Logistics & Inbound Operations Coordinator

Michael Malul; Whitehall (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Malul in Ohio is seeking a detail-oriented logistics professional to manage inbound and international shipments, including ocean freight, air freight, and container movements. You will be the main liaison between vendors, freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers and warehouse teams to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

The role requires knowledge of import documentation, Incoterms, and supplier coordination, with a focus on reducing costs while maintaining compliance and accuracy.

Qualifications

• Experience in inbound and international shipments and import operations.
• Familiarity with ocean/air freight and documentation for imports/exports.
• Knowledge of Incoterms and customs clearance processes.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, book, and track inbound shipments from vendors and overseas suppliers to final delivery.
• Coordinate ocean and air freight, choosing cost-effective modes based on lead time and urgency.
• Monitor transit and resolve delays, port congestion, and disruptions.
• Prepare and verify import documentation and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Communicate PO status, shipping readiness, and booking details with vendors.
• Audit freight invoices and manage carrier performance and costs.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong organizational skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Proactive communication

Problem solving

Vendor relationship management

Cost awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or related field

Tools

ERP

WMS

TMS

Excel/Google Sheets

Job description

Position Summary

We’re looking for a detail-oriented logistics professional to manage all inbound and international shipments, including ocean freight, air freight, and container movements. You will be the main point of contact between our vendors, freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and warehouse teams, making sure product arrives on time, on budget, and in full.

Key Responsibilities

Inbound and international shipment management

• Plan, book, and track all inbound shipments from vendors and overseas suppliers through to final delivery
• Manage ocean (FCL/LCL) and air freight, choosing the best mode based on cost, lead time, and urgency
• Coordinate container scheduling, pickup, drayage, and delivery to warehouses and distribution centers
• Monitor shipments in transit and proactively resolve delays, port congestion, rolling, and other disruptions

Customs and compliance

• Work with customs brokers to prepare and verify import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and airway bills
• Ensure compliance with import regulations, tariff classifications, duties, and trade requirements
• Handle documentation for dangerous goods, cosmetics, or regulated products as applicable
• Maintain accurate records for audits and compliance reviews

Vendor and supplier coordination

• Communicate with vendors on purchase orders, production timelines, shipping readiness, and booking details
• Confirm ship dates, packaging, labeling, and palletization meet requirements
• Follow up on delays or discrepancies and keep suppliers accountable to agreed schedules
• Build strong working relationships with overseas suppliers and logistics partners

Freight forwarder and carrier management

• Request quotes, compare rates, and negotiate with freight forwarders, ocean carriers, airlines, and trucking providers
• Evaluate carrier performance, including on-time delivery, transit times, and damage rates
• Audit freight invoices and resolve billing discrepancies, demurrage, and detention charges

Supply chain and inventory support

• Work with purchasing, planning, and warehouse teams to align inbound shipments with inventory needs and launch dates
• Provide ETAs and shipment status updates to internal teams, including sales, customer service, and finance
• Support receiving, reconciliation of shipments against POs, and claims for shortages or damage
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, shorten lead times, and improve processes

Reporting and systems

• Maintain shipment tracking logs and logistics dashboards
• Report on freight spend, transit performance, and landed cost
• Use ERP, WMS, and TMS systems to manage orders and shipment data

Qualifications

Required

• 1+ years of experience in logistics, import operations, or supply chain
• Hands-on experience with ocean and air freight and international shipping documentation
• Working knowledge of Incoterms, customs clearance, and import/export processes
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines at once
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets

Preferred

• Experience with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and 3PL partners
• Experience in beauty, fragrance, consumer goods, or retail supply chains
• Knowledge of landed cost calculation and freight cost optimization
• Familiarity with FDA, CBP, or other regulatory requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business, or a related field
• Additional language skills are a plus

Key Competencies

• Problem solving under time pressure
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Proactive communication and follow-through
• Vendor relationship management
• Cost awareness and analytical thinking

Success Measures

• On-time and in-full inbound delivery rate
• Freight cost versus budget
• Accuracy of documentation and customs clearance times
• Reduction in demurrage, detention, and expedite charges
• Vendor and carrier performance