Import Operations Specialist

Stratasys•Plymouth, MN

45d•$78,240 - $95,402

About The Position

The Import & Logistics Specialist supports U.S. import operations by coordinating international shipments, customs clearance activities, trade documentation, and transportation providers. This role is responsible for ensuring efficient movement of goods into the United States, maintaining compliance with applicable customs and trade requirements, supporting audits and investigations, and optimizing transportation costs and service performance. The position partners closely with logistics providers, customs brokers, carriers, finance, customer service, and compliance teams to ensure smooth, compliant, and cost-effective import operations.

Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Business, Business Administration, or related field
Minimum 5 years of experience in international transportation, freight forwarding, import operations, customs brokerage, or global logistics
Demonstrated experience managing U.S. import shipments and coordinating customs clearance activities
Strong knowledge of international shipping documentation, Incoterms, customs processes, freight terms, and transportation operations
Experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and government agencies
Working knowledge of U.S. Customs requirements, HTS classification concepts, valuation principles, country of origin requirements, and trade preference programs
Experience supporting import audits, customs reviews, compliance investigations, or regulatory inquiries
Understanding of transportation pricing structures, freight billing, landed cost elements, and market conditions
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Proficient PC skills, including Excel and ERP systems
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment
Ability to work effectively across multiple functions and external partners
Must be ITAR authorized

Nice To Haves

Experience with ACE System and customs reporting tools
Experience with FDA, USDA, TSCA, or other U.S. regulatory agencies
Experience with TMS, ERP, or global trade management systems
Customs broker, freight forwarding, or logistics provider background
Experience with Free Trade Agreements (USMCA and others)
Experience in a manufacturing or high-tech environment
Knowledge of Duty Drawback and post-entry activities
Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities
Customs compliance certification (CUSECO, CCS, CES or equivalent)

Responsibilities

Coordinate inbound international shipments to the United States from origin through final delivery
Prepare, review, and maintain shipping and trade documentation (commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, freight documents, preference documentation, etc.)
Work closely with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of import shipments
Monitor shipment status and proactively resolve delays, customs holds, documentation discrepancies, and transportation issues
Support customs clearance activities and ensure timely submission of required information to customs brokers and regulatory agencies
Review customs entries, duty calculations, tariff classifications, and clearance documentation for accuracy
Support compliance with U.S. Customs, CBP, FDA, USDA, and other applicable import regulations
Support utilization of applicable Free Trade Agreements (FTA), trade preference programs, and duty-saving opportunities
Analyze transportation costs, freight invoices, market conditions, and service performance to identify cost-saving opportunities
Establish, monitor, and report key logistics and import performance metrics including transit times, transportation spend, duties, and customs clearance performance
Identify trends, delays, compliance risks, and service issues, and recommend corrective actions
Act as a primary liaison between internal teams and external partners including carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, 3PL providers, billing service providers, and government agencies
Provide hands-on problem solving and daily operational support involving carriers, logistics providers, customs brokers, and regulatory agencies
Assist with import audits, customs inquiries, internal investigations, and regulatory reviews
Maintain accurate import and export records in accordance with company and regulatory retention requirements
Provide regular reporting and operational insights to management
Support continuous improvement initiatives and maintain logistics and import operating procedures (SOPs)
Coordinate export shipments on an as-needed basis, ensuring compliance with shipping, documentation, and regulatory requirements
Assist in preparation of Hazardous Goods Shipments
File claims and cases for lost or damaged shipments
Work with order management and supply chain teams to ensure orders flow correctly through logistics and customs processes