food-grade products.
Strong knowledge of international shipping regulations and documentation, including a firm understanding of Incoterms.
Ability to communicate and minimize risks associated with international shipments.
Knowledge of U.S. and foreign regulations for international shipments of food products.
Knowledge of grain industry practices, terminology and settlement processes.
Strong practical accounting, analytical and organizational skills.
Proficiency with Excel and Microsoft Office products.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently, set and meet deadlines, and prioritize multiple tasks.

Nice To Haves

Freight forwarding experience.
Warehouse inventory and freight experience with liquid food-grade products.
Experience with CBP, CARM and ACE.

Responsibilities

Maintain competitive transportation rates to quote customer business and manage shipments.
Develop competence in LDC product markets, product qualities and transportation needs.
Communicate professionally with customers to coordinate timely deliveries.
Contribute to inventory management of LDC products across warehouses, tanks, rail cars and containers.
Understand quality requirements and communicate customer issues to LDC quality and operations teams.
Coordinate international shipments, including documentation, customs clearance and freight forwarding.
Track shipments to ensure on-time delivery and resolve delays or discrepancies.
Prepare and maintain shipping documents, including bills of lading, commercial invoices and packing lists.
Assist with other duties assigned by the Head of Logistics.
Communicate useful information to the sales team regarding pricing, freight risk and customer performance concerns.
Assist with carrier setup and maintain carrier documents and certificates.
Use multiple systems to maintain carrier and freight information and coordinate inbound and outbound logistics for multiple products.
Cross-train with the logistics team and assist other team members when needed.
Contribute to group discussions to improve processes and elevate the business.
Coordinate sale deliveries with little supervision, promptly communicate concerns or risks, and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.