International Export Specialist

About the Role We're looking for an International Air Export Specialist to manage outbound air freight from booking through departure and final documentation. You'll coordinate with shippers, carriers, truckers, and overseas agents to move customer cargo on time, compliantly, and at the right cost. This is a fast-paced, detail-driven role where accuracy and communication matter as much as speed. Location: Itasca, Illinois Department: Operations, Air Export Reports to: International Manager Employment type: Full-time Salary range: based on experience Key Responsibilities Receive and process air export bookings from customers, sales, and overseas partners Book cargo with airlines and consolidators, selecting routings based on service, cutoff times, and cost Arrange pickup and delivery to the airport or warehouse, and coordinate with truckers and dock staff Prepare and review export documents, including house and master air waybills, commercial invoices, packing lists, and shipper's letters of instruction File and verify Electronic Export Information (EEI) in AES, and ensure compliance with EAR, ITAR, and Schedule B requirements Verify cargo acceptance, weights, dimensions, and dangerous goods or special handling requirements Track shipments and give proactive status updates to customers and destination agents Resolve exceptions such as offloads, delays, shortages, damage, and documentation discrepancies Provide freight quotes and support rate requests in coordination with pricing and sales Reconcile charges, support invoicing, and review costs against quotes to protect margin Maintain accurate shipment records in the TMS/forwarding system Build strong working relationships with airline, carrier, and agent contacts Required 2+ years of experience in international air freight forwarding or airline cargo operations Working knowledge of air export documentation, IATA procedures, and Incoterms Familiarity with AES/EEI filing and U.S. export regulations Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive shipments Clear written and verbal communication skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Outlook Preferred Experience with a forwarding or transportation management system (e.g., CargoWise, Magaya, or similar) Knowledge of airline cargo systems and cargo booking portals IATA Dangerous Goods certification or willingness to obtain it TSA Known Shipper / IAC security program familiarity Experience with high-value, perishable, or project cargo Bilingual skills Skills and Attributes Calm and organized under tight cutoffs Problem-solver who anticipates issues before they escalate Customer-service mindset with a sense of ownership Comfortable working with international partners across time zones Team player who communicates clearly across operations, sales, and accounting Working Conditions Office-based, with occasional after-hours or weekend coverage for time-critical shipments Frequent phone and email communication; extended computer use Benefits Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, Sick, Paid Holidays

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