International Documentation Coordinator

Smithfield Foods • Suffolk, VA

3d

About The Position

The International Documentation Coordinator serves as the cornerstone of global trade operations, managing the complex documentation required for international shipping and regulatory compliance. This role is far more than paperwork; it is about ensuring precision and efficiency in every step of the export process. You will act as a vital link between logistics teams, government agencies, and international clients, you ensure goods move seamlessly across borders while mitigating legal and financial risks. In this you will navigate global trade regulations, harmonize documentation standards, and maintain flawless accuracy under tight deadlines while upholding the company’s commitment to compliance and operational excellence.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) and 2+ years of relevant experience in international shipping, export documentation, or global logistics within a manufacturing or food industry environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and ERP systems
• Knowledge of Incoterms, Harmonized Tariff Codes, and international trade agreements; with attention to detail in complex documentation and understanding of food safety and quality standards for global shipments.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in global trade or export documentation will be considered.
• Experience with SAP or similar platforms is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage Export Documentation: Prepare, review, and validate all required export documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, bills of lading, and other regulatory paperwork to meet country-specific requirements.
• Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Monitor and interpret international trade laws, food safety standards, and customs regulations to guarantee that all shipments comply with applicable rules and certifications.
• Coordinate with Internal and External Stakeholders: Act as a liaison between production, logistics, quality assurance, freight forwarders, and customs brokers to ensure smooth documentation flow and timely delivery of goods.
• Maintain Accurate Records: Develop and maintain a comprehensive filing system for all international shipping documentation, ensuring audit readiness and traceability.
• Resolve Documentation Issues: Investigate and resolve discrepancies in export paperwork, proactively identifying risks and implementing corrective actions to prevent delays.
• Support Continuous Improvement: Collaborate with cross functional teams to streamline documentation processes, implement best practices, and leverage technology for efficiency.
• Monitor Shipment Status: Track and report on international shipments, providing timely updates to internal teams and customers regarding documentation and compliance status.
• Stay Current on Global Trade Requirements: Research and stay informed about changes in international trade agreements, tariffs, and documentation standards to keep the company compliant and competitive.

Benefits

• Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.
• Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost. These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.
• We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential.
• Our partnership with GUILD supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning and various certificate programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high-potential talent.
• For those looking to build specialized skills, we offer apprenticeship programs that combine hands-on experience with focused learning.
• We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.
• Smithfield’s Education Reimbursement Program provides financial reimbursement to team members who want to further their formal education by obtaining a GED/High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma or by pursuing an academic degree at an accredited college or university that is not a Guild learning partner.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees