Import Supervisor

Import Operations Supervisor

Essential Job Functions

• Supervise and coordinate day-to-day import operations, shipment activity, and team workflow.
• Manage the import process from purchase order and shipping documentation through customs clearance and final delivery.
• Review commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, arrival notices, and other import documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, suppliers, customers, and internal teams to support timely clearance and delivery.
• Monitor shipment schedules, arrival dates, customs holds, and potential delays; communicate updates, exceptions, and risks to management and relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements, company policies, customer requirements, and applicable import regulations.
• Maintain accurate import records and documentation in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Investigate and resolve shipment discrepancies, customs issues, demurrage, storage charges, delivery delays, and service escalations.
• Track import-related costs and partner with accounting, purchasing, and operations teams to support accurate freight, billing, and costs.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers, brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, customers, and logistics partners.
• Train, mentor, coach, and support import/logistics staff to ensure consistent performance and adherence to procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve import procedures, reduce costs, strengthen compliance, and increase operational efficiency.
• Prepare and maintain reports related to import activity, shipment performance, costs, service levels, and compliance metrics.
• Maintain, monitor, and report daily on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to import operations using Power BI dashboards, including shipment performance, productivity, service levels, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Other Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of import operations, customs compliance, international logistics, and freight forwarding processes.
• Ability to lead, prioritize, and coordinate team workload while maintaining service quality.
• Strong documentation review skills with the ability to identify errors, missing information, and compliance risks.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to provide clear updates to management, customers, vendors, and internal teams.
• Ability to analyze operational issues, resolve exceptions, and recommend process improvements.
• Strong customer service mindset and ability to support time-sensitive shipment requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Talking, hearing and using hands to operate computer equipment
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus
• Job may require extended sitting or standing, use of standard office equipment.
• Job will require punctual attendance and regular presence on-site at the assigned work location.

Education & Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in imports, international logistics, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, or a related field required.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. import procedures, customs requirements, and international shipping documentation.
• Experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and ocean and/or air carriers.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail with a strong focus on accuracy, compliance, and follow-through.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal departments, customers, vendors, and external logistics partners.
• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Logistics, International Business, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Previous supervisory, team lead, coaching, or staff mentoring experience preferred.
• Customs compliance, international trade, or related industry…