Import Specialist

Posted 3 days ago

talent edge recruitingChicago (IL)

Customs Brokers Freight Transportation Arrangement

SENIORITY

Senior

SALARY

$65,000-$75,000

Apply

About the role

Import Specialist (Ocean Import Customs Entries) Elk Grove Village, IL | Onsite | Full-Time | Employee-OwnedAbout the Company Join an employee-owned international import-export company with long-standing customer relationships and a team that takes pride in getting freight cleared and delivered right. As an employee-owner, you share directly in the company's long-term success.

The Role: As an Import Specialist, you are the main point person for ocean import shipments, from the moment a file comes in through Customs clearance and final delivery. You'll manage each file from A to Z (everything except billing), keeping customers, Customs and other government agencies, carriers, and truckers aligned so shipments are cleared correctly and on time. This is a customer-facing role, not just data entry. Many of our customers have been with them for years, and strong communication is a big part of what makes you successful here.

What You'll Do:

Manage ocean import customs entries from initial document review through Customs clearance, release, and final delivery
Review commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, arrival notices, and other import documents for accuracy and completeness
Prepare and submit customs entries that are accurate and meet CBP requirements
Research and assign HTS classifications/product codes as needed
Handle Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements, including entries involving FDA, CPSC, EPA, and others
Monitor Customs, FDA, and PGA releases; identify holds or issues and resolve entry and census errors
Notify customers of Customs exams, holds, documentation issues, or shipment delays
Track containers before entry, through Customs clearance, and through final delivery
Prepare and send delivery orders to trucking companies once shipments are cleared
Communicate with customers, truckers, carriers, and other parties to keep shipments moving and provide status updates
Maintain a high level of accuracy in a high-volume workload of roughly 250-500 entries/files per month during busy periods
What You Bring
Ideally 3+ years of hands-on customs entry writing experience (more is preferred)
Experience with customs brokerage/entry platforms and electronic customs filing (required)
Descartes OneView experience (preferred; it will make your transition easier). CargoSmart is also used internally
Strong attention to detail and the ability to stay organized in a fast-paced, repetitive, high-volume environment
Excellent communication and customer service skills
ScheduleOnsite, Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-4:00 PMFriday 8:00 AM-3:00 PMCompensation & Benefits$65,000-$75,000 base salary, plus a performance-based bonus
Employee stock through our employee-ownership program, with strong long-term upside 100% paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for the employee

Paid time off and paid holidays**************LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY *********Please Note: This position is open to candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship. We are not able to consider C2C arrangements or third-party submissions.

Before you apply

Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.

Your profile is current

It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.

Two examples you can talk through

Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.

A number in mind

What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.

Your notice period

Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.

Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.