Import Specialist (Greater Chicago Area)

Job Summary

Navia is where people, technology, and data combine. We are a fully integrated freight and logistics company delivering empowered outcomes across all aspects of the supply chain, including sea freight, air freight, customs clearance, and third-party logistics/e-commerce.

Our Values: Since 2003, we’ve been defined by driving innovation, delivering transparency, leading with high-performance outcomes, and empowering partnerships.

Innovation - Since Navia began, we’ve been an early adopter of technology, and we’ve pushed the boundaries of that technology to drive even greater efficiency. By helping our clients transform their businesses, we’re also transforming our industry for the better.

Transparency - We’ve always believed that greater clarity delivers greater outcomes. That’s why Navia was founded on accountability, integrity, and loyalty. Our services and systems provide full visibility for clients, and our culture is one of total transparency.

Performance - Only people with years of on-the-ground experience can create freight-forwarding solutions that move the industry ahead. We have the leading people, processes, and high-performance technology in place to deliver consistently superior results.

Partnerships - Partnerships are at the heart of Navia. We’re a trusted team with an embedded collective spirit of going beyond the expected. By making the complex simple, we empower our clients to reach heights. With agility, efficiency, and experience, our purpose is simply this: to deliver value.

At Navia, we’re proud to offer an end-to-end supply chain that performs not only in one or two facets but across the entire process. We are a growing business looking to bolster our footprint in North America and expand our presence in the market. As such, we are looking for a candidate to fulfill the role of Import Specialist.

The Import Specialist is an experienced ocean import operator who independently manages a high-volume portfolio of FCL and LCL import shipments, from origin pre-alert through final delivery. This Level 2 role is the go-to resource for complex shipments, exceptions, and key ocean accounts. It also supports training Level 1 specialists and serves as a backup for the Ocean Supervisor.

Reports To: Import Supervisor

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Independently process FCL and LCL ocean import shipments in CargoWise, including opening files, issuing arrival notices, forwarding customs documentation, tracking and tracing, notations, and billing.
• Review and validate pre-alert documents (MBL, HBL, Packing List, Commercial Invoice) for accuracy, and resolve discrepancies with origin agents before vessel arrival.
• Confirm ISF (10+2) filings are submitted on time. Follow up with brokers, agents, and customers to prevent penalties and holds.
• Monitor vessel schedules, rollovers, transshipments, and ETA changes, and proactively notify customers of delays or schedule impacts.
• Coordinate customs clearance with brokers, and manage CBP holds and exams (VACIS, tailgate, intensive/CES) and PGA holds through release.
• Secure carrier freight releases (OBL surrender, telex release, seaway bill) and confirm terminal availability and release status.
• Manage destination delivery from terminal/CFS release through final delivery to the client's door. This includes dispatching drayage, booking terminal appointments, coordinating CFS/LCL pickups and transloads, and arranging empty container returns.
• Proactively manage demurrage, detention, and per diem exposure by tracking last free day and free time, prioritizing pickups, and disputing invalid carrier or terminal charges.
• Ensure all costs and accessorials (drayage, chassis, storage, pre-pull, exam fees, etc.) are accurately accrued and billed to the client in a timely manner.
• Serve as primary operational contact for assigned key ocean accounts, following key account SOPs and procedures as directed by sales and key account management.
• Train and mentor Level 1 specialists and new hires on ocean processes, and provide backup coverage for the Ocean Supervisor as needed.
• Escalate service failures and support cargo claims documentation as required.
• Participate in required cross-training and backup coverage (including air import support) to maintain excellent customer service and continuity during peak volume periods.
• Perform other duties as directed by management

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• 3–5 years of hands-on ocean import operations experience with a freight forwarder, NVOCC, or customs broker.
• Strong working knowledge of FCL and LCL processes, MBL/HBL structures, release types (OBL, telex release, seaway bill), and ISF requirements.
• Solid knowledge of port and terminal procedures, including demurrage, detention, per diem, last free day, chassis, terminal appointments, and General Order timelines.
• Working knowledge of CBP processes, exam types, and entry filing timelines.
• Intermediate proficiency in supply chain concepts and processes (i.e., Incoterms, international supply chain, and/or procurement).
• Intermediate proficiency in CargoWise CW1.
• Proven ability to manage high-volume workloads and time-sensitive deadlines with minimal supervision.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual
• Prior experience in retail logistics supply chain
• Experience handling high-volume ocean import accounts, including transload and warehouse coordination
• Experience in training or mentoring operations staff
• Associate or Bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain, or international business

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The job is performed indoors in a traditional office setting. Activities include extended periods of sitting while working at a computer and occasional fast-paced operations and events.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to communicate orally with customers, vendors, management, and co-workers. Regular use of the telephone, virtual meetings, and e-mail for communication. Hearing, vision, and speaking within normal ranges are essential for normal conversations, to receive ordinary information, and to prepare or inspect documents.
• Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment such as computers, calculators, and copiers.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to grasp, handle, or feel; and operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone keypad.