Air Freight Specialist

Air Freight Specialist Ashley Furniture Industries |International Logistics & Customer Support Keep the World Moving. Coordinate Global Air Freight for the #1 Furniture Company. Ashley Furniture is seeking an Air Freight Specialist to join our International Logistics & Customer Support team in Arcadia, Wisconsin. If you're detail-oriented, enjoy problem-solving, and want to play a critical role in our global supply chain, this is your opportunity to join the most innovative and competitive furniture company on the planet. In this role, you'll coordinate and monitor international air freight shipments from origin to final destination, ensuring timely delivery, customs compliance, and cost-effective transportation solutions that support Ashley's mission to deliver quality products to customers worldwide. About Ashley Furniture We're driven by a Massively Transformative Purpose: to inspire the love of home and enrich the lives of those around us by being the most innovative and competitive furniture company on the planet. Our mission: Improve Quality. Reduce Costs. Do More Business. Be Profitable. Stay in Business. We live our core values every day: * Honesty & Integrity - Be forthright in all we do * Passion, Drive & Discipline - Give everything to your role * Dirty Fingernail - You get what you inspect, not what you expect * Continuous Improvement - Know the business and make it better * Customer Centric - Deliver on what is promised to the customer * Boundaryless - Work for the greater good of the organization The Opportunity As our Air Freight Specialist, you'll be the vital link in our international supply chain, coordinating air shipments across all Ashley locations globally. You'll work boundarylessly with internal teams, international vendors, customs brokers, and freight carriers to ensure seamless movement of products from origin to destination. This role is perfect for someone with strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to Continuous Improvement in logistics processes. What You'll Do Coordinate & Track International Air Shipments * Track shipments from origin to final destination across global routes * Coordinate with Classification Team to provide accurate customs clearance information to air carriers * Research and resolve issues preventing shipments from being delivered or dispatched * Update inventory and shipping information manually as needed to ensure data accuracy * Monitor and prioritize shipments imperative for production needs or market deadlines Ensure Customs Compliance & Documentation * Provide accurate customs clearance information to ensure timely and effective clearance * Maintain and retain international correspondence in accordance with U.S. Customs requirements * Update internal systems with necessary customs clearance information * Stay current with importing/exporting rules, regulations, and international shipping industry changes * Communicate relevant findings to management to maintain compliance Manage Purchase Orders & Delivery Coordination * Monitor and maintain purchase order (PO) due dates in Ashley's internal computer systems * Research and resolve POs that fall outside acceptable variance ranges * Communicate delivery information to internal contacts as needed * Coordinate less than container load (LCL) shipments from quote to delivery Process Payments & Audit Billing * Process and approve wire payments for sample shipments and service providers * Coordinate with Accounts Payable to submit payments accurately and on time * Validate statements for accuracy and ensure records are stored properly * Audit air carrier/broker billing to ensure accurate clearance information and competitive freight charges * Resolve billing issues as needed to protect Ashley's interests Drive Cost Optimization * Continually monitor costs and current air freight market conditions * Ensure Ashley secures most competitive rates in the industry * Prepare and provide costing analysis upon request * Analyze and recommend carrier assignments based on cost and service analysis * Embody our mission to Reduce Costs while maintaining service excellence Support Export Operations * Coordinate export shipments including documentation compilation * Communicate with vendors/offices at origin for seamless coordination * Notify service providers of pick-up information and requirements * Determine payment information as needed for international transactions Lead Training & Process Improvement * Provide training and support to international vendors and overseas offices on air freight procedures * Assist with maintaining standard operating procedures for the Freight Team * Determine areas in need of improvement and make recommendations * Assist with creating, implementing, and monitoring process improvement changes * Collect and update information in accordance with team key process measures * Champion Continuous Improvement in all logistics operations What You'll Bring Required Qualifications * High School Diploma or equivalent * 1+ year of office support, clerical, or administrative work experience * Some college coursework or equivalent work experience preferred Skills & Abilities Core Competencies: * Strong attention to detail - Critical for customs compliance and accurate documentation * Excellent communication skills - Verbal and written communication with international partners * Analytical and problem-solving skills - Troubleshoot shipping issues and resolve delays * Time management and organizational skills - Handle multiple shipments and priorities simultaneously * Customer orientation - Deliver on commitments to internal and external customers * Adaptability - Thrive in fast-paced, dynamic international logistics environment Technical Skills: * Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite * Proficient keyboarding and 10-key skills * Document management systems experience * Ability to learn import logistics, international transportation, and customs regulations * Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement methodologies Personal Attributes: * Work independently as well as in a team environment * Maintain confidentiality of sensitive shipping and financial information * Display empathy, understanding, and patience with employees and external customers * Respond professionally in difficult situations with vendors or internal partners * Perform under strong demands in a fast-paced environment * Initiating Action - Take ownership and proactively address issues Work Environment & Schedule * Location: Chippewa Falls, WI (onsite position) * Environment: Office-based with standard office equipment * Schedule: Full-time with flexibility to work extended hours when necessary * Travel: Opportunity for domestic travel as needed * Physical Requirements: Predominantly seated work with ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally Why Join Ashley's International Logistics Team? * Global Impact: Coordinate shipments supporting Ashley locations worldwide * Continuous Learning: Develop expertise in international logistics, customs regulations, and freight operations * Career Growth: Build skills and advance within a growth-focused organization * Team Environment: Work with supportive colleagues committed to excellence * Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match * Stability: Join an industry leader committed to staying in business for generations Ready to Launch Your Logistics Career? If you're detail-oriented, customer-focused, and ready to play a critical role in global supply chain operations, we want to hear from you. Join Ashley and help us deliver on our promise to inspire the love of home around the world. Apply Now Ashley Furniture Industries is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.