Operational Specialist

Spectra360; California (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectra360 is seeking an Import & Export Operations Specialist to oversee international freight operations, focusing on air and ocean transportation. You will manage shipments from booking to delivery, coordinating with overseas offices, customs brokers, carriers, and warehouses.

The ideal candidate has at least 2 years in freight forwarding or international logistics, with hands-on air and ocean freight experience and familiarity with customs documentation and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of operational experience within freight forwarding or international logistics environments.
• Hands-on experience managing both air freight and ocean freight shipments.
• Background within freight forwarding, NVOCC, 3PL, or international transportation organizations preferred.
• Exposure to fulfillment, eCommerce logistics, or distribution operations beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate import and export shipments across international air and ocean freight (FCL/LCL).
• Ensure shipments comply with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Review and process import/export documentation (packing lists, origin certificates, bills of lading, AMS/ISF).
• Oversee movement across transportation modes and provide shipment visibility to stakeholders.
• Identify process improvements and track transit performance and costs.
• Collaborate with overseas teams to resolve issues and coordinate documentation.

Skills

International logistics

Freight forwarding

Air & Ocean freight

NVOCC/3PL

Ecommerce logistics

B2B/B2C distribution

Tools

TMS

WMS

Excel

Job description

Are you passionate about international logistics and thrive in a fast-paced freight forwarding environment? This is an opportunity to join a globally connected organization that supports cross-border commerce through innovative transportation and supply chain solutions.

We are seeking a hands-on Import & Export Operations Specialist who enjoys solving complex logistics challenges, coordinating international shipments, and working closely with global partners to ensure seamless cargo movement. This role offers exposure to worldwide operations, collaboration with overseas teams, and the opportunity to contribute to a growing organization focused on operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

If you bring strong freight forwarding experience, enjoy managing shipment flow from origin to destination, and are looking to grow within a dynamic logistics environment, we encourage you to apply.

Position Overview

The Import & Export Operations Specialist will oversee international freight operations with a primary focus on air and ocean transportation. This role manages shipment execution from booking through final delivery while coordinating closely with overseas offices, customs brokers, transportation providers, and warehouse partners.

The ideal candidate possesses practical experience within freight forwarding or international logistics operations and understands the full import/export process, including documentation, compliance, and transportation coordination. Experience supporting eCommerce fulfillment or B2B/B2C distribution operations is highly desirable.

Primary Responsibilities

International Freight Operations

• Coordinate and manage import and export shipments across international air freight and ocean freight services, including FCL and LCL shipments.
• Ensure shipments move efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.

Customs & Regulatory Coordination

• Partner with customs brokers to address entry issues, cargo exams, documentation discrepancies, and shipment holds.
• Maintain compliance with customs and transportation regulations including CBP, TSA, FMC, and applicable international shipping requirements.

Shipping Documentation & Records

• Review, validate, and process import/export documentation including:
• Packing Lists
• Certificates of Origin
• Master and House Air Waybills
• Bills of Lading
• AMS and ISF filings
• Related shipment and compliance records

End-to-End Shipment Management

• Oversee cargo movement throughout the transportation lifecycle including air, ocean, rail, LTL, and over-the-road transport.
• Provide proactive shipment visibility and status updates to customers, internal teams, and logistics partners.
• Work closely with carriers, trucking companies, drayage providers, and CFS partners to secure capacity and coordinate movement.
• Monitor costs and proactively minimize demurrage, detention, and storage charges.
• Collaborate with warehouse and fulfillment teams to support both B2B and eCommerce shipment activity.
• Assist with order movement, distribution planning, and final-mile logistics coordination.

Process Improvement

• Identify operational improvement opportunities and support enhancements to logistics workflows and SOPs.
• Track performance metrics and contribute to improvements in transit performance, service quality, and cost efficiency.

International Team Collaboration

• Communicate regularly with overseas teams, particularly Asia-based partners, to coordinate shipments, review documentation, and resolve operational issues.
• Utilize Mandarin language skills to facilitate effective communication and issue resolution.

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of operational experience within freight forwarding or international logistics environments.
• Hands-on experience managing both air freight and ocean freight shipments is required.
• Background within freight forwarding, NVOCC, 3PL, or international transportation organizations strongly preferred.
• Exposure to fulfillment, eCommerce logistics, or distribution operations is beneficial.

Language Requirements

• Bilingual English and Mandarin proficiency required (spoken, written, and reading).

Industry Knowledge

• Working knowledge of:
• Incoterms 2020
• HTS classifications
• AMS and ISF filing requirements
• International shipping regulations and customs procedures
• Freight forwarding documentation and cargo compliance

Systems & Technology

• Experience using freight forwarding or logistics systems such as TMS and WMS platforms required.
• Experience with GoFreight or similar forwarding software highly preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Excel capabilities preferred, including PivotTables and VLOOKUP functions.

Professional Skills

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and shipment timelines simultaneously
• Strong communication and organizational abilities
• Proactive problem-solving mindset
• Ability to work effectively under deadline-driven operational conditions