International Operations Coordinator - Chicago, IL

International Operations Coordinator

The International Operations Coordinator is responsible for managing and growing customer accounts across international freight modes, including ocean freight, air freight, and international ground transportation. This role serves as the primary operational contact for international shipping customers, overseeing end-to-end freight forwarding processes, ensuring compliance with customs and trade regulations, and maintaining service excellence across global supply chains. The International Operations Coordinator is accountable for executing customer KPIs, maximizing profitability, and resolving operational exceptions in a fast-paced, complex environment. This individual must have a deep understanding of international freight markets, Incoterms, carrier relationships, and documentation requirements. They should be entrepreneurial, detail-oriented, solutions-focused, and a strong team collaborator.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day international freight operations including ocean FCL/LCL, air freight, and intermodal shipments for assigned customer accounts.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for international customers, building and maintaining strong, consultative relationships.
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, NVOCCs, airlines, steamship lines, and drayage providers to ensure timely booking, execution, and delivery of shipments.
• Oversee import and export documentation including bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and customs entry filings.
• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, customs requirements, and import/export laws across relevant trade lanes.
• Monitor and manage shipment milestones, proactively communicating exceptions, delays, or disruptions to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Understand and apply Incoterms to properly advise customers and structure shipment responsibilities.
• Quote and price international freight opportunities, accounting for all variable factors including routing, transit time, surcharges, and port conditions.
• Track and manage ocean and air freight rate schedules, spot rates, and carrier capacity to ensure competitive and profitable solutions.
• Manage accessorial charges, detention and demurrage, port fees, and other ancillary cost components.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and collaborate with team members and leadership to improve workflows and customer outcomes.
• Maintain accurate shipment data within the TMS and identify any technical discrepancies between internal systems and customer platforms.
• Monitor global market trends, carrier capacity changes, and geopolitical developments that may impact international supply chains.
• Support account growth by identifying additional shipping opportunities, presenting solutions, and contributing to customer business reviews.

Qualifications

• 35+ years of experience in international freight forwarding, international logistics, or global supply chain operations required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ocean freight (FCL/LCL), air freight, customs brokerage, and freight forwarding processes.
• Strong understanding of international trade compliance, Incoterms, and import/export documentation requirements.
• Experience working with steamship lines, NVOCCs, freight forwarders, and customs brokers.
• Confident problem solver with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
• Proven ability to perform in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with international partners and customers across time zones.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and TMS platforms; ability to quickly learn and operate new software systems.
• Resourceful, organized, self-motivated, and aligned with BlueGrace Group's core values.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Business, or a related field preferred.

Salary Range: This position offers a starting salary of $55,000$65,000 per year, with final compensation determined based on experience, skills, and qualifications.