Global Import Specialist

Primary Location: Memphis, TN
Work Schedule: Onsite, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Must be available for after-hours work as needed.

Essential Job Duties:

Shipment Tracking & Logistics Coordination:

• Oversee the day-to-day tracking and tracing of ocean container and airfreight imports using Excel reporting tools and 3PL provider tracking portals.

• Maintain real-time shipment visibility by regularly updating status reports and proactively identifying potential delays.

• Ensure timely clearance of shipments by coordinating with customs brokers and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Troubleshoot and resolve any logistics issues that arise in the supply chain.

Service Provider Performance Monitoring:

• Document and monitor freight forwarders, drayage providers, and intermodal carriers to ensure key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) are met.

• Conduct periodic performance reviews and reporting to assess service reliability and effectiveness.

• Work closely with 3PL providers to address service failures and implement corrective actions.

Delivery Coordination & Scheduling:

• Plan and schedule import container deliveries by coordinating with freight forwarders, drayage companies, 3PL providers, and distribution center teams.

• Optimize delivery schedules to minimize costs and improve efficiency, ensuring on-time deliveries to support business operations.

• Communicate shipment statuses and potential disruptions to internal stakeholders, including procurement, inventory management, and distribution teams.

Invoice Auditing & Cost Control:

• Audit freight forwarder, drayage, and 3PL invoices to verify charge accuracy and approve payments.

• Investigate billing discrepancies and resolve any freight overcharges or errors with vendors.

• Provide cost analysis reports to track shipping expenses and identify potential cost-saving opportunities.

Freight Claims Management:

• Support the freight claims process, including investigation, claim filing, and tracking progress until closure.

• Work with carriers and insurance providers to recover costs for lost or damaged shipments.

• Maintain detailed records of claims to track trends and improve future shipping strategies.

• Data Management & System Updates:

• Perform accurate data entry and ensure up-to-date records in ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and TMS (Transportation Management System) platforms.

• Identify and resolve system errors to prevent disruptions in supply chain operations.

• Maintain comprehensive import documentation for compliance and auditing purposes.

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Act as a liaison between logistics, purchasing, sourcing, finance, sales, and operations teams to ensure seamless import operations.

• Support the onboarding and management of 3PL service providers, ensuring alignment with company standards.

• Assist in developing and implementing import process improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance.

• Reporting & Analysis:

• Generate detailed Excel reports, utilizing formulas, pivot tables, charts, and graphs to provide data insights.

• Analyze import trends and logistics costs to support decision-making and strategic planning.

• Assist with special projects, such as supply chain optimization initiatives.

Education and Experience Requirement:

• A High School diploma is required. Advanced collegiate coursework preferred.
• MS Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint – Intermediate knowledge level at minimum.
• Knowledgeable in AS/400 and other ERP / TMS software.
• 3 year’s customer service experience, preferably in a distribution or freight forwarder environment.

Skills and Attributes:

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to address logistics challenges effectively.

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to analyze large sets of data.

• Effective communication and negotiation skills for working with vendors and internal teams.

• High degree of organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is in an office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate noise level. Lifting up to twenty pounds may be required.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work involves sitting continuously, talking, hearing, and using a computer mouse and keypad throughout the day. Typing required. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision of a computer screen and the ability to adjust focus.