Senior Air Import Operator

Location: Elk Grove Village, IL
Salary: Up to $68,000 + Benefits

Company Overview

Our client is a growing midsized international freight forwarder with a strong reputation for delivering reliable Air, Ocean, Customs Brokerage, and Domestic Transportation solutions across the United States. Due to continued growth within their Chicago operation, they are seeking an experienced Senior Air Import Operator to join their team in Elk Grove Village.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced airfreight professional looking to join a stable, expanding organization where they can play a key role in supporting customers and helping drive operational excellence.

Position Overview

The Senior Air Import Operator will be responsible for managing international air import shipments from origin through final delivery while ensuring exceptional customer service, compliance, and operational efficiency.

The successful candidate will have strong knowledge of international airfreight procedures, customs requirements, airline coordination, and customer communication. This role requires a proactive individual who can manage multiple shipments simultaneously while maintaining a high level of accuracy and service.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage international Air Import shipments from A-Z.
• Coordinate with overseas agents, airlines, customs brokers, trucking providers, and customers to ensure smooth shipment execution.
• Arrange cargo release, delivery scheduling, and final mile transportation.
• Monitor shipment milestones and proactively communicate updates to customers.
• Review and process shipping documentation including MAWBs, HAWBs, commercial invoices, and packing lists.
• Ensure compliance with TSA, CBP, and other regulatory requirements.
• Handle customs clearance coordination and resolve any shipment issues or delays.
• Accurately enter shipment data and maintain records within the company operating system.
• Prepare and review customer invoices, supplier invoices, and shipment profitability.
• Support key account customers by delivering exceptional customer service and operational solutions.
• Build strong working relationships with carriers, agents, and transportation partners.
• Assist with process improvements and provide guidance to junior team members when required.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of Air Import freight forwarding experience.
• Strong knowledge of international airfreight operations and import procedures.
• Experience handling A-Z air import shipments.
• Understanding of customs clearance processes and import compliance requirements.
• Experience working with airlines, trucking providers, and overseas agents.
• Strong customer service and relationship management skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience using CargoWise or a similar freight forwarding system preferred.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.

What's on Offer

• Salary up to $68,000 depending on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to join a growing midsized freight forwarder with long-term career progression.
• Stable and supportive team environment.
• Exposure to a diverse international customer portfolio.
• Opportunity to play a key role in the continued growth of the Chicago operation.