Import Supervisor

JAS Worldwide; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

JAS Worldwide, Houston, is seeking an Import Supervisor to oversee daily air and ocean import operations, coordinating workflows and ensuring timely, accurate documentation and compliance with procedures.

You will support the Import Manager, mentor staff, monitor KPIs, and act as a key liaison between operations and leadership. Travel up to 10% and a strong emphasis on service quality and process improvements.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in air/ocean import operations.
• 1–2 years in supervision or lead roles preferred.
• Familiarity with ISF and POA/FPOA entry processes.
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily workflow of Import teams (Ocean and Air).
• Ensure timely processing of documentation and updates.
• Support rate quoting and shipment coordination with overseas offices.
• Coordinate vendor follow-ups and resolve service issues.
• Maintain open communication with customers and escalate issues as needed.
• Align with SOPs and compliance requirements; monitor KPIs.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Time management

Customer service mindset

Microsoft Office

Education

High School diploma or GED

Logistics knowledge

Tools

Cargowise (C1)

Job description

JAS is an international, non-asset-based supply chain services and solutions company. Our services include air and ocean freight forwarding, contract logistics, customs brokerage, distribution, inbound logistics, truckload brokerage and other supply chain management services, including consulting, the coordination of purchase orders and customized management services.

SUMMARY:

The Import Supervisor is responsible for overseeing day-to-day air and ocean import operations, ensuring accurate and timely handling of shipments in accordance with company and customer expectations. This role supports the Import Manager in executing operational goals and is a key liaison between the operations team and leadership to help maintain process efficiency and high service standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinate and monitor the daily workflow of the Ocean and Air Import teams.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of documentation and system updates.
• Support rate quoting and shipment coordination with overseas offices and agents.
• Assist with vendor coordination and follow up on service issues or escalations.
• Maintain open communication with customers and resolve issues as they arise.
• Support adherence to customer SOPs and compliance requirements.
• Ensure documentation and transactions are completed according to defined procedures.
• Work closely with the Import Manager and internal stakeholders on KPIs, performance metrics, and process improvements.
• Serve as point of contact for escalated issues from team members or customers.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee work assignments of Import Specialists and/or Coordinators.
• Provide guidance, training, and day-to-day support to team members.
• Assist with onboarding and development of new staff.
• Monitor attendance and productivity, escalating issues as needed.
• Support the Import Manager in maintaining team performance standards and morale.
• Step in as operational backup during employee absences or high-volume periods.
• Ensure the business processes are implemented according to Company guidelines.
• Provide back-up for the department during times of employee absence and/or increased business.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 2+ years of experience in air and ocean import operations within a freight forwarding environment.
• At least 1–2 years of supervisory or lead experience preferred.
• Cargowise (C1) experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational abilities.
• Customer service mindset and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or GED required; additional education in logistics or international business a plus.
• Prior experience handling both air and ocean import shipments.
• Supervisory or team lead experience preferred.
• Familiarity with freight forwarding systems and global logistics processes.
• Knowledge of ISF (Importer Security Filing) & ISF procedures.
• Knowledge of POA (Port of Arrival) & FPOA (First Point of Arrival) entry processes.
• Good working knowledge of FDA (Food and Drug Administration) & OGA (Other Government Agency) transactions.
• Knowledge of TIB (Temporary Importation under Bond) / CARNETS.
• entry processes.

ENVIRONMENT:

100% performed in climate-controlled internal office environment working under normal office conditions. Travel will be (up to 10%) required in support of the position’s responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; walk; use hands and finger to feel and handle; reach with arms and hands; talk and hear. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, and crouch; lift weight or exert a force up to a maximum of 25 pounds.

ADDITIONAL:

The responsibilities associated with this job will change from time to time in accordance with the Company’s business needs. More specifically, the incumbent may be required to perform additional and/or different responsibilities from those set forth above.

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job.

Management retains discretion to add or change duties of this position at any time.

JAS Forwarding (USA), Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Where required by state law and/or city ordinance; this employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

JAS USA IS A CUSTOMS BROKER, GOVERNED BY FEDERAL REGULATION. FEDERAL REGULATIONS PROVIDE THAT JAS MAY HAVE IT BROKERAGE LICENSE SUSPENDED OR REVOKED IF IT "KNOWINGLY EMPLOYED, OR CONTINUES TO EMPLOY, ANY PERSON WHO HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF A FELONY, WITHOUT WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THAT EMPLOYMENT FROM THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER." JAS WILL PERFORM A BACKGROUND CHECK TO DETERMINE IF YOU HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF A FELONY AND IF SO, ABSENT SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, YOU WILL NOT BE HIRED OR WILL BE TERMINATED IMMEDIATELY.