Shipping Lead

Sterlitec; Auburn (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterlitec is seeking a Shipping Lead to manage daily shipping operations, including domestic and international orders. The role focuses on accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery while coordinating with Sales and Customer Service to meet customer expectations.

Responsibilities include international documentation, EEI filings, and acting as the primary contact for carriers. Training the shipping team and driving continuous improvement are key parts of the role.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of shipping experience in manufacturing or distribution.
• Experience with small package and freight shipping.
• Knowledge of international shipping documentation and export requirements.
• Customer-focused team player with strong communication.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Comfort with NetSuite and ShipRush or similar systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily shipping operations for domestic and international orders using NetSuite, ShipRush, and carrier sites.
• Prioritize the daily shipping queue based on ship method and carrier pickup times; assign work accordingly.
• Verify item numbers, lots, serials, and quantities when packing; select cost-efficient methods.
• Prepare international documents and ensure compliance with export regulations; coordinate with brokers.
• Train and coach shipping team members; serve as primary point of contact for carriers and vendors.
• Track on-time shipping metrics and drive continuous improvement in shipping processes.

Skills

Shipping expertise

Documentation accuracy

Cross-functional communication

Attention to detail

Problem solving

ERP/fulfillment systems

Tools

NetSuite

ShipRush

Job description

As the Shipping Lead, you will lead the shipping department hands-on, packing and shipping domestic and international orders alongside the shipping team every day. This role owns international shipping documentation and export compliance, serves as the primary point of contact for carriers and freight forwarders, and provides day-to-day guidance, training, and workload prioritization for the team without having direct reports. The Shipping Lead is a key contributor to meeting our on-time shipping metric and our customers' satisfaction, works closely with Sales, Customer Service, and the rest of the operations team, and helps drive continuous improvement in how we ship.

Primary Responsibilities

Daily Shipping Operations

• Participates in daily shipping, including packing and shipping domestic and international orders using NetSuite, ShipRush, and carrier sites.

• Prioritizes the daily shipping queue based on ship method, customer commitments, and carrier pickup times, and assigns work to shipping personnel accordingly.

• Verifies correct item number, lot, serial number, and quantity when packing.

• Selects cost-efficient and appropriate shipping methods and packaging.

• Schedules and coordinates inbound and outbound freight, including LTL, air, and ocean shipments.

• Monitors and orders shipping supplies.

• Keeps the shipping area clean, organized, and safe.

International Shipping and Compliance

• Prepares and reviews international shipping documentation, including commercial invoices, certificates of origin, packing lists, bills of lading, legalization, and USMCA certifications.

• Files EEI (AES) for international shipments and coordinates with customs brokers as needed.

• Ensures shipments comply with applicable export regulations, carrier requirements, and company policies.

Lead and Point of Contact

• Trains, coaches, and supports shipping team members;
  provides input to the Operations Manager on performance.

• Serves as the primary point of contact for carriers, freight forwarders, and shipping vendors, and maintains those relationships.

• Provides shipping rate quotes to Sales and Customer Service upon request.

• Resolves issues with shipped orders, including tracking exceptions, damages, claims, and delays.

• Acts as backup for all shipping functions to ensure continuous coverage.

Teamwork and Communication

• Works collaboratively and keeps information accessible to the team so others can step in when needed.

• Communicates proactively with Sales, Customer Service, and other departments on issues that affect customers.

Continuous Improvement and Quality

• Tracks and reports shipping performance, including the on-time shipping metric, to the Operations Manager.

• Follows established processes while looking for ways to work more efficiently.

• Maintains shipping procedures and work instructions and supports ISO 9001 quality management system requirements.

Job Qualifications / Required Skills / Key Competencies

• 4+ years of shipping experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment, including domestic and international shipments.

• Experience with small package (UPS/FedEx/DHL) and freight (LTL, air, ocean) shipping.

• Knowledge of international shipping documentation and export requirements.

• Customer-focused team player who communicates well with all levels of staff.

• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

• Strong computer skills; NetSuite and ShipRush experience a plus.