Import/Export Coordinator

Sumitomo Electric Lightwave; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corp. is seeking an Import Export Coordinator in Raleigh, NC. You will manage daily export documentation, ensure regulatory compliance, and coordinate shipments with carriers and 3PLs. You will review import files and respond to inquiries to ensure smooth clearance.

The role requires strong English, 5+ years in international logistics, and proficiency with Excel and ERP systems. This position supports continuous process improvements in global trade operations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years relevant work experience in international logistics/export/import coordination.
• Bachelor's degree or higher; formal international logistics training or certification.
• Strong English communication skills, both spoken and written.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage daily export documentation, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Review import documents and respond to questions from carriers, brokers, customers to facilitate smooth shipments.
• Create international shipments manually in UPS, FedEx, or DHL per customer instructions.
• Coordinate air, land, and ocean transportation with brokers, freight forwarders, and carriers; negotiate rates and services.
• Act as Customs liaison and advise on USMCA and classification codes for finished goods/raw materials.
• Champion continuous improvement of customs processes and compliance.

Skills

English proficiency

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

International logistics training/certification

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office & Teams

Job description

Position at Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corp.

Import Export Coordinator

• all documentation for daily exports and ensure data is complete and accurate.Ensure compliance of regulations relating to imports and exports.
• Review import documentation and respond to questions from carriers, forwarders, brokers, customers, Customer Service, etc. to facilitate smooth and compliant importation.

Manually create international shipments in UPS, Fedex, or DHL depending on customer's instructions.

Purpose of Position

Ensure compliance with U.S. government import/export regulations on international shipments.

Ensure required documents are accurately prepared.

Prepare documents for, coordinate shipments to, and manage relationships with international third-party logistics partners (3PL).

International Transportation and Compliance

• Prepare be able to create commercial invoice and shipper's letter of instruction manually for shipment requests of non-inventory items.
• Audit all international invoices and entry packets for accuracy of freight, brokerage, broker accuracy, and duty charges and shall be the approval signature for payment processing.
• Coordinate various air, land, and ocean transportation services with brokers, freight forwarders, and carriers.Analyze international shipping patterns and participate on team to negotiate rates and services.
• Advise on USMCA and all other relevant programs related to international trade, logistics, and transportation.Determine HTS, ECCN, etc. classifications and assign appropriate codes to finished goods and raw materials.
• Customs Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact with customs authorities, leading responses to inquiries and audits in collaboration with Business Groups and Corporate Customs teams. Submit binding ruling requests to U.S. Customs for classification of exports and imports.Also responsible for providing information to U.S. Customs in response to Requests for Information on specific imports.
• Review government and transportation regulations on a regular basis for changes and for industry news.
• Use HazMat certification (or secure certification) to advise on domestic and international HazMat shipping concerns (mostly about batteries).
• Champion Continuous Improvement: Proactively implement corrective actions based on self- assessments and audit findings to strengthen customs processes and ensure best-in-class compliance.

Duties Performed Periodically or Occasionally

• Secure and manage carnets when necessary to facilitate movement of demonstration equipment between countries without the payment of duty.Manage Temporary Import Bonds to prevent duty payment and/or Customs penalties.Ensure conditions of the import bond are met and the item is re-exported within the period of time allowed.
• Process loss or damage claims relating to domestic and international shipments.Provide quarterly reports of imports and exports to the insurance broker for premium billing.
• Complete vendor performance evaluations and work to improve relationships with vendors so that we will have more control over service quality.
• Manage special projects relating to international transportation.
• Assist Purchasing on projects and be familiar with Purchasing systems.Other tasks as assigned.

Requirements For Position

• 5+ years relevant work experience Bachelor's degree or higher
• Formal international logistics training and/or certification with strong familiarity of international and domestic trade and transportation terms and policies
• Highly proficient in spoken English and written English
• Technology adept including advanced Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, etc.), Microsoft Office & Teams, ERP, etc.