Export Trading Assistant

J.D. Heiskell & co.; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

J.D. Heiskell & co. in Ankeny, IA seeks an Export Documentation Specialist to prepare invoices and export paperwork for container shipments. You will work closely with customers to secure approvals and resolve document queries while coordinating with steamship lines to keep bookings and payments on track.

Ideal candidates have strong detail orientation, communication skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office, enabling accurate filing and process improvements across teams.

Qualifications

• Associates or bachelor’s degree preferred, agriculture or business background beneficial.
• Experience with export documentation and container shipments is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Prepare invoices and all required export documentation for each booking and send via email to customer.
• Communicate with customers via email to obtain approval of draft documents and answer questions.
• Coordinate with steamship lines to resolve issues with OBLs, bookings, SI and invoices.
• Work with traders and team members to create shipping plans and contract applications.

Skills

Detail oriented

Multitasking

Customer service

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Associates/Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Company Overview:

At JDH and each of our subsidiaries, we know that agriculture is more than moving commodities—it’s about connecting people and building relationships that matter. Founded in 1886 and proudly family-owned for five generations, our deep roots in the industry enable us to manage grains, co-products, animal feed, and feed ingredients effectively. With an extensive transportation network, we connect supply and demand across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Asia. We are committed to delivering reliability, value, and innovation, while providing a supportive and safe workplace where our team can thrive and grow.

Job Summary:

At Hawkeye Gold, you will be part of the team that works directly with our customers to prepare required export documentation for shipment of commodities via container. The successful candidate is a team focused and detail-oriented person with advanced organizational skills who enjoys making sure documents are accurate and transactions are processed properly.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare invoices and all required export documentation for each booking and send via email/FedEx to customer
• Communicate with customers via email to obtain approval of draft documents and answer any questions
• Communicate with steamship lines (SSL’s) to resolve issues with OBL’s/bookings/SI and invoices via email and phone
• Work with trader and other team members to create shipping plans and contract applications
• Process invoices from suppliers for the product purchased into inventory or direct shipped to a customer
• Process A/P for payment via ACH/Wire/Check
• Keep accurate and organized files in a common shared drive or shared email boxes
• Ensure both internal and external compliance requirements are followed
• Be curious and provide ideas for continuous process improvement
• Drive a culture of safety, accountability, opportunistic curiosity and contributes to creating an environment where people want to work.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Associates/Bachelor’s degree desired; agriculture and/or business background preferred
• Agricultural and/or container experience is a plus
• High level of detail, multi-tasking, and problem solving
• Positive, self-motivated individual with organization, communication, and negotiation skills; commitment to continuous learning
• Strong customer service commitment
• Ability to analyze and interpret technical procedures
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications

Physical Demands:

• Frequent sitting, use of computer, communication via telephone
• Ability to navigate an office environment.
• Regular and predictable attendance in office or site location.
• Job may require occasional travel within the United States.