Ocean Export Specialist
Location: Chicago, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Ocean Export Specialist to join an established Forwarder in Chicago. This is a hands-on operational role for someone who understands the full Ocean Export process from A–Z and can confidently manage shipments from initial booking through to final departure and file closure.
This is a busy role, managing 25+ export files per week, so the right person will need to be organised, detail-focused and able to work at pace without compromising service or accuracy.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage Ocean Export shipments from A–Z
- Take full ownership of shipments from booking through to vessel departure and final file closure
- Coordinate bookings with shipping lines, overseas agents, customers and other service providers
- Prepare and process export documentation, including bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists and shipping instructions
- Coordinate container bookings, releases, loading and cut-off deadlines
- Ensure all documentation and shipment information is accurate and submitted within required deadlines
- Coordinate with trucking companies, warehouses, carriers and overseas offices
- Provide proactive shipment updates to customers
- Track containers and ensure milestones are updated accurately
- Manage a high-volume workload of 25+ Export files per week
- Ensure timely and accurate billing and file closure
- Manage exceptions, delays, documentation discrepancies and other operational challenges
- Build strong relationships with customers, carriers and overseas partners
What We're Looking For
- Experience in Ocean Export/Freight Forwarding operations
- Proven ability to manage the full A–Z ocean export process independently
- Experience managing a high-volume shipment portfolio
- Strong knowledge of ocean export documentation and procedures
- Experience working with shipping lines and overseas agents
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Confident problem-solver with a positive, solutions-focused attitude
- CargoWise experience is highly desirable
- Strong customer service skills
- Comfortable working independently while contributing positively to a wider team
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Opportunity to join a growing logistics operation
- Collaborative and professional working environment
- Career development opportunities
- Exposure to international ocean freight operations
- A role where your experience, initiative and operational expertise will have a direct impact
If you're an experienced Ocean Export professional who knows how to manage shipments from A–Z, takes ownership of their work, and is the type of person who naturally stays one step ahead, we'd love to hear from you.
