Air and Ocean Export Specialist (Chicago)

Air Import & Export Specialist

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Air Import & Export Specialist to join an established freight forwarder in Chicago. This is a hands-on operational role for someone who understands the full Air Import & Export process from A–Z and can confidently manage shipments from initial booking or pre-alert through to final delivery or departure and file closure.

This is a busy role, managing 25+ import and export files per week , so the right person will need to be organised, detail-focused and able to work at pace without compromising service or accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Air Import & Export shipments from A–Z
• Take full ownership of shipments from booking/pre-alert through to final delivery, departure and file closure
• Coordinate bookings with airlines, overseas agents, customers and other service providers
• Prepare and process import and export documentation, including air waybills, commercial invoices, packing lists and shipping instructions
• Coordinate air freight bookings, collections, deliveries and flight schedules
• Monitor flight schedules, arrivals, departures and shipment milestones
• Coordinate customs clearance and ensure all required documentation is in place
• Coordinate with trucking companies, warehouses, carriers and overseas offices
• Provide proactive shipment updates to customers
• Track shipments and ensure milestones are updated accurately
• Manage a high-volume workload of 25+ import and export files per week
• Ensure timely and accurate billing and file closure
• Proactively identify and resolve exceptions, delays, documentation discrepancies and other operational challenges
• Build strong relationships with customers, airlines, overseas agents and service providers
• Ensure customers receive a consistently high level of service throughout the shipment lifecycle

What We're Looking For

• Experience in Air Import & Export/Freight Forwarding operations
• Proven ability to manage the full A–Z air import and export process independently
• Experience managing a high-volume shipment portfolio
• Strong knowledge of air freight documentation, customs clearance and delivery procedures
• Experience working with airlines, overseas agents, customs brokers and trucking providers
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Proactive, self-motivated and ownership-driven approach to work
• Confident problem-solver with a positive, solutions-focused attitude
• Someone who takes responsibility for their shipments and follows tasks through to completion
• Strong customer service skills
• CargoWise experience is highly desirable
• Comfortable working independently while contributing positively to a wider team

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Opportunity to join an established and growing logistics operation
• Collaborative and professional working environment
• Career development opportunities
• Exposure to international air freight operations
• A role where your experience, initiative and operational expertise will have a direct impact

If you're an experienced Air Freight professional who knows how to manage shipments from A–Z, takes ownership of their work, and is the type of person who naturally stays one step ahead, we'd love to hear from you.