Global Logistics & Customs Specialist

WhiteWater makes products, but we are a service business at our heart, which means we are a people business. In this way, we excel and create value for our clients by listening to their needs, collaborating to develop solutions, problem-solving and attending to the details. Our culture, as you would expect, reflects these traits. We are a diverse group of experts, from creative designers to talented engineers. Whatever expertise we bring from all over the world, we listen and learn from each other because we are aligned with a clearly understood purpose. Together, we create fun for families globally.
Position: Global Logistics and Customs SpecialistShift: 40 hours | Full-timeDepartment: Project ManagementLocation: Richmond, BC, Canada (relocating to Vancouver Downtown - mid 2027)Reports to: Global Logistics ManagerPurposeThe Global Logistics & Customs Specialist manages the end-to-end international movement of project cargo across import, export and cross-trade lanes. This role requires hands-on operational experience arranging both ocean and air shipments, strong customs and trade knowledge, and the ability to deliver complex projects on time and within budget in a fast-paced global environment.
This is a full-time, permanent position based at the Richmond, BC head office (4 days in office / 1 day remote) which will move to 5 days in-office once the office moves from Richmond to Mount Pleasant Vancouver, BC mid-2027.
YOUR ROLE
Shipment Management
Own end-to-end shipping for assigned projects, including PO and work-order cargo, and deliver shipments on time and within
Arrange international and domestic shipments by ocean, air, courier and ground across import, export and cross-trade lanes using applicable Incoterms.
Manage project shipment values, freight POs, invoice review and approvals in accordance with established
Manage letter of credit shipments and documentary credit negotiations, including document preparation, bank presentations and discrepancy resolution.
Run competitive freight bids and negotiate rates with carriers and logistics service
Maintain provider relationships and onboard new providers as
Coordinate with project managers, buyers, engineers, customers, banks, customs authorities, chambers of commerce and government offices.
Support marketing and trade show shipments, fiberglass mould transfers, production transfers, vendor onboarding, sales estimates and other shipping activities assigned by the Global Logistics Manager.
Research customs and tariff issues independently and with customs
Administrative Responsibilities
Maintain weekly project shipment summaries and accurate tracking
Request timely receiving of goods and freight purchase orders in the ERP
Support freight-spend and master RFQ
Actively contribute to continuous improvement and participate in developing or improving processes, procedures and
Follow global logistics procedures and provide coverage for other team members as
Support occasional urgent local procurement
Customs Formalities
Manage import and export customs formalities with brokers and regulatory bodies, including complete and accurate clearance
Classify new items, support country-of-origin and customs valuation determinations, and apply free trade agreements where
Maintain customs records and arrange required cargo inspections, document certification and legalization
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCEEducation
Postsecondary certificate, diploma or bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of continuing education and work experience (e.G., SCMP, CIFFA, CITT or regional equivalents).
Experience
Project logistics work experience is mandatory.
3-5 years of hands-on operational experience arranging both ocean freight (FCL/LCL) and air freight shipments is required.
Demonstrated experience with letter of credit shipments and documentary credit negotiation is required, including document review, bank presentations, discrepancy management and coordination with internal and external parties.
Strong working knowledge of ocean bills of lading is required, including original, express release/sea waybill, straight and negotiable/order bills of lading, and surrender/telex release processes.
Proficiency in Incoterms 2020 and a practical understanding of customs formalities, HS classification, country of origin and customs valuation.
Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office skills, with the ability to independently consolidate and analyze data from multiple sources.
Strong communication, stakeholder-management and commercial negotiation skills.
Confident using AI tools, ERP systems and other digital tools to improve logistics efficiency;
D365 or comparable ERP experience is a strong asset. Familiarity with Power BI, trade-compliance software, dangerous goods and courier shipping is also an asset.
Familiarity with LEAN principles and Standard Work is an asset.
COMPETENCIES, SKILLS & ABILITIES
A strong team-player mindset is essential. The successful candidate works across functions, shares information and workload, avoids siloed working, and consistently treats project delivery as a shared team responsibility.
Constructively speaks up when risks, issues or improvement opportunities arise and pairs concerns with practical solutions or recommended next steps.
Confident and resourceful when shipping to unfamiliar destinations, using sound logistics judgment, independent research to deliver compliant, high-quality outcomes.
Reliable, proactive and resourceful, with sound judgment and careful attention to
Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and
Highly organized and able to prioritize multiple projects independently with minimal
Clear, professional written and verbal communicator who works effectively across cultures and time
Additional languages are an asset.
WHITEWATER COMPETENCIES
Accountability – We do what we say
Collaboration – We work well together
Customer Focus – We know and respond to our customers
Communication – We listen to and understand each other
Authenticity – We are honest and trust each other
Resilience – We deal effectively with pressure, are persistent and optimistic
Flexibility & Adaptability – We are willing and able to respond to changing circumstances.
WhiteWateris proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate the diversity of all employees and applicants and are strongly committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone.
We thank all the candidates who take the time and energy to apply. Given the volume of applications, it makes responding personally to each applicant difficult, but please know we are grateful for your interest. We look forward to connecting with you through this search or future ones. All the best in your job search.
#J-18808-Ljbffr