Import Export Specialist

Import/Export Specialist

The Import Export Specialist is responsible for coordinating and managing all aspects of international shipments for equipment and related parts. This role ensures compliance with import/export regulations, accurate documentation, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery to customers, field teams, and internal stakeholders.

Essential Duties

• Coordinate international shipments of equipment, parts, and materials via air, ocean, and ground transport.
• Prepare and review all required shipping documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable import/export regulations (e.g., U.S. Customs, International Traffic in Arms Regulations, Export Administration Regulation, and international trade laws).
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings to classify products and systems using Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes and determine duties/taxes.
• Work directly with suppliers to ensure they utilize the proper HTS codes and provide accurate commercial invoices.
• Collaborate with Sales team members to provide tariff estimates and potential logistics costs that would impact equipment pricing.
• Work directly with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and carriers to schedule shipments and resolve issues.
• Track shipments and proactively communicate status updates to internal teams and customers.
• Resolve customs delays, discrepancies, and documentation issues quickly and effectively.
• Monitor and optimize freight costs, duty spend, and routing strategies.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and compliance documentation for audits.
• Support project teams with international logistics planning for equipment installations or large shipments.
• Collaborate with purchasing, operations, finance, and field service teams on shipping requirements.
• Stay current on changes to international shipping regulations and trade compliance requirements.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Commitment to safety, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics 365) and Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook).
• The ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without direct supervision.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, bills of material, and equipment specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and developed organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, shipments, and priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Familiarity with project-based or oversized/complex equipment shipments.
• The capacity to think critically, calculate, analyze, and track details/figures/data and make competent decisions based on those details/figures/data.
• The ability to work effectively with people across different teams, departments, and physical locations.

Education and Experience

• Knowledge of supply chain management principles normally acquired by the completion of a bachelor's degree in international business, supply chain management, or a related field, and/or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in import/export, logistics, or international shipping, including freight forwarding and collaboration with customs brokers, preferably within a distribution or logistics environment is preferred.
• Experience with Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification, duty drawback programs, and global logistics strategy is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move around for extended periods of time.
• Proficiency in using hands, fingers, and arms for tasks such as typing and writing.
• Sufficient visual acuity to read documents and recognize details at close and distant ranges.
• Ability to hear and understand verbal communication.
• Willingness to adhere to safety protocols and wear protective gear, including helmets, goggles, gloves, and safety shoes, as required by the job.

Company Culture & Values

• A Commitment to Our Purpose (COMMITTED PEOPLE) Our mission is to serve and build up our customers, suppliers, communities, and each other, guided by the principles of our Lord Jesus Christ. The commitment to serving and building up is easily seen in those employees that exemplify this value.
• Without Our Customers We Are Nothing (CUSTOMER FIRST) We realize that we are blessed to serve our customers and without them, our company does not exist. They rely on us for their success and that is a responsibility we cannot take lightly. Our focus must be on serving them with as seamless communication and access to products as possible.
• Kind, Humble and Positive (HUMBLE) These positive traits do not mean being a doormat to others. But when a person is kind, humble and positive it comes through in their genuine caring for those around them.
• A Desire For "Expert" (EXPERTS) Our people want to be seen as the experts in their specific roles. From how we convert a bag efficiently and with highest quality, to knowledge of the product portfolio, to desiring to know more about tax or human resource policy the desire for "expert" drives us in each of our roles.
• Intentional Growth Developing of Self and Others (PERSONAL GROWTH) Times, tools, and customer expectations change. Our team members are interested in developing themselves and those around them. We know that a stronger team is one that makes our customers and our fellow employees happier.
• Strong Work Ethic (HARD WORKERS) The commitment to serve those around us is honorable and we respond to this by putting our strongest effort into that purpose.
• High Expectations of Self and Others (HIGH EXPECTATIONS) We expect ourselves, and those around us, to put in our best effort. When others struggle, we help them align towards perfection. When we struggle, we are open and humble to hear it and course-correct accordingly.
• If It Isn't Safe, We Don't Do It (SAFETY) All people deserve to return home to their loved ones safely and work in an environment where they can best execute their tasks safely. When choosing between safety and profit, safety and efficiency, safety and feelings, safety, and "x" we choose safety.

Travel Requirements

This position requires occasional overnight travel and routine travel within the workday.

Driver Qualification

The ability to drive a company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle on behalf of the company may be required. Inclusion in the company's driver qualification program is required to drive a company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle.

Becoming a qualified driver includes:

• Agree to the company driving policies that apply to company owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle as applicable.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver license and be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Maintain an acceptable driving record, as evidenced by completion of a baseline motor vehicle record check and ongoing monitoring.
• When driving a personal vehicle on behalf of the company, must provide a copy of the declaration page from personal auto insurance that shows the policy dates and minimum coverage amounts ($300,000 bodily injury per accident/$100,000 property damage per accident or if driving less than 5 hours/200 miles a year $50,000 bodily injury per accident/$10,000 property damage per accident or the state minimum, whichever is more). This requirement is initially and then annually thereafter.

This job description is intended as a general outline of the primary responsibilities of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities that may be required. The employer reserves the right to modify, add, or remove any responsibilities, duties, or activities as deemed necessary with or without notice.

Volm Companies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and other protected characteristics. If you require reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job, please inform us and we will work with you to address your needs.

Benefits As a family-owned and operated company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family. We offer a strong foundation of benefits, including access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, an HSA employer contribution, and a 401k with profit sharing to secure your future. To support your overall well-being and family life, we offer additional benefits beyond the core package, such as paid vacation, wellness stipends, childcare reimbursement assistance, and much more. We are committed to continuously enhancing our benefits to meet the evolving needs