Senior Ocean Import Coordinator

Open Position

Senior Ocean Import Coordinator

$65-75,000

Position Summary

The Senior Ocean Import Coordinator is responsible for managing the end-to-end movement of international ocean import shipments, ensuring freight is handled efficiently, compliantly, and profitably from origin through final delivery. This role serves as a key point of contact for customers, carriers, overseas agents, customs brokers, warehouses, and internal teams while delivering exceptional customer service and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage ocean import shipments from booking through final delivery.
• Prepare, review, and process all import documentation, including Bills of Lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, arrival notices, and customs-related documentation.
• Ensure freight bookings, cargo pickups, deliveries, consolidations, and warehouse transfers are executed accurately and on schedule.
• Coordinate with customers, carriers, overseas agents, customs brokers, truckers, and bonded warehouses to ensure smooth shipment execution.
• Monitor shipment progress, track milestones, and proactively resolve delays, discrepancies, and service issues.
• Provide customers with timely shipment updates and respond promptly to inquiries regarding documentation, rates, and shipment status.
• Generate freight quotations and pricing based on customer requirements, trade lanes, and Incoterms.
• Ensure all shipments comply with customs regulations, import requirements, and applicable government regulations.
• Maintain shipment profitability through accurate cost management, invoice verification, and customer billing.
• Review and approve vendor invoices, investigate discrepancies, and resolve billing disputes as required.
• Ensure all customer invoices are processed accurately and promptly.
• Coordinate cargo release procedures and ensure all applicable charges are collected prior to release.
• Prepare operational reports and provide shipment updates to management as required.
• Support sales and operations teams with pricing requests, customer solutions, and special projects.
• Foster strong relationships with customers, vendors, carriers, and internal stakeholders while maintaining a high level of professionalism and teamwork.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in ocean imports, freight forwarding, NVOCC, or international logistics.
• Strong understanding of ocean freight operations, customs procedures, and international shipping documentation.
• Working knowledge of Incoterms, import regulations, customs clearance processes, and freight forwarding best practices.
• Experience coordinating with steamship lines, customs brokers, overseas agents, drayage providers, and warehouses.
• Strong customer service, communication, and relationship-management skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple shipments and competing priorities.
• Proficiency with CargoWise, freight forwarding software, TMS platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Success Measures

• Shipments are executed accurately, compliantly, and within customer expectations.
• Customer and vendor invoices are processed accurately and on time.
• Shipment issues are resolved proactively and professionally.
• Strong customer satisfaction and retention are maintained.
• Profitability targets and operational KPIs are consistently achieved.
• Compliance with all customs, regulatory, and company requirements is maintained.