Logistics and Trade Compliance Specialist

Description

 Job Title: Logistics and Trade Compliance Specialist

Department: Operations - Lely North America

Reports To: Planning & Logistics Team Leader  

FLSA Status: Exempt

Summary:

The Logistics & Trade Compliance Specialist is responsible for executing and continuously improving transportation, logistics, and trade compliance activities supporting Lely North America. This position coordinates international and domestic freight operations, customs compliance, regulatory documentation, and transportation service performance to support the efficient and compliant flow of materials into the organization. The role serves as a key liaison among carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, production, and supply chain teams, to maintain service, compliance, and operational effectiveness. in addition, this position supports manufacturing execution through the preparation and administration of Manufacturing Order documentation and related production materials. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Logistics

· Coordinate inbound ocean, air, parcel, LTL, and truckload shipments to support the timely and cost-effective delivery of parts and whole goods. 

· Monitor shipment status, carrier performance, and delivery commitments while proactively identifying and resolving transportation exceptions. 

· Serve as the primary point of contact for freight forwarders, carriers, brokers, and internal stakeholders regarding shipment activity and transportation related issues. 

· Coordinate container scheduling, inbound delivery appointments, and transportation priorities in support of production and customer requirements. 

· Create and maintain accurate Manufacturing Order (MO) packets to support material readiness and efficient production execution. 

· Review freight invoices, investigate discrepancies, and coordinate the resolution of damage and shortage claims.

· Maintain accurate transportation records, shipment documentation, and related operational data. 

· Evaluate transportation performance and identify opportunities to improve service, cost effectiveness, and operational efficiency.

· Develop, document, and maintain logistics procedures and supporting work instructions.

· Support initiatives and projects that improve transportation processes, internal coordination, and supply chain effectiveness.  

Trade Compliance

· Maintain import and export compliance processes in accordance with applicable customs, trade, and transportation, and regulatory requirements. 

· Manage and maintain trade compliance master data including HTS classifications, country of origin, PGA requirements, and supporting import documentation. 

· Coordinate with customs brokers to support timely customs clearance and resolve classification, valuation, documentation, and entry-related issues. 

· Support and coordinate duty optimization initiatives, including duty drawbacks, foreign trade zone operations, and tariff mitigation programs. 

· Monitor changes in relevant customs and trade regulations and communicate requirements or potential operational impacts to appropriate stakeholders.

· Maintain procedures, internal controls, records, and documentation supporting internal and external compliance audits. 

· Support compliance reviews by researching documentation, identifying discrepancies, and coordinating corrective actions when necessary.

· Ensure compliance with applicable dangerous goods shipping requirements and maintain required training records and documentation.

· Provide guidance to internal stakeholders regarding shipping documentation, customs requirements, and established trade compliance processes. 

· Partner with internal teams and external service providers to promote consistent, accurate, and compliant import and export practices. 

Continuous Improvement and Collaboration

· Identify opportunities to improve logistics, transportation, documentation and trade compliance processes.

· Use data and operational insights to evaluate issues, identify root causes, and recommend practical solutions.

· Collaborate with production, planning, supply chain, and customer service, finance, and other internal teams to support shared business objectives. 

· Build productive relationships with external transportation and compliance partners.

· Contribute to OneLely team culture by building strong partnerships, sharing knowledge, and supporting others in achieving shared goals.

· Maintain current knowledge of logistics practices, trade compliance requirements, and relevant regulatory developments.

· Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Transportation and Logistics or related field with at least 3-5 years previous job experience and/or training involving logistics administration/management, international shipping/compliance, or a combination of equivalent experience and education preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Working knowledge of U.S. Import and export regulations, customs, documentation, and international shipping requirements. 

· Familiarity with harmonized tariff schedule classification, country of origin determination, customs valuation, and partner government agency requirements. 

· Ability to interpret regulatory requirements and translate them into practical, consistent business processes. 

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to research discrepancies, evaluate options, and recommend solutions. 

· Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to documentation and data accuracy. 

· Ability to organize and prioritize a varied workload while maintaining accuracy, responsiveness, and follow-through. 

· Ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively to shipment exceptions and changing operational demands. 

· Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

· Ability to communicate technical or regulatory information clearly to internal and external stakeholders. 

· Ability to build effective working relationships and influence through knowledge, credibility, and collaboration. 

· Demonstrated initiative and a continuous-improvement mindset. 

· Sound judgment and the ability to handle sensitive or confidential business information appropriately. 

· Ability to work independently while remaining connected to broader team and organizational priorities. 

· Willingness to maintain technical knowledge and continually develop professional skills.

OneLely Behaviors:

· Contributes to a OneLely team culture by working collaboratively across teams and functions. 

· Approaches challenges with curiosity, sound judgment, and a solution-oriented perspective. 

· Adapts positively to changing business, transportation, and regulatory requirements. 

· Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through on commitments. 

· Shares knowledge and information to help colleagues and teams achieve common goals. 

· Considers both immediate operational needs and the broader impact of decisions. 

· Actively promotes Lely’s vision, mission, and core values through daily actions and decisions.

Computer Skills:

· PC-Networking/Microsoft Office Suite/Outlook

· Experience with enterprise resource planning, transportation management, warehouse management, or trade compliance systems preferred. 

· Communication and Collaboration Tools

Who We Are: Vision, Mission, and Core Values

Our Vision: A sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable future in farming

Our Mission: We create innovative solutions that help our customers excel in sustainable milk production to feed the world.

Our Core Values: Lely has 5 core values. Values that guide us in how we behave in dealing with others. On the work floor among colleagues, interacting with our customers, at meetings with our business partners, and when dealing with the press, independent of place and time, we show our values through our actions.

Innovation: We change traditions by continuously seeking new ideas for positive change.

Passion: We love what we do and are passionate to support our customers

Progress: We grow because our people are motivated to improve and move forward. 

Respect: Our focus is the well-being of people, animals, and the environment. 

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Lely provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.