Import Specialist

JAS Worldwide•Houston, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Import Specialist processes and handles air and ocean import shipments for customers, ensuring high-quality service that meets or exceeds customer requirements. The role ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations and JAS Forwarding operating procedures. At some locations, the position may also handle customs house broker transactions and other government agency requirements. The role includes preparing and processing shipment documents, tracking bookings and shipments, communicating shipment status, coordinating deliveries, collecting proof of delivery, and costing and invoicing files. The Import Specialist provides customer service, supports quoting and job-cost forecasting, resolves payable discrepancies, monitors customer performance, and promotes compliance. The position has no supervisory responsibilities and may include other duties as business needs change. Work is performed entirely in a climate-controlled internal office under normal office conditions. The employee regularly sits, stands, walks, uses hands and fingers to handle or feel, reaches, talks, and hears. The employee frequently stoops, kneels, and crouches, and may lift or exert force up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience handling air and/or ocean imports, or a combination of education and expertise.
Experience handling the full life cycle of air and/or ocean imports, or a combination of education and expertise.
High school diploma is preferred; GED is required.
Knowledge of U.S. customs laws, practices, and procedures.
Good working knowledge of Incoterms.
Excellent organizational and communication skills.
Flexibility.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Detail-oriented, able to multitask, and able to meet deadlines.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Experience and knowledge regarding imports, compliance, rules, and regulations.
Experience working in CargoWise (C1).
Knowledge of Importer Security Filing (ISF).
High school diploma.

Responsibilities

Prepare, review, and process shipment documents, ensuring files are accurate, complete, and in the proper sequence.
Receive and track customer bookings and shipments; update customers about shipment status and delays; dispatch shipments for delivery; collect proof of delivery; and cost and invoice files.
Comply with company business process guidelines, laws, regulations, and company procedures.
Bill or invoice each file to the appropriate customer, observing payment terms for the responsible party.
Resolve and reconcile incorrect payables in coordination with vendors and overseas offices.
Assist sales staff, department managers, and colleagues with compiling quotes.
Provide accurate job-cost forecasts and properly manage payables, receivables, and accruals under company rules and guidelines.
Provide responsive customer service and timely correspondence to customers.
Dispatch freight for delivery and maintain communication with truckers throughout delivery.
Recognize changes in customer shipping trends and report them to management.
Cross-train and provide backup for team members when necessary.
Report on customer performance and identify changes in support needs.
Promote compliance across the department or section.
Work through problems and identify issues that should be communicated or escalated to management.
Perform other duties as requested and additional or different responsibilities as business needs require.
Follow company HR, business conduct, department, confidentiality, punctuality, and safety policies.