Import Operations Specialist

Essential Functions

• Coordinate and manage the full lifecycle of air and ocean import shipments from origin through final delivery.
• Prepare, review, and process import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, arrival notices, and customs-related documents.
• As needed, process customs entries, ensuring all required documentation and data are accurate, complete, and submitted timely.
• Review entry details, classifications, valuation information, and compliance requirements to ensure adherence to CBP and other government agency regulations.
• Communicate with customers regarding shipment status, delays, customs clearance requirements, and delivery updates.
• Dispatch freight for delivery and maintain communication with transportation providers to ensure timely movement of cargo.
• Investigate, resolve, and communicate operational, customs, or clearance issues with customers, carriers, CBP, and internal stakeholders.
• Work directly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other government agencies as needed to facilitate cargo clearance.
• Review customer accounts, customs bonds, billing requirements, audit instructions, and credit information to ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Process customer billing, job costing, accruals, and vendor payables in accordance with company procedures.
• Reconcile billing discrepancies and resolve payable issues by working with vendors, carriers, customers, and overseas offices.
• Support audits, compliance initiatives, and documentation updates, including participation in ISO and internal quality audits.
• Promote compliance with company policies, customs regulations, and operational procedures.
• Provide responsive customer service and develop strong working relationships with customers and internal teams.
• Cross-train within the department and provide backup support for team members as required.
• Escalate operational, compliance, or service issues to management when necessary.
• Perform additional duties and projects as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in import operations, customs entry processing, customs brokerage, freight forwarding, or a combination of education and related experience.
• Working knowledge of air and ocean import processes and U.S. import regulations.
• Strong understanding of customs entry processing, classification principles, CBP requirements, and government agency regulations.
• Experience working with CBP and Other Government Agencies (OGA) preferred.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite applications.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Three or more years of experience in import operations, customs brokerage, customs entry processing, or freight forwarding.
• Experience handling the full lifecycle of import shipments (air and/or ocean).
• Experience working in CargoWise One (C1) preferred.
• Knowledge of Importer Security Filing (ISF), Incoterms, and U.S. Customs regulations preferred.
• Experience with financial and reporting systems such as SAP, Cognos, or similar platforms preferred.

Environment

100% performed in a climate-controlled office environment under normal office conditions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers, reach with arms and hands, and communicate effectively. The employee may frequently be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift up to 25 pounds. The position requires the ability to work in a fluid, fast-paced environment.

Additional

The responsibilities associated with this job will change from time to time in accordance with the Company's business needs. More specifically, the incumbent may be required to perform additional and/or different responsibilities from those set forth above.

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job.

Pay and benefits

In accordance with Boston state law, we are committed to providing pay transparency to all job applicants. For this position, the hourly pay range is $30 - $36 / HR, depending on qualifications and experience. This range represents the full compensation potential for this role, and the specific compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on factors such as skills, experience, and other relevant qualifications. In addition to base salary, JAS Forwarding offers a comprehensive benefits package, including dental, vision, and health insurance, 401(k), bonuses (depending on role) etc.

Management retains discretion to add or change duties of this position at any time.

Where required by state law and/or city ordinance; this employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.