Import & Export Coordinator

Benmax; Canberra; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Benmax is expanding its import/export capability and seeks a dedicated Freight Coordinator to build and run the new desk. You will plan shipments, manage documentation, and coordinate with brokers to ensure on-time clearance and delivery.

You will own the end-to-end process, from booking to billing, with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in a dynamic, high-value supply chain environment based in Australia.

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating international freight (import/export) including bookings and docs.
• Knowledge of Incoterms, customs documentation, HS codes and tariff classification.
• Experience with freight forwarders and customs brokers.
• Experience establishing or documenting freight or documentation processes.
• High accuracy and deadline discipline with legal/financial implications.
• Proficient data maintenance in ERP or system of record.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise in a developing function.

Responsibilities

• Book and coordinate sea and air freight across import and export lanes to fit schedule and budget.
• Prepare and manage import/export docs: invoices, packing lists, declarations, origin certificates (ISPM-15 where applicable).
• Manage brokers/forwarders relationship from instructions to clearance follow-up and issue resolution.
• Track shipments from origin to delivery and provide reliable ETAs to teams.
• Monitor container free time, empty returns, port storage to control demurrage/detention costs.
• Ensure inbound goods arrive with complete documentation for correct receipts.
• Assist Free Trade Zone and multi-jurisdiction moves; escalate classifications as needed.
• Track freight cost and service performance by lane; feed lead times into S&OP planning.

Skills

International freight coordination

Incoterms & HS codes

Freight forwarders & customs brokers

Freight/document processes

Data accuracy & deadlines

ERP data management

Independent work & decision making

Education

Supply Chain / International Trade qualification

SCLAA membership (desirable)

Job description

About Us

For 40 years, Benmax has delivered the mechanical and HVAC services inside some of Australia's most demanding buildings, from hospitals and schools to the data centres powering the country's AI growth. We're a team of more than 250 people across Australia, and our in-house fabrication division builds the large-scale equipment that goes into these projects.

About Us

For 40 years, Benmax has delivered the mechanical and HVAC services inside some of Australia's most demanding buildings, from hospitals and schools to the data centres powering the country's AI growth. We're a team of more than 250 people across Australia, and our in-house fabrication division builds the large-scale equipment that goes into these projects.

That equipment is large and high-value, and much of it moves internationally, along with production materials we bring in from overseas suppliers. As production ramps up, our freight volumes will grow significantly, and each shipment feeds a live installation schedule where a late arrival or a held-up clearance can stall work on site. To manage this, we're setting up a dedicated import/export desk for the first time, and we need someone to build it and run it.

About The Role

You'll have the chance to shape how international freight works at Benmax. You'll put together the forwarder and carrier relationships, booking processes, documentation standards and customs interfaces, then take ownership of it all day to day.

Licensed customs brokers and forwarders handle the clearances, working from the instructions and paperwork you provide. You'll be the one planning each shipment, getting the documents right and on time, and keeping our planning, receiving and project teams across where everything is and when it will land.

What you'll be doing

• Book and coordinate sea and air freight across import and export lanes, choosing the mode and service that suits the schedule and the budget
• Prepare and manage import and export documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, declarations and certificates of origin, in line with customs and biosecurity requirements (including ISPM-15 packaging)
• Manage the day-to-day relationship with brokers and forwarders, from instructions and document packs through to clearance follow-up and resolving issues
• Track shipments from origin to delivery, pick up delays early and give our teams ETAs they can rely on
• Keep a close eye on container free time, empty returns and port storage to keep demurrage, detention and storage costs down
• Make sure inbound goods arrive fully documented so receipts post correctly
• Support Free Trade Zone and multi-jurisdiction movements, escalating classification and compliance questions to the right people
• Track freight cost and service performance by lane, and feed lead times and constraints into our S&OP planning

What you'll bring

Essential Skills

• Experience in international freight coordination (import and/or export), including bookings and documentation
• Working knowledge of Incoterms, customs documentation requirements, and HS codes and tariff classification
• Experience working with freight forwarders and customs brokers
• Demonstrated experience establishing or documenting freight or documentation processes
• A high level of accuracy and deadline discipline when handling documentation with legal and financial consequences
• Proficiency maintaining data in an ERP or system of record
• Ability to work independently, prioritise effectively and make sound decisions in a developing function

Desirable Skills

• Experience with South-East Asian lanes
• Exposure to Free Trade Zone or bonded operations
• Dangerous goods documentation experience
• Experience with project cargo, oversize or high-value freight
• Qualifications in Supply Chain, Logistics or International Trade
• Membership of the Supply Chain & Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA)