Import / Export Specialist

FERGUSON; Newport News (VA); Hybrid; USD 46,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Ferguson is seeking a qualified professional to provide analytical, research and organizational support related to customs and trade compliance. The role involves coordinating the importing process, documenting and validating data, and supporting vendor selection and risk management for new and existing product development.

The position requires knowledge of applicable laws and strong reporting skills. It supports international shipments and works with brokers, freight forwarders and government

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred for position.
• 2-3 years in International Trade and Compliance or equivalent.
• Experience with export compliance and CBP relationships is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite is required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain knowledge of laws, regulations and standards with CBP and other agencies.
• Coordinate all aspects of importing process incl. docs, invoicing and system data.
• Serve as liaison with internal and external stakeholders (brokers, forwarders, government agencies).
• Prepare binding and scope rulings, post-entry amendments and CF28/CF29s.

Skills

MS Office

Analytical skills

Documentation

Research & reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Integration Point

Job description

Job Posting:

Since 1953, Ferguson has been a source of quality supplies for a variety of industries. Together We Build Better infrastructure, better homes and better businesses. We exist to make our customers’ complex projects simple, successful, and sustainable. Ferguson, a Fortune 500 company, is proud to provide best-in-class products, service and capabilities across the following industries: Commercial/Mechanical, Facilities Supply, Fire and Fabrication, HVAC, Industrial, Residential Trade, Residential Building and Remodel, Waterworks and Residential Digital Commerce.

Ferguson has approximately 36,000 associates across 1,700 locations. Ferguson is a community of proud associates who operate with the shared purpose of building something meaningful. You will build a career that you are proud of, at a company you can believe in.

Location:

This is a Hybrid role based out of our Newport News, HQ location, in accordance with the Ferguson Flex schedule; 3 days office / 2 days remote.

Job Summary:

This position provides analytical, research and organizational support related to customs and trade compliance to further the Company’s efforts on new and existing product development, vendor selection and risk management. This position identifies and manages compliance risks and recommends opportunities to improve workflows. Coordinate all aspects of the importing process including transportation, documentation, invoicing, payment, and system data maintenance.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and standards (existing or impending) with Customs and Border Protection and other government agency laws and regulations.
• Support department requirements for documentation collection, evaluation and retention
• Support systems integration as it relates to customs operations and trade compliance
• Serve as a company contact with internal stakeholders and external service providers including our customs brokers, freight forwarders and government agencies
• Support in research and preparation of binding rulings, scope rulings, post-entry amendments, CF28 and CF29’s
• HTS classification (US and International), schedule B assignment for all merchandise categories
• Manage daily requests for information for import entry processing in a timely and accurate manner for inbound shipments
• Support international export program to include screenings and preparation of necessary export documents
• Post shipment/entry document review for Customs audit
• Collect, enter and validate product and vendor data to support onboarding and purchase order processes
• Provide reporting (including metrics and quantitative product, vendor and trade data) for department productivity/metrics and management requirements
• Provide reporting and analytical support for other Compliance team initiatives, as necessary.

Additional Support Functions:

• Work with Freight Forwarders to ensure timely shipping and delivery.
• Review shipping requirements with suppliers.
• International ocean container tracking.
• Container reports to warehouses for incoming containers.
• Process payments for freight forwarders.
• Process payments for suppliers.
• Support other International Logistics and Trade Compliance team initiatives, as necessary
• Other special projects or additional duties as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferred
• 2-3 years of related experience in International Trade and Compliance; or equivalent combination of training, education or experience.
• Previous experience with export compliance, foreign classification and managing CBP relationships strongly preferred.
• Experience with Integration Point platforms a plus.
• proficiency with Microsoft (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Demonstrated experience with document audits and database design, management, and reporting
• Demonstrated technical writing, document control or standards management experience
• Ability to use sound judgment to make effective decisions within context of compliance and be able to support decisions with facts and details
• Must possess excellent analytical, problem solving, critical thinking and listening skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for presenting information and ideas and responding to questions from peers, managers, vendors and customers
• Ability to research and effectively summarize difficult topics including law
• Detail oriented; ability to process high volume work load by set deadline with high level of accuracy
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and understanding of implications
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and manage cross-functional projects, and to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines in fast-paced environment
• Ability to demonstrate calmness under pressure
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume
• Attendance and reliability are extremely important in this position.
• Ability to work extended hours to meet company needs

At Ferguson, we care for each other. We value our well-being just as much as our hard work. We are committed to a holistic approach towards benefits plans and programs that support the mental, physical and financial well-being of our associates. Our competitive offering not only includes benefits like health, dental, vision, paid time off, life insurance and a 401(k) with a company match, but our associates also enjoy additional meaningful and inclusive enhancements that are adaptable to their diverse situations and needs, including mental health coverage, gender affirming and family building benefits, paid parental leave, associate discounts, community involvement opportunities and more!

#LI-Hybrid

Pay Range:

$4,124.70 - $6,783.70

Estimated Ranges displayed are Monthly for Salaried roles OR Hourly for all other roles.

This role is Bonus or Incentive Plan eligible.

Ferguson complies with all wage regulations. The starting wage may be higher in certain locations based on local or state wage requirements.

The Company is an equal opportunity employer as well as a government contractor that shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a), which prohibits discrimination against qualified protected Veterans and the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(A), which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability.

Ferguson Enterprises, LLC. is an equal employment employerF/M/Disability/Vet/SexualOrientation/Gender Identity.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation Information