Ashley Furniture Industries is hiring: Air Freight Specialist in Chippewa Falls
Ashley Furniture Industries, Chippewa Falls, WI, United States
Ashley Furniture Industries | Arcadia, WI | International Logistics & Customer Support
Keep the World Moving. Coordinate Global Air Freight for the #1 Furniture Company.
Ashley Furniture is seeking an Air Freight Specialist to join our International Logistics & Customer Support team in Arcadia, Wisconsin. If you're detail-oriented, enjoy problem-solving, and want to play a critical role in our global supply chain, this is your opportunity to join the most innovative and competitive furniture company on the planet.
In this role, you'll coordinate and monitor international air freight shipments from origin to final destination, ensuring timely delivery, customs compliance, and cost-effective transportation solutions that support Ashley's mission to deliver quality products to customers worldwide.
About Ashley Furniture
We're driven by a Massively Transformative Purpose : to inspire the love of home and enrich the lives of those around us by being the most innovative and competitive furniture company on the planet.
Our mission: Improve Quality. Reduce Costs. Do More Business. Be Profitable. Stay in Business.
We live our core values every day:
Honesty & Integrity – Be forthright in all we do
Passion, Drive & Discipline – Give everything to your role
Dirty Fingernail – You get what you inspect, not what you expect
Continuous Improvement – Know the business and make it better
Customer Centric – Deliver on what is promised to the customer
Boundaryless – Work for the greater good of the organization
The Opportunity
As our Air Freight Specialist , you'll be the vital link in our international supply chain, coordinating air shipments across all Ashley locations globally. You'll work boundarylessly with internal teams, international vendors, customs brokers, and freight carriers to ensure seamless movement of products from origin to destination.
This role is perfect for someone with strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to Continuous Improvement in logistics processes.
What You'll Do
Coordinate & Track International Air Shipments
Track shipments from origin to final destination across global routes
Coordinate with Classification Team to provide accurate customs clearance information to air carriers
Research and resolve issues preventing shipments from being delivered or dispatched
Update inventory and shipping information manually as needed to ensure data accuracy
Monitor and prioritize shipments imperative for production needs or market deadlines
Ensure Customs Compliance & Documentation
Provide accurate customs clearance information to ensure timely and effective clearance
Maintain and retain international correspondence in accordance with U.S. Customs requirements
Update internal systems with necessary customs clearance information
Stay current with importing/exporting rules, regulations, and international shipping industry changes
Communicate relevant findings to management to maintain compliance
Manage Purchase Orders & Delivery Coordination
Monitor and maintain purchase order (PO) due dates in Ashley's internal computer systems
Research and resolve POs that fall outside acceptable variance ranges
Communicate delivery information to internal contacts as needed
Coordinate less than container load (LCL) shipments from quote to delivery
Process Payments & Audit Billing
Process and approve wire payments for sample shipments and service providers
Coordinate with Accounts Payable to submit payments accurately and on time
Validate statements for accuracy and ensure records are stored properly
Audit air carrier/broker billing to ensure accurate clearance information and competitive freight charges
Resolve billing issues as needed to protect Ashley's interests
Drive Cost Optimization
Continually monitor costs and current air freight market conditions
Ensure Ashley secures most competitive rates in the industry
Prepare and provide costing analysis upon request
Analyze and recommend carrier assignments based on cost and service analysis
Embody our mission to Reduce Costs while maintaining service excellence
Support Export Operations
Coordinate export shipments including documentation compilation
Communicate with vendors/offices at origin for seamless coordination
Notify service providers of pick-up information and requirements
Determine payment information as needed for international transactions
Lead Training & Process Improvement
Provide training and support to international vendors and overseas offices on air freight procedures
Assist with maintaining standard operating procedures for the Freight Team
Determine areas in need of improvement and make recommendations
Assist with creating, implementing, and monitoring process improvement changes
Collect and update information in accordance with team key process measures
Champion Continuous Improvement in all logistics operations
What You'll Bring
Required Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent
1+ year of office support, clerical, or administrative work experience
Some college coursework or equivalent work experience preferred
Skills & Abilities
Core Competencies:
Strong attention to detail – Critical for customs compliance and accurate documentation
Excellent communication skills – Verbal and written communication with international partners
Analytical and problem-solving skills – Troubleshoot shipping issues and resolve delays
Time management and organizational skills – Handle multiple shipments and priorities simultaneously
Customer orientation – Deliver on commitments to internal and external customers
Adaptability – Thrive in fast-paced, dynamic international logistics environment
Technical Skills:
Proficient keyboarding and 10-key skills
Ability to learn import logistics, international transportation, and customs regulations
Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement methodologies
Personal Attributes:
Work independently as well as in a team environment
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive shipping and financial information
Display empathy, understanding, and patience with employees and external customers
Respond professionally in difficult situations with vendors or internal partners
Perform under strong demands in a fast-paced environment
Initiating Action – Take ownership and proactively address issues
Environment: Office-based with standard office equipment
Schedule: Full-time with flexibility to work extended hours when necessary
Travel: Opportunity for domestic travel as needed
Physical Requirements: Predominantly seated work with ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally
Why Join Ashley's International Logistics Team?
Global Impact: Coordinate shipments supporting Ashley locations worldwide
Continuous Learning: Develop expertise in international logistics, customs regulations, and freight operations
Career Growth: Build skills and advance within a growth-focused organization
Team Environment: Work with supportive colleagues committed to excellence
Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match
Stability: Join an industry leader committed to staying in business for generations
Ashley Furniture Industries is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Keep the World Moving. Coordinate Global Air Freight for the #1 Furniture Company.
