Operations Specialist – International Logistics & Imports, Consumer Goods

German American Chambers of Commerce • Oak Park, IL

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About The Position

An established international food and consumer goods company is seeking an Operations Specialist to join its growing U.S. team in Oak Park, Illinois. The position focuses on coordinating the international movement of products from European operations into the United States, ensuring shipments are coordinated efficiently, documentation is accurate, and inventory reaches U.S. distribution partners on schedule.

The role involves hands-on logistics coordination and ownership of day-to-day operational challenges in a smaller, collaborative team. The specialist will work with overseas teams, freight forwarders, customs brokers, transportation providers, warehouses, distribution partners, and internal colleagues to support inbound shipments and smooth supply chain operations. The opportunity also includes identifying improvements to workflows, documentation, and operational efficiency.

Requirements

• 2–4+ years of experience in international logistics, import coordination, supply chain operations, or a related field.
• Practical experience coordinating international shipments and working with freight forwarders, customs brokers, or logistics providers.
• Understanding of import documentation, customs processes, and inbound freight coordination.
• Experience working with purchase orders, suppliers, warehouses, or inventory systems.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple shipments, deadlines, and priorities.
• Ability to work independently and communicate with international stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with ERP or inventory management systems.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with imported food, beverages, consumer packaged goods, or other physical products.
• Experience working for an importer, distributor, manufacturer, or international company's U.S. subsidiary.
• Familiarity with ocean freight, container shipments, and U.S. customs procedures.
• Experience coordinating with overseas headquarters or suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate international inbound shipments from European headquarters and suppliers to U.S. warehouses and distribution partners.
• Communicate with overseas teams regarding purchase orders, shipment schedules, product availability, and delivery timelines.
• Work with freight forwarders, customs brokers, transportation providers, and third-party logistics (3PL) partners.
• Coordinate import documentation and support timely customs clearance.
• Monitor shipments from origin through arrival at U.S. warehouses, proactively addressing delays and discrepancies.
• Coordinate inbound warehouse deliveries, inventory receipts, and resolution of shipment or inventory discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate purchase order, shipment, and inventory records in internal systems.
• Collaborate with Finance, Sales, and other operations colleagues to ensure product availability and smooth supply chain processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, documentation, and operational efficiency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed