Import Specialist

Job title: Import Specialist

About the Role The Import Specialist coordinates, executes, and monitors all import activities to ensure materials, equipment, supplies, and components are received on time and in full compliance with applicable customs, trade, and company requirements.

What You'll Do

• Coordinate import operations for raw materials, components, equipment, tools, and indirect supplies.
• Review and validate import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, air waybills, certificates of origin, and customs declarations.
• Work closely with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, suppliers, and internal departments to ensure timely customs clearance.
• Ensure compliance with customs regulations, IMMEX/Maquila requirements, tariff classifications, origin criteria, and internal procedures.
• Monitor inbound shipments and proactively escalate potential delays, documentation issues, or customs holds.
• Maintain accurate import records and support internal, external, and government audits.
• Validate HTS codes, country of origin, values, Incoterms, and import permits when applicable.
• Coordinate with Purchasing, Planning, Warehouse, Finance, and Compliance teams to align material arrivals with business needs.
• Support duty optimization, temporary import controls, and reconciliation of import documentation.
• Track import KPIs such as clearance time, documentation accuracy, shipment delays, broker performance, and compliance incidents.
• Identify opportunities to improve import processes, reduce manual work, and strengthen customs compliance controls.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in import/export, customs, logistics, or trade compliance.
• Knowledge of customs regulations, import processes, Incoterms, HTS classification, and IMMEX/Maquila operations.
• Experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and international suppliers.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and follow-up skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage urgent shipments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems; SAP experience preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Nice to Have

• Customs compliance mindset.
• Cross-functional communication.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary and benefits are not specified in the posting. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate and may vary based on market data, candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. The company notes that compensation philosophy may be flexible and discussed with the recruiter.