Ashley Furniture is seeking an Air Freight Specialist to join our International Logistics & Customer Support team in Arcadia, Wisconsin. If you're detail-oriented, enjoy problem-solving, and want to play a critical role in our global supply chain, this is your opportunity to join the most innovative and competitive furniture company on the planet.
In this role, you'll coordinate and monitor international air freight shipments from origin to final destination, ensuring timely delivery, customs compliance, and cost-effective transportation solutions that support Ashley's mission to deliver quality products to customers worldwide.
About Ashley Furniture
We're driven by a Massively Transformative Purpose : to inspire the love of home and enrich the lives of those around us by being the most innovative and competitive furniture company on the planet.
Our mission: Improve Quality. Reduce Costs. Do More Business. Be Profitable. Stay in Business.
We live our core values every day:
Honesty & Integrity – Be forthright in all we do
Passion, Drive & Discipline – Give everything to your role
Dirty Fingernail – You get what you inspect, not what you expect
Continuous Improvement – Know the business and make it better
Customer Centric – Deliver on what is promised to the customer
Boundaryless – Work for the greater good of the organization
The Opportunity
As our Air Freight Specialist , you'll be the vital link in our international supply chain, coordinating air shipments across all Ashley locations globally. You'll work boundarylessly with internal teams, international vendors, customs brokers, and freight carriers to ensure seamless movement of products from origin to destination.
This role is perfect for someone with strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to Continuous Improvement in logistics processes.
What You'll Do
Coordinate & Track International Air Shipments
Track shipments from origin to final destination across global routes
Coordinate with Classification Team to provide accurate customs clearance information to air carriers
Research and resolve issues preventing shipments from being delivered or dispatched
Update inventory and shipping information manually as needed to ensure data accuracy
Monitor and prioritize shipments imperative for production needs or market deadlines
Ensure Customs Compliance & Documentation
Provide accurate customs clearance information to ensure timely and effective clearance
Maintain and retain international correspondence in accordance with U.S. Customs requirements
Update internal systems with necessary customs clearance information
Stay current with importing/exporting rules, regulations, and international shipping industry changes
Communicate relevant findings to management to maintain compliance
Manage Purchase Orders & Delivery Coordination
Monitor and maintain purchase order (PO) due dates in Ashley's internal computer systems
Research and resolve POs that fall outside acceptable variance ranges
Communicate delivery information to internal contacts as needed
Coordinate less than container load (LCL) shipments from quote to delivery
Process Payments & Audit Billing
Process and approve wire payments for sample shipments and service providers
Coordinate with Accounts Payable to submit payments accurately and on time
Validate statements for accuracy and ensure records are stored properly
Audit air carrier/broker billing to ensure accurate clearance information and competitive freight charges
Resolve billing issues as needed to protect Ashley's interests
Drive Cost Optimization
Continually monitor costs and current air freight market conditions
Ensure Ashley secures most competitive rates in the industry
Prepare and provide costing analysis upon request
Analyze and recommend carrier assignments based on cost and service analysis
Embody our mission to Reduce Costs while maintaining service excellence
Support Export Operations
Coordinate export shipments including documentation compilation
Communicate with vendors/offices at origin for seamless coordination
Notify service providers of pick-up information and requirements
Determine payment information as needed for international transactions
Lead Training & Process Improvement
Provide training and support to international vendors and overseas offices on air freight procedures
Assist with maintaining standard operating procedures for the Freight Team
Determine areas in need of improvement and make recommendations
Assist with creating, implementing, and monitoring process improvement changes
Collect and update information in accordance with team key process measures
Champion Continuous Improvement in all logistics operations
What You'll Bring
Required Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent
1+ year of office support, clerical, or administrative work experience
Some college coursework or equivalent work experience preferred
Skills & Abilities
Core Competencies:
Strong attention to detail – Critical for customs compliance and accurate documentation
Excellent communication skills – Verbal and written communication with international partners
Analytical and problem-solving skills – Troubleshoot shipping issues and resolve delays
Time management and organizational skills – Handle multiple shipments and priorities simultaneously
Customer orientation – Deliver on commitments to internal and external customers
Adaptability – Thrive in fast-paced, dynamic international logistics environment
Technical Skills:
Proficient keyboarding and 10-key skills
Ability to learn import logistics, international transportation, and customs regulations
Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement methodologies
Personal Attributes:
Work independently as well as in a team environment
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive shipping and financial information
Display empathy, understanding, and patience with employees and external customers
Respond professionally in difficult situations with vendors or internal partners
Perform under strong demands in a fast-paced environment
Initiating Action – Take ownership and proactively address issues
Environment: Office-based with standard office equipment
Schedule: Full-time with flexibility to work extended hours when necessary
Travel: Opportunity for domestic travel as needed
Physical Requirements: Predominantly seated work with ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally
Why Join Ashley's International Logistics Team?
Global Impact: Coordinate shipments supporting Ashley locations worldwide
Continuous Learning: Develop expertise in international logistics, customs regulations, and freight operations
Career Growth: Build skills and advance within a growth-focused organization
Team Environment: Work with supportive colleagues committed to excellence
Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match
Stability: Join an industry leader committed to staying in business for generations
Ashley Furniture Industries is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
#J-18808-Ljbffr