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Import Export Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Import Export information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$25.1K

$53.8K

$78.4K

How much do import export jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for import export in Waterloo, IA is $53,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,400.00 and $60,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in an import export role, and how can I prepare to handle them?

Professionals in import-export roles frequently navigate challenges such as changing international regulations, customs compliance, and logistical delays. Staying organized, keeping up with global trade laws, and maintaining strong relationships with carriers and customs brokers are key to managing these obstacles. Proactively developing problem-solving skills and remaining adaptable can help you respond effectively to unforeseen issues, ensuring smooth operations across borders. Employers value candidates who are detail-oriented and proactive about continuous learning in this fast-paced field.

What is the difference between Import Export vs Customs Broker?

AspectImport ExportCustoms Broker
CredentialsTypically requires knowledge of international trade laws, certifications varyRequires customs broker license, specific certifications
Work EnvironmentLogistics companies, trading firms, shipping portsCustoms agencies, freight forwarding companies
Industry UsageUsed across import/export companies, freight forwardersSpecialized in clearing goods through customs

While both roles are involved in international trade, Import Export professionals handle the overall process of shipping goods across borders, including documentation and logistics. Customs Brokers focus specifically on clearing goods through customs, ensuring compliance with regulations. Understanding these differences helps businesses choose the right role for their needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an import export specialist?

To thrive as an Import Export Specialist, you need a strong understanding of international trade regulations, logistics, and supply chain management, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with customs documentation systems, freight management software, and trade compliance platforms is typically required. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective cross-cultural communication help professionals excel in this role. These competencies ensure smooth, compliant, and cost-effective movement of goods across borders, which is critical for business success.

How do I get into the import export field?

To enter the import export field, gaining knowledge of international trade regulations, logistics, and customs procedures is essential. Many professionals start with a relevant degree or certification in international business or supply chain management and develop skills in negotiation, documentation, and using trade management software. Entry-level positions often require language skills and understanding of global markets.

How do you get into import export?

To start a career in import export, gaining knowledge of international trade regulations, customs procedures, and logistics is essential. Many professionals pursue relevant certifications or training in supply chain management, and gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles can help build industry understanding and skills.

What is an import export job?

Import export jobs involve managing the movement of goods and services across international borders. Professionals in this field handle logistics, compliance with regulations, customs documentation, and communication with suppliers and clients worldwide. These roles can include positions such as import/export coordinators, customs brokers, logistics managers, and trade compliance specialists. The main goal is to ensure products move efficiently and legally from one country to another while minimizing costs and delays.

What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Import Export jobs?

Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Import Export job openings:

Global Supply Chain Manager

United Equipment Accessories

Waverly, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide strategic leadership and direct responsibility for planning, coordinating, and managing all aspects of United Equipment Accessories' global supply chain. Accountable for developing and executing sourcing strategies, supplier partnerships, inventory optimization, production planning, logistics, warehousing, and distribution activities that support company growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain by developing processes, implementing best practices, improving ERP utilization, and driving operational efficiencies from product design through customer delivery. Responsible for balancing demand, capacity, inventory, and financial objectives while proactively mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring world-class supplier and operational performance.

Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Sales, Customer Service, Finance, and Operations to develop accurate demand forecasts, supply plans, inventory strategies, and production schedules while ensuring customer commitments are achieved within budget and operational capabilities.


REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

This position reports directly to the Director of Operations.  The Strategic Sourcing & Inventory Control Supervisor, Senior Production Planner/Scheduler, and Logistics Supervisor report directly to this position. 


ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND MEASUREMENTS OF PERFORMANCE:

Follow rules and processes as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Safety and Quality Manuals regarding conduct and performance standards expected of all employees.

Maintain a positive work attitude that reflects the UEA Core Values (Accountability, Care, Hardworking/Dedicated, Creative Problem Solver, and Knowledge Seeker).

Develop and execute global supply chain strategies that support company objectives for growth, customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and profitability.

Establish key supply chain performance metrics and executive dashboards to measure supplier performance, inventory management, logistics, forecasting, and procurement.

Monitor and improve KPIs including inventory turns, forecast accuracy, supplier on-time delivery, supplier quality, inventory accuracy, freight costs, purchase price variance, schedule adherence, and working capital.

Develop and execute strategic sourcing initiatives that improve supplier quality, delivery, cost competitiveness, innovation, and long-term supply continuity.

Qualify, evaluate, negotiate, and manage domestic and international supplier relationships while protecting company intellectual property and supporting business growth.

Establish and monitor supplier performance scorecards, conduct supplier business reviews, support the VRMA process, and lead supplier corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.

Develop and implement supply chain risk mitigation strategies including supplier diversification, dual sourcing, contingency planning, and business continuity planning.

Maintain current knowledge of global trade regulations, import/export requirements, HTS classifications, Incoterms, customs compliance, tariffs, ITAR, end-use verification, and international logistics requirements.

Provide strategic leadership for procurement, inventory management, production planning, logistics, warehousing, transportation, and distribution activities.

Oversee inventory control plans and strategy for inventory planning & execution.

Collaborate with Engineering during new product development to ensure DFM, DFC, supplier readiness, and successful launches.

Ensure compliance with OSHA, ITAR, environmental, customer, and governmental requirements.

Maintain supplier Safety Data Summary documentation.

Lead supplier ITAR qualification and compliance processes.

Develop annual supply chain budgets and cost reduction initiatives.

Develop, mentor, and motivate the Supply Chain organization.

Foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Demonstrate regular attendance and effective communication.

Maintain professional relationships and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION -  Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related discipline is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.


EXPERIENCE - Minimum five (7) years of progressively responsible experience in manufacturing supply chain leadership including sourcing, planning, inventory, logistics, ERP systems, and supervisory responsibility. International sourcing experience preferred.


SKILLS - Must be analytic, forward-thinking and committed to continuous improvement and quality results. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential to work effectively and professionally with suppliers, customers and employees at all levels of the organization. Comprehensive business literacy, financial ability, negotiation and contract management skills are critical competencies. The ability to think and operate at both strategic and tactical levels while effectively prioritizing and managing multiple concurrent assignments in addition to meeting quality, time and budgetary constraints is essential. Must have a demonstrated ability to develop, lead and motivate others to accomplish business objectives.


PHYSICAL - Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear (with mechanical assistance if necessary) sufficiently to understand and comprehend individual one-on-one conversations. Possess specific vision abilities including near vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus (with corrective lenses if necessary) and able to lift up to 40 lbs. to perform the requirements of the position. 


MENTAL - Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently and possess the ability to communicate clearly on technical and business levels while maintaining professional conduct is essential. The ability to handle frequent interruptions, simultaneous demands from internal and external entities, and managing projects with financial impact is critical.


WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Global Supply Chain Manager position will primarily work in a plant office setting which is a temperature-controlled, smoke free environment that also has typical factory hazards including noise, dust, and tripping hazards. United Equipment Accessories, Inc., functions in a real market environment that changes at various times of the year, which occasionally may create high output or greater time pressure demands. This is an exempt position and completion of duties regardless of the number of hours or number of days worked per week is expected. These hours may vary according to operations and business demands. Occasional travel will be required.