Import Logistics Specialist

Blue Signal Search; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work in Chicago

Ownership of import ops

High visibility role

Global exposure

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Blue Signal Search seeks an Import Logistics Specialist to own inbound ocean freight operations across product lines in a fast-paced, hybrid Chicago-area environment. You will coordinate with freight forwarders, brokers, carriers, and internal teams to ensure timely delivery and regulatory compliance.

This role entails managing end-to-end ocean import shipments, negotiating rates, monitoring status, and reviewing invoices, while identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency and customer

Qualifications

• 3+ years of logistics or supply chain experience, preferably supporting international operations.
• Hands on experience managing ocean import shipments.
• Strong knowledge of customs documentation, customs clearance processes, and HTS classifications.
• Experience coordinating with freight forwarders and third party logistics providers.
• Proven success negotiating freight rates and transportation services.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, or related discipline preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end international import shipments with a focus on ocean freight.
• Coordinate daily activities with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and review import documentation for compliance with customs regulations.
• Support customs clearance activities including HTS classification and documentation accuracy.
• Monitor shipment status and proactively communicate updates and solutions.
• Negotiate freight rates and transportation services to improve cost efficiency.
• Track shipments from origin to final delivery and maintain logistics records.
• Review freight invoices for accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
• Stay informed on tariffs, port disruptions, and global trade developments.
• Identify opportunities to improve logistics processes and supply chain performance.
• Operate independently as the primary logistics resource for international import activities.

Skills

Ocean imports

Inbound logistics

HTS classification

Customs paperwork

Freight forwarders coordination

Rate negotiation

Excel

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Multi-project prioritization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, logistics, or related

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Are you an experienced international logistics professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment where your expertise directly impacts business success? Our client is a growing international organization seeking an Import Logistics Specialist to take ownership of inbound ocean freight operations across multiple product lines. This is an outstanding opportunity for someone who enjoys autonomy, solving complex logistics challenges, and building efficient global supply chain processes while working in a collaborative hybrid environment.

This Role Offers

• Hybrid work environment based in the Chicago area.
• Opportunity to own and improve international import operations.
• High visibility role with direct impact on supply chain performance and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborative culture with exposure to global business operations.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.

Focus

• Manage end to end international import shipments, with a primary emphasis on ocean freight.
• Coordinate daily activities with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely product delivery.
• Prepare, review, and maintain import documentation while ensuring compliance with customs regulations and international trade requirements.
• Support customs clearance activities, including HTS classification and documentation accuracy.
• Monitor shipment status, identify potential disruptions, and proactively communicate updates and solutions.
• Negotiate freight rates and transportation services to improve cost efficiency while maintaining service quality.
• Track shipments from origin through final delivery while maintaining accurate logistics records and reporting.
• Review freight invoices for accuracy and resolve billing discrepancies.
• Stay informed on changes affecting international transportation, including tariffs, port disruptions, and global trade developments.
• Identify opportunities to improve logistics processes, increase operational efficiency, and enhance supply chain performance.
• Operate independently while serving as the primary logistics resource for international import activities.

Skill Set

• 3 or more years of logistics or supply chain experience, preferably supporting international operations.
• Hands on experience managing ocean import shipments.
• Strong knowledge of customs documentation, customs clearance processes, and HTS classifications.
• Experience coordinating with freight forwarders and third party logistics providers.
• Proven success negotiating freight rates and transportation services.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Logistics, or a related discipline is preferred but not required.