Import Logistics Specialist

For All, For Good, our company signature, reflects Bel’s commitment to a healthier and responsible food for all. This mission mobilizes our nearly 13,000 employees every day in over 30 countries to build a profitable and sustainable business model.  Universal and positive, you know our global brands - The Laughing Cow®, Kiri®, Mini Babybel®, Leerdammer®, Boursin®, as well as Kaukauna®, Merkts® and Price's® in the U.S.  We continue to reinvent our brands to offer healthier and responsible fruit and dairy snacks to all consumers.  Do you want to join a company with strong brands that puts consumers and responsibility at the heart of the decision-making process? Then Bel is right for you!

Bel Brands USA has been named Chicago's "101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" for 10 years in a row. The company is headquartered in Chicago and operates three manufacturing plants in Little Chute, WI, Leitchfield, KY, and Brookings, SD.

Job Description Summary:

The Import Coordinator is tasked with ensuring the efficient and seamless importation of goods and materials from our international manufacturing facilities. This role involves close collaboration with the export logistics team, overseas plants, freight forwarders, and customs brokers to guarantee the timely and cost-effective delivery of products. Additionally, the Import Coordinator will manage the movement of finished goods between warehouses to optimize inventory levels and distribution efficiency. The role also requires all processes to be in compliance with all relevant regulations and maintaining accurate records of all import activities.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Oversee the entire Importation process from order placement to final delivery.
• Prepare and review all necessary import paperwork, including invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin, with precision and accuracy.
• Maintain up-to-date records of all import transactions and documentation.
• Monitor and manage import-related expenses, including duties and shipping fees, to ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Regularly analyze import costs and identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
• Address and resolve any issues or discrepancies related to import shipments promptly and effectively.
• Analyze import data to spot trends and opportunities for process enhancements.
• Collaborate with Master Planners and Customer Service to prioritize shipments and ensure visibility, preventing customer shortages.
• Optimize Inventory Deployment between warehouses to maintain inventory levels and distribution efficiency while maximizing service levels.
• Coordinate Daily Operations with warehouses and carriers to organize, monitor, and relay transportation details effectively.
• Keep internal customers informed on low stock levels and any short-term disruptions to ensure smooth operations.
• Audit and process supplier/freight invoices to ensure accuracy and compliance with company policies.

Qualifications and Competencies

• A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in import coordination or a similar role within Logistics/Supply Chain in a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) environment.
• Proficiency in SAP software, particularly in modules related to supply chain and logistics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively.
• Proven ability to manage time efficiently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and customer-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated experience in distribution management, ensuring efficient and effective movement of goods.
• Proficiency in Excel, including Vlookup’s/Pivot Tables

Performance Expectations: Quality, accuracy, timeliness, reliability, and thoroughness of work performed; ability to gain the trust and respect of management, coworkers and brokers; maintain the integrity of confidential business and product information; ability to communicate effectively and develop good working relationships with other employees is essential to accomplish goals and objectives of the department.

Working Conditions:  Hybrid schedule of 2-3 days in office, with balance working Remotely. Hours of work will generally be during regular business hours with at least 40 hours a week.  At times there will be some variation in work hours due to special projects, deadlines and other concerns. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Acknowledgement:  This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employee assigned to this position.  It does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job.  The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by management. All requirements are subject to change over time and to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

Hybrid schedule in Chicago

Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 non-exempt 

Bonus Potential: 7%

401k, Medical, Dental, Vision from Day One, PTO days and more

Bel Brands is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Bel Brands also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Bel Brand’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Bel Brands is committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation or assistance in using the website, please call 312-462-1500.

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