Export Specialist

Export Specialist

This position will be responsible for end-to-end export process development and ongoing management, working with external freight and transportation providers, and providing outstanding customer service to our Customers and Quaker Houghton (QH) affiliates. This includes fast and accurate processing of orders, inquiries and return authorizations. The position will be accountable for export compliance with relevant regulations, duties, taxes and free trade agreements. This position will also be responsible for analyzing the QH export process and implementing cross-functional improvement projects to enhance the performance and efficiency of the process.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the export strategy, accountable for the end-to-end process and performance of export via ocean, truck and air to achieve target On-Time In-Full (OTIF) levels at lowest cost. Responsible for effective communication and collaboration between Customers, Sales, Procurement, Product Stewardship, Supply Chain and Manufacturing.
• Responsible for compliance with all export processes and regulations: Denied Parties, REACH, etc. Advise Procurement Team on import compliance.
• Review, process and follow up on orders and inquiries by telephone, fax, internet, EDI and correspondence from customers and Technical Sales Representatives. Responsible for timely customer communications including but not limited to pricing information, order confirmation and shipping status. Arrange booking of shipments with Freight Forwarder. Own, manage, maintain and update customer data and files. Maintain established performance metrics for order accuracy, volume of entries, phone volume and error rate.
• Responsible for data gathering and maintenance of free trade agreement certifications and classifications, focusing initially on NAFTA / USMCA.
• Partner with procurement to develop and deliver the strategy for external providers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and external compliance experts, to ensure compliance, target service levels, and cost.
• Responsible for analyzing performance and trends and then initiating and implementing cross-functional improvement activities to enhance performance and efficiency of the export process.

Education, Experience & Skills:

• College degree required
• 3-5 years of export and logistics experience or equivalent.
• Proficient in Excel, Word, Outlook, JD Edwards experience desired.
• Experience with free trade agreements and how they function desired.
• Professional verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to multi-task in a flexible environment with minimum supervision
• Attention to detail, accuracy and follow up skills
• Excellent interpersonal and influence skills
• Experience in developing and driving cross-functional process improvements
• Strong analytical skills
• Proficiency with ACE portal, capability to classify goods: ECCN and HTS
• Must be self-directed in performance of routine work, responds to internal and external customer requests in timely manner.

Job Description Summary The Export Specialist is responsible for managing and coordinating export orders for both intercompany affiliates and external customers worldwide. This role serves as the primary point of contact throughout the order-to-cash process, ensuring excellent customer service, compliance with international trade regulations, timely delivery, and effective coordination with Sales, Supply Chain, Logistics, Planning, Manufacturing, and Finance teams. The ideal candidate combines strong customer service skills, export documentation expertise, supply chain knowledge, and the ability to manage complex international transactions in a fast-paced chemical manufacturing environment.