Salary range is $70,000 - $80,000 annually, based on experience, with an excellent personal time off policy and 401(k) and Profit-Sharing!
About the Job
GFS Chemicals is seeking an International Logistics Specialist to join our RAC Division at our Kaderly Drive location. The International Logistics Specialist manages the documentation, coordination, and compliance requirements for incoming and outgoing international shipments. The International Logistics Specialist ensures shipments are executed safely, legally, and efficiently by adhering to applicable import/export regulations, carrier requirements, and internal procedures from shipment set-up through final delivery and record retention.
Apply now to learn more about GFS Chemicals. Let’s see if we have “Chemistry"!
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate all aspects of international shipments (import and export) to ensure accurate execution from booking through delivery, including selecting appropriate service levels and routing in alignment with requirements
- Prepare, review, and maintain required shipping and trade documentation (as applicable), such as commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, bills of lading/air waybills, export declarations, and other country- or customer-specific documents
- Ensure compliance with all applicable import/export rules and regulations, including restricted party screening requirements, export controls, embargo/sanctions awareness, and country-specific import requirements, escalating potential compliance risks as needed
- Determine and validate tariff classification/HS codes (as applicable), country of origin, and other data elements required for customs clearance; coordinate corrections when discrepancies are identified
- Work with freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokers, and internal teams to support on-time customs clearance and delivery, including resolving holds, exams, and document requests
- Coordinate shipment requirements for regulated or hazardous materials (as applicable), ensuring appropriate packaging, labeling, declarations, and carrier acceptance in accordance with relevant transport regulations and internal procedures
- Track shipment status and proactively communicate delays, exceptions, and required actions to appropriate internal stakeholders; document resolutions and follow-up actions
- Maintain accurate shipment records and compliance documentation in accordance with record retention requirements; support internal and external audits by providing timely, organized documentation
- Identify opportunities to improve import/export processes, documentation accuracy, carrier/broker performance, and compliance controls; recommend updates to procedures and work instructions
Qualifications & Requirements
- Education & Experience:
- Associates or Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
- 5+ years of import/export experience required
- Core Skills:
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time-sensitive shipments and deadlines
- Strong MS Office application skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Working knowledge of international shipping documentation and Incoterms (as applicable)
- Knowledge of import/export compliance concepts (e.g., restricted party screening, export controls, sanctions/embargo considerations, recordkeeping)
- Ability to collaborate effectively with freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokers, and internal stakeholders to resolve shipment issues
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to interpret and apply rules and regulations to real-world shipments
About GFS Chemicals
GFS Chemicals is a family‑owned and operated business based in Columbus, Ohio, serving customers worldwide since 1928. Each employee is entrusted with meaningful work that directly contributes to the success of our customers and the long‑term strength of our organization.
As an established yet close‑knit family business, GFS is built on a legacy of quality, service, integrity, and innovation in the fine and specialty chemicals market. We are committed to fostering a workplace where safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement are part of how we do business every day.
GFS offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support employees and their families, including competitive pay, a 401(k) with profit sharing, a Health Savings Account with a 2:1 company match, paid time off, company‑paid life insurance and AD&D coverage, medical, vision, dental insurance, and additional benefits.
Our Culture & Core Values
Our Core Values guide how we operate and every employee plays a role in upholding them.
- Safety First — We are committed to the safety of our employees and our community.
- Reliable High Quality — We are dedicated to delivering exceptional quality in everything we do.
- Adaptability — We adjust to new situations and challenges with a positive mindset, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of change.
- Continuous Improvement — We take initiative by seeking new and better ways of improving our processes, skills and technology.
- Trustworthy Family Business — We maintain high ethical standards and take responsibility for our actions and outcomes.
- Collaborative Engagement — We build deep relationships with customers and employees, we work together to understand and meet their specific needs, combining customer feedback and employee expertise for better outcomes.
Additional Information
GFS Chemicals will only employ individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/Disabled
No agency inquiries, please.
Skills Required
- 5+ years of import/export experience
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field
- Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time-sensitive shipments and deadlines
- Strong Microsoft Office application skills, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Working knowledge of international shipping documentation and Incoterms
- Knowledge of import/export compliance concepts, including restricted-party screening, export controls, sanctions, embargoes, and recordkeeping
- Ability to collaborate with freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokers, and internal stakeholders
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to interpret and apply rules and regulations
- Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship
What We Do
GFS Chemicals is a Columbus, Ohio-based manufacturer and supplier of fine and specialty chemicals serving customers worldwide. Its portfolio includes more than 8,000 manufactured products, including analytical laboratory reagents and standards, research chemicals, specialty organic compounds such as alkynes, and specialized inorganic chemicals. The company also produces pharmaceutical building blocks, trace-metal salts and solutions, anhydrous salts, and reagents and materials for quality-control laboratories.
