Import Specialist

Import Specialist (Ocean Import Customs Entries) Elk Grove Village, IL | Onsite | Full-Time | Employee-Owned

About the Company Join an employee-owned international import-export company with long-standing customer relationships and a team that takes pride in getting freight cleared and delivered right. As an employee-owner, you share directly in the company's long-term success.

The Role As an Import Specialist, you are the main point person for ocean import shipments, from the moment a file comes in through Customs clearance and final delivery. You'll manage each file from A to Z (everything except billing), keeping customers, Customs and other government agencies, carriers, and truckers aligned so shipments are cleared correctly and on time.

This is a customer-facing role, not just data entry. Many of our customers have been with them for years, and strong communication is a big part of what makes you successful here.

What You'll Do

• Manage ocean import customs entries from initial document review through Customs clearance, release, and final delivery
• Review commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, arrival notices, and other import documents for accuracy and completeness
• Prepare and submit customs entries that are accurate and meet CBP requirements
• Research and assign HTS classifications/product codes as needed
• Handle Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements, including entries involving FDA, CPSC, EPA, and others
• Monitor Customs, FDA, and PGA releases; identify holds or issues and resolve entry and census errors
• Notify customers of Customs exams, holds, documentation issues, or shipment delays
• Track containers before entry, through Customs clearance, and through final delivery
• Prepare and send delivery orders to trucking companies once shipments are cleared
• Communicate with customers, truckers, carriers, and other parties to keep shipments moving and provide status updates
• Maintain a high level of accuracy in a high-volume workload of roughly 250-500 entries/files per month during busy periods

What You Bring

• Ideally 3+ years of hands-on customs entry writing experience (more is preferred)
• Experience with customs brokerage/entry platforms and electronic customs filing (required)
• Descartes OneView experience (preferred; it will make your transition easier). CargoSmart is also used internally
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to stay organized in a fast-paced, repetitive, high-volume environment
• Excellent communication and customer service skills

Schedule

• Onsite, Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
• Friday 8:00 AM-3:00 PM

Compensation & Benefits

• $65,000-$75,000 base salary, plus a performance-based bonus
• Employee stock through our employee-ownership program, with strong long-term upside
• 100% paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for the employee
• Paid time off and paid holidays

****************LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY *********** Please Note: This position is open to candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship. We are not able to consider C2C arrangements or third-party submissions.