Import And Export Analyst

Sterling Engineering; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering seeks an experienced Import/Export Analyst to manage global logistics, customs compliance, and freight operations in Buffalo Grove, IL. You will coordinate with freight forwarders, carriers, and internal teams to ensure compliant and timely shipments.

The role covers HTS classification, trade documentation, cost optimization, audit of invoices, and resolution of discrepancies, with a focus on reducing logistics spend while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in supply chain or related field.
• 9+ years in import/export, logistics, trade compliance, or international transport.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations and HTS classification.
• Experience coordinating with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Ability to analyze freight costs, invoices, and transportation data.

Responsibilities

• Manage import activities with airlines, freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokers, and U.S. Customs.
• Maintain site-level import compliance for inbound shipments.
• Review contracts and shipping documentation for required trade compliance clauses and identify omissions or risks.
• Coordinate with internal teams, suppliers, customers, freight forwarders, customs officials, and other stakeholders to ensure compliant shipments.
• Select appropriate carriers and prepare international shipping documentation.
• Maintain records per U.S. Customs requirements.
• Audit freight invoices and resolve discrepancies with carriers and payment teams.
• Identify opportunities to reduce freight costs and improve logistics spend.
• Lead cross-functional trade compliance and logistics initiatives across sites.

Skills

Import/export compliance

HTS classification

Freight cost analysis

Supplier & internal team collaboration

U.S. Customs regulations

Documentation accuracy

Analytical/problem solving

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Business, Business Administration, or a related field

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Import/Export Analyst to support international trade, customs compliance, logistics, and freight operations within a fast-paced manufacturing environment in Buffalo Grove, IL.

About the Role

This position will manage both import and export activities, working closely with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, purchasing, manufacturing, logistics, and corporate trade compliance teams. The ideal candidate will bring strong knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, HTS classification, import/export documentation, international freight, and trade compliance. This role will also focus on freight cost optimization, carrier performance, compliance auditing, and identifying opportunities to improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of international logistics operations.

Responsibilities

• Manage import activities through airlines, freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokers, and U.S. Customs.
• Maintain site-level import compliance for all inbound international shipments.
• Review contracts and shipping documentation for required trade compliance clauses and identify potential omissions or compliance risks.
• Coordinate with internal teams, suppliers, customers, freight forwarders, customs officials, and other stakeholders to ensure compliant and timely shipments.
• Select appropriate carriers and freight forwarders and prepare required international shipping documentation.
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with U.S. Customs recordkeeping requirements.
• Conduct entry adjustments and corrections with U.S. Customs when required.
• Perform regular import compliance audits and partner with Trade Compliance teams to resolve identified concerns.
• Ensure vendors, Purchasing, brokers, Logistics, and other responsible parties follow applicable U.S. Customs requirements.
• Classify imported materials using the appropriate Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes.
• Maintain required documentation related to FDA, FCC, U.S. Goods Returned, fumigation certificates, and other regulatory requirements.
• Correct and file entry documentation when discrepancies are identified.
• Maintain Certificate of Origin (COO) records and identify vendor compliance issues.
• Escalate compliance discrepancies and drive corrective actions through resolution.
• Export & Logistics
• Coordinate international and domestic shipments, including expedited and truckload freight.
• Prepare international and domestic freight rate quotes and carrier cost comparisons.
• Track international shipments and provide proof of delivery as needed.
• Research and resolve freight, delivery, and carrier-related issues.
• Maintain and update inbound and outbound carrier routing guides.
• Train internal departments on proper carrier routing procedures.
• Coordinate expedited shipments to support customer and production requirements.
• Audit domestic and international inbound freight invoices for accuracy.
• Research short-paid or disputed invoices and work with carriers and payment teams to resolve discrepancies.
• File and manage freight claims for lost or damaged shipments.
• Maintain claims documentation and coordinate with carriers, insurance providers, and Corporate Logistics through resolution.
• Identify opportunities to reduce freight costs, transportation expenses, and overall logistics spend.
• Operational & Cross-Functional Support
• Partner with Purchasing, Manufacturing, Logistics, Trade Compliance, Finance, and other departments to resolve import/export and transportation issues.
• Maintain accurate logistics and compliance documentation.
• Support departmental P&L and freight cost control.
• Monitor carrier and logistics performance and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Lead or support cross-functional trade compliance and logistics initiatives across multiple sites.
• Exercise independent judgment when addressing complex logistics and compliance situations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Business, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 9+ years of related import/export, logistics, trade compliance, or international transportation experience.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations and import/export compliance requirements.
• Hands-on experience with HTS classification and international shipping documentation.
• Experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, suppliers, and internal manufacturing teams.
• Strong understanding of international and domestic freight operations.
• Experience conducting compliance audits and correcting import/export documentation.
• Ability to analyze freight costs, carrier rates, invoices, and transportation data.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently resolve complex compliance and logistics issues.
• Demonstrated ability to lead major initiatives and collaborate across multiple departments or sites.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills

• IATA certification for Dangerous Goods (DG) cargo management.
• DOT certification related to hazardous materials transportation.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials and dangerous goods shipping requirements.
• Experience supporting import/export compliance within a manufacturing environment.

Pay range and compensation package

Compensation: $100,400–$120,000/year

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity.