Import Export Coordinator

Sterling Engineering; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering is seeking an experienced Import/Export Trade Coordinator to support its growing international trade compliance team in St. Charles, IL. The role focuses on FTZ compliance, HTS classifications, and U.S.

Customs regulatory adherence, coordinating with brokers and freight forwarders to ensure timely and accurate documentation. The ideal candidate will combine hands-on import/export operations with a strong compliance mindset, review & improve procedures, and develop KPIs

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in trade compliance, customs brokerage, or import/export operations.
• Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field OR 5+ years of relevant import/export expertise.
• Strong knowledge of: U.S. Customs regulations, Import/export laws, HTS, Country of Origin, Customs valuation.
• Experience reviewing customs and international shipping documentation.
• Experience with brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and international suppliers.
• Experience with trade compliance and ERP systems; Integration Point and QAD are a plus.
• Strong Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills.
• Experience with KPI reporting and compliance auditing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate import/export transactions and ensure FTZ requirements are met.
• Monitor U.S. Customs regulations, international trade requirements, and regulatory changes.
• Review and improve SOPs related to EEI filings, Country of Origin, HTS, Schedule B, and ECCN.
• Review import/export and FTZ documentation for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Validate Country of Origin, valuation, and OGA filings.
• Maintain accurate customs records per CBP and FTR requirements.
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, suppliers and internal departments.
• Support complex import/export transactions, routing requirements, and valuation activities.
• Develop KPIs and performance reporting related to import/export operations.
• Prepare reports and presentations for leadership.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Communication skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Education

Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field

5+ years of relevant import/export subject matter expertise

Tools

Integration Point

QAD

MS Excel

Job description

Location: St. Charles, IL – near DuPage Airport

Salary: $75,000–$100,000, depending on experience

Reason for Opening: Growth / Newly Created Position

Sterling Engineering is seeking an experienced Import/Export Trade Coordinator to support a growing international trade compliance team. This position will coordinate import and export activities with a strong emphasis on Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) compliance, U.S. Customs regulations, documentation accuracy, and continuous improvement.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced trade compliance professional who understands both the regulatory and operational sides of international logistics.

The ideal candidate brings a strong combination of hands-on import/export operations and trade compliance expertise. Experience with FTZ operations is particularly important, along with the ability to review documentation, work with brokers and freight forwarders, understand customs requirements, and identify opportunities to strengthen compliance processes. The role requires advanced knowledge of FTZs, HTS, U.S. Customs requirements, freight bidding, valuation, and Country of Origin determination.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate import/export transactions and ensure compliance with Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) requirements
• Monitor U.S. Customs regulations, international trade requirements, and regulatory changes
• Review and improve SOPs related to EEI filings, Country of Origin, HTS classifications, Schedule B, and ECCN
• Review import, export, and FTZ documentation for accuracy and regulatory compliance
• Validate Country of Origin, valuation, and OGA filings
• Maintain accurate customs records in accordance with CBP and Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) requirements
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, suppliers, and internal departments to ensure timely customs clearance
• Support complex import/export transactions, routing requirements, and valuation activities
• Manage and maintain relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and international suppliers
• Solicit and evaluate carrier RFPs/freight bids based on cost, delivery, and service requirements
• Support and improve FTZ and other trade compliance programs
• Serve as a key contact for C-TPAT activities
• Develop KPIs and performance reporting related to import/export operations
• Prepare reports and presentations for leadership
• Participate in compliance audits, process improvements, and special projects

The position requires significant coordination across internal departments and external partners while maintaining accurate, compliant international trade transactions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in trade compliance, customs brokerage, or import/export operations
• Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field OR 5+ years of relevant import/export subject matter expertise
• Strong knowledge of:
• U.S. Customs regulations
• Import/export laws
• Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)
• Country of Origin
• Customs valuation
• Experience reviewing customs and international shipping documentation
• Experience working directly with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and international suppliers
• Experience with trade compliance and ERP systems; Integration Point and QAD experience are a plus
• Strong Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills
• Experience with KPI reporting and compliance auditing
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.