Ocean Import Coordinator

Li & Fung•Bensenville, IL

21h

About The Position

The Ocean Import Coordinator is responsible for managing ocean import shipments from initial customer inquiry and quotation through final delivery, billing, and invoicing. This role serves as a key point of contact for customers and internal partners, ensuring accurate documentation, timely shipment execution, and a high level of customer service throughout the import process. The Ocean Import Coordinator is responsible for the end-to-end coordination of import shipments, with approximately 95% focused on ocean imports (FCL & LCL) and 5% on air imports. The role will also support key account management, pricing, carrier coordination, and customer relationship management, with a primary focus on China trade lanes.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of freight forwarding and/or import operations experience.
Strong hands-on experience managing ocean imports, including FCL and LCL shipments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Outlook.
Strong customer service and key account management skills with the ability to communicate effectively with customers, carriers, overseas agents, and internal teams.
Experience negotiating rates with shipping lines, developing pricing, and preparing customer quotations.
Strong organizational, time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with air imports is a plus.
Experience supporting China trade lanes preferred.
CargoWise experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage import shipments from A-Z, from initial customer inquiries and quotations through shipment tracking, delivery, billing, and final invoicing.
Coordinate ocean import shipments, including FCL and LCL cargo, and air import shipments as required.
Enter and maintain accurate shipment information and documentation in CargoWise and other applicable systems.
Create and process required import documentation, including arrival notices, delivery orders, invoices, and file settlement documentation.
Communicate with overseas agents, carriers, customs brokers, truckers, warehouses, and other service providers to coordinate shipment movement and resolve issues.
Monitor shipment milestones, verify arrival and cargo availability, and proactively identify and resolve delays or exceptions.
Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned customers, providing timely shipment updates and responding to operational questions and requests.
Manage key account requirements in accordance with customer Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and service expectations.
Provide shipment tracking reports and proactive communication regarding shipment status, exceptions, and delivery timelines.
Partner with internal teams to resolve customer issues and maintain a high level of client satisfaction.
Negotiate ocean freight rates and related charges with shipping lines and other service providers.
Prepare and provide customer quotations based on routing, service requirements, and current market pricing.
Coordinate with carriers and vendors to confirm bookings, inbound arrival information, shipment availability, and delivery requirements.
Maintain awareness of market conditions and available service options to support competitive pricing and reliable execution.
Responsible for customer billing and final invoicing for assigned shipments and accounts.
Review shipment files and vendor charges for accuracy and completeness prior to file settlement.
Coordinate with Accounting on accounts payable items, invoice questions, and other shipment-related financial matters.
Ensure files are completed and closed accurately and in a timely manner.