Operations Specialist

Job Title: Logistics Data Entry and Customer Support Specialist - Air & Ocean ExportJob Description

This entry-level role supports air and ocean export operations by performing accurate data entry, coordinating shipments, and providing responsive customer service via email and other channels. You will work in a modern corporate logistics environment, arranging pickups and transportation, updating shipment and billing information, and maintaining clear communication with customers, vendors, carriers, and overseas offices. This position offers a strong career path within a global, Fortune 500 freight forwarding organization that promotes from within and invests in employee growth.

Responsibilities

• Enter shipment, billing, and documentation details accurately into Excel and internal systems for air and ocean export shipments.

• Perform data entry for export documentation, ensuring all required information is complete, accurate, and compliant with internal procedures.

• Arrange pickups for customers, coordinating trucking transportation to and from shippers and other locations that require shipment handling.

• Coordinate air and ocean carriers for export shipments, ensuring bookings align with customer requirements and schedules.

• Communicate frequently with overseas offices regarding shipment status, documentation, and any issues that may affect transit or delivery.

• Provide customer service primarily through email, responding promptly and professionally to inquiries about shipment status, documentation, and billing.

• Maintain constant communication with customers to provide updates, confirm details, and ensure they receive timely and accurate information.

• Support invoicing processes by ensuring billing information is up to date, accurate, and properly reflected in the system.

• Use Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office tools to manage data, track shipments, and support daily operations.

• Provide general clerical and administrative support to the export team, including filing, organizing documents, and maintaining records.

• Coordinate and arrange with vendors, carriers, and service providers to ensure smooth end-to-end shipment handling.

• Collaborate with colleagues on the air and ocean export teams to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment and meet operational deadlines.

• Demonstrate a proactive, go-getter attitude by taking initiative, seeking additional responsibilities, and supporting continuous process improvement.

• Ensure all email communication is clear, professional, and aligned with company standards for customer support and service.

• Assist with other operational duties related to logistics and freight forwarding as needed to support the overall export department.

Essential Skills

• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data entry and tracking shipment information.

• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word for working with documents and correspondence.

• Ability to use Microsoft Outlook and email effectively for professional communication with customers, vendors, and internal teams.

• Strong data entry skills with high attention to detail and accuracy in handling documentation and billing information.

• Customer-oriented mindset with the ability to demonstrate strong customer service skills in written and verbal communication.

• Proactive, go-getter attitude with a willingness to take initiative and not wait to be told what to do.

• Ability to handle clerical and administrative support tasks in an office environment.

• Comfort working in operations and logistics-focused roles that require coordination and follow-up.

• 0-2 or 3 years of retail or office experience, including internships or other entry-level roles, is acceptable.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks and communications simultaneously.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is highly regarded, especially for recent college graduates with 0-1 year of office experience or internships.

• Retail experience combined with some office exposure is valuable when paired with a strong desire to learn and grow in logistics.

• Experience or familiarity with logistics, freight forwarding, or a corporate office environment is a plus.

• Experience with air export operations is a plus.

• Experience with ocean import or export processes is a plus.

• Demonstrated ambition to build a long-term career within a large, global freight forwarder.

• Strong communication skills for interacting with customers, vendors, carriers, and overseas offices.

• Interest in growing into other areas such as sales, ocean operations, billing, or supervisory and management roles over time.

Work Environment

You will work in a renovated, modern office space within a large, global Fortune 500 freight forwarding company. The environment is corporate, professional, and fast-paced, with a strong focus on logistics, air and ocean export operations, and customer service. The team includes separate air and ocean export groups, offering exposure to different sides of the business and opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues. Standard hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one-hour unpaid lunch. Available shifts include a Monday-Friday schedule and a Tuesday-Saturday schedule, supporting both air and ocean export operations. Overtime may occasionally be offered based on business needs, though it is not guaranteed or mandatory by default. You will use Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook) daily, along with internal logistics and documentation systems, to manage shipments and communication. The company offers a stable, growth-oriented culture with a strong emphasis on promoting from within and providing long-term career opportunities across departments such as sales, ocean, billing, and management. Holiday pay is available during the contract period, and contractors typically receive a year-end bonus. The workplace values employees who are eager to learn, take initiative, and grow alongside the organization.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of WOOD DALE, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in WOOD DALE,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 5, 2026.

About Aston Carter:

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.