Job Description Summary

The Import/Export Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and executing international trade operations across multiple regions, ensuring compliance with global trade regulations while supporting efficient movement of equipment, raw materials, components, and finished goods. This role plays a critical part in minimizing risk, controlling landed costs, and enabling uninterrupted project sites, manufacturing and distribution activities. This position supports efficient cross-border movement of goods by preparing documentation, liaising with carriers, customs brokers, and internal stakeholders, and resolving shipment-related issues.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Global Trade Operations

• Manage end-to-end import and export activities for project and manufacturing sites, suppliers, and customers across multiple countries.
• Coordinate international shipments, including ocean, air, and ground freight, ensuring on-time and cost-effective delivery.
• Prepare, review, and validate import/export documentation (commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, bills of lading, export declarations).

Trade Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, including customs laws, sanctions, export controls, and free trade agreements (e.g., USMCA).
• Classify products accurately using HS codes and maintain master data in ERP systems.
• Monitor and manage customs audits, inquiries, and government reporting requirements.
• Maintain awareness of regulatory changes and assess impact on manufacturing operations.

Customs & Broker Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for customs brokers, freight forwarders, and logistics service providers.
• Review customs entries, duty assessments, and tax calculations to ensure accuracy.
• Identify duty optimization and cost-saving opportunities, including preferential trade programs and drawback.

Manufacturing & Supply Chain Support

• Collaborate with Sourcing, Procurement, Production Planning, Logistics, and Finance teams to align trade activities with project and manufacturing schedules.
• Resolve shipment delays, customs holds, and documentation discrepancies that may impact production or customer delivery.
• Support new product launches by establishing compliant trade processes.

Process Improvement & Leadership

• Develop and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) for global import/export activities.
• Lead or support trade compliance training for internal stakeholders.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to non-logistics staff.
• Support system implementations or enhancements (ERP, TMS, GTM tools).

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, Logistics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in import/export operations within a project and/or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of global customs regulations, trade compliance, and international logistics.
• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and global trade management tools.
• Proven ability to manage multiple international shipments and priorities simultaneously.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced understanding of HS classification, Incoterms and customs valuation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally and across cultures.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, global environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Customs certification (e.g., CCS, CIFFA, or equivalent)
• Experience with North American and international trade compliance
• Multilingual abilities (French/English a strong asset)

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS)
• Certified Export Specialist (CES)
• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) or equivalent (an asset)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time import/export clearance
• Compliance audit results
• Duty and landed cost optimization
• Reduction in customs delays and penalties
• Accuracy of trade documentation

Work Environment

• Office-based with frequent interaction with project/manufacturing plants, logistics providers, global partners as well as with occasional coordination across time zones
• Occasional travel may be required.
• May require flexibility during peak shipping periods

Additional Information Relocation Assistance Provided: No