Ocean Import Specialist II

Noatum; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent contract

Flexible benefits

Birthday off

Holidays

Flexible schedules

Professional growth

International team

Training programs

Job summary

Noatum Logistics in Los Angeles seeks an Import Specialist II to manage daily freight forwarding operations, including customer service, shipment tracking, documentation, and regulatory compliance. You will balance service levels with shipment costs while learning client shipping patterns and growing in the role.

The role emphasizes data accuracy, knowledge of Incoterms, and collaboration with carriers and vendors.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of import operational experience in international transportation.
• Knowledge of state, federal, and international laws and regulations related to customs, security, air, ocean, trucking, and other agencies.
• Knowledge of air and ocean import processes and regulations.
• Experience using logistics software; CargoWise experience is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Enter transportation data to meet regulatory and tracking requirements.
• Ensure documentation including transit and customs clearance documents exists for shipments.
• Process, distribute, and release documents to carriers, forwarders, customers, and agents promptly.
• Enter key milestones and confirm per customer SOPs (departure, arrival, customs clearance, PODs).
• Negotiate shipping rates and seek local management approval as needed.
• Prepare accurate billing based on pricing while maintaining costs and profits.
• Apply Incoterms and commercial invoice requirements for customer needs.
• Coordinate transfer and delivery of shipments with partners.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Mathematics

PC skills

MS Office

Teamwork

Logistics software

Education

HS diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree or related field

Tools

CargoWise

Job description

As a global client-centered logistics operator, Noatum Logistics provides integrated value-added solutions for the supply chain of all our clients. With a vast network of offices in 27 different countries, Noatum Logistics has onsite experts to develop and execute logistics solutions tailored to meet our client’s needs.

Renowned for its excellent service and specialized staff, the company has positioned itself as an industry leader, offering solutions to meet the needs of clients across various sectors. Our services include Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Road & Rail Freight, Customs Brokerage, Warehousing & Distribution, and Value Supply Chain services. The solutions offered are Integrated Supply Chain Solutions, 3PL for eCommerce business (eSolutions), Reefer/Cold Chain Logistics, and Project Cargo.

Noatum Logistics responds to different industry needs with in-depth knowledge and experience in defined industries, including Fashion & Retail, Industrial & Construction, High Tech & Consumer Electronics, Automotive, Food & Consumer Goods, Mining, Energy and Oil & Gas, Defense & Aerospace, and Pharma & Healthcare.

About The Role

We are looking for an Import Specialist II to join our dynamic team at Noatum Logistics. In this role, you will be responsible for the daily freight forwarding operations including, but not limited to customer service, shipment tracking, document handling, and regulatory compliance. The import specialist plans and schedules appropriate services to maintain an effective balance between customer service and shipment costs. The import specialist develops a thorough understanding of our clients’ shipping requirements and patterns; demonstrates sound customer service and data entry skills; and develops job related knowledge to support growth within their current position and further career development.

Key Responsibilities

• Enter transportation data to meet regulatory and tracking requirements.
• Ensure regulatory requirements are met and proper documentation, including transit and customs clearance documents, exist for shipments.
• Ensure documentation is accurately processed, distributed, and released to carriers, forwarders, customers, and agents in a timely manner.
• Complete all necessary data entry and confirmation of key milestones (departure, arrival, customs clearance, PODs, etc.) as specified by customer standard operating procedures.
• Negotiate shipping rates and submit to local management for approval as necessary.
• Complete accurate billing to clients based on established pricing, while ensuring appropriate costs and profits are maintained.
• Use knowledge of Incoterms and commercial invoice requirements to support customer needs.
• Develop methods and procedures for transportation of commodities for designated shippers from local or offshore locations to warehouses, other storage facilities, or final consignee locations.
• Arrange the transfer and delivery of shipments with appropriate partners.
• Prepare timely shipment management information and reports as requested or specified per department KPIs.
• Manage import needs for larger and/or more complex key accounts or manage specific specialized services for multiple customers.
• Arrange inbound bonded movement of cargo.
• Assist supervisor/manager in training new employees.
• Develop and maintain successful relationships with customers, government agencies, and local vendors (e.g., airline representatives, freight forwarders, custom brokers, local pickup and delivery companies, regional trucking companies, line haul providers).
• Participate as an effective team member with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintain courteous, prompt, and efficient customer relations.
• Comply with all necessary procedures to assure a clean, properly organized, safe, and healthy environment for all personnel.

What We Are Looking For

• Minimum 5 years of import operational experience in international transportation with an international freight forwarder preferred.
• Knowledge of applicable state, federal, and international laws and regulations as they relate to primary services provided (i.e., customs, security, air, ocean, domestic trucking, intermodal, and other import and export government agencies that regulate international trade).
• Knowledge of air and ocean import processes and regulations.
• Experience using logistics software; CargoWise experience a strong plus.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Competent math skills using units of currency, weight, volume, and distance measurements.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Competency in PC, spreadsheet, and database applications, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• College degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Ability to work in a paperless environment.

Physical Requirements

• Noatum is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Noatum will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.
• The job is performed indoors in a traditional office setting. Activities include extended periods of sitting while working at a computer and occasional fast-paced operations and events.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to communicate orally with customers, vendors, management, and co-workers. Regular use of the telephone, virtual meetings, and e-mail for communication. Hearing, vision, and speaking within normal ranges are essential for normal conversations, to receive ordinary information, and to prepare or inspect documents.
• Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment such as computers, calculators, and copiers.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, handle, use hands to grasp, or feel and operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone keypad.
• Arrange the transfer and delivery of shipments with appropriate partners.
• Prepare timely shipment management information and reports as requested or specified per department KPIs.
• Manage import needs for larger and/or more complex key accounts or manage specific specialized services for multiple customers.
• Arrange inbound bonded movement of cargo.
• Assist supervisor/manager in training new employees.
• Develop and maintain successful relationships with customers, government agencies, and local vendors (e.g., airline representatives, freight forwarders, custom brokers, local pickup and delivery companies, regional trucking companies, line haul providers).
• Participate as an effective team member with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintain courteous, prompt, and efficient customer relations.
• Comply with all necessary procedures to assure a clean, properly organized, safe, and healthy environment for all personnel.

What We Offer

• Permanent Contract – Enjoy stability and long-term career opportunities.
• Flexible Benefits Plan – Choose what suits you best: Health, Dental, Vision, 401K Plan with company match.
• Celebrate Your Birthday – Take a day off to make your special day even better.
• 11 paid Holidays and 5 floating holidays.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Professional Growth – Access continuous learning and development opportunities to boost your career.
• Collaborative & International Environment – Work with diverse teams and be part of a global network.
• Corporate University – Benefit from ongoing training programs designed to keep you ahead.

At Noatum Logistics, we guarantee equal opportunities and non-discrimination based on sex, gender, race, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation in our selection processes. Our goal is to maximize people’s talents in all their diversity while eliminating any form of discrimination.

JOB #5439

#Noatum Logistics