International Shipping Supervisor
Indexed description
Our vision is for our customers to know us globally as their innovative, easy-to-do-business-with, best-in-class life-safety product partner. And our mission? With a passion for creating safer environments worldwide, our mission is to provide our customers with a team of real people that connect them with reliable expertise in life safety applications.
If you're inspired by purpose, energized by collaboration, and thrive in an environment of feedback, ownership, and experimentation—you’ll feel at home here.
As an International Shipping Supervisor, you will lead all international shipping operations for our St. Louis Manufacturing Facility, ensuring fast, accurate, and fully compliant delivery of products to customers around the world. This role oversees export documentation, customs compliance, freight coordination, and global logistics while partnering closely with internal teams and third‑party providers to maintain smooth, reliable international distribution. The position drives operational excellence, safeguards adherence to U.S. export regulations and international trade requirements, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement across all global shipping activities. Apply today and help move Potter’s products around the world.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and oversee all international shipping operations, ensuring shipments are processed accurately, on time, and in full compliance with domestic and international regulations.
- Supervise, coach, and develop shipping team members, providing training on international shipping procedures, documentation, and compliance requirements.
- Coordinate international shipments with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and internal stakeholders to ensure efficient transportation and delivery.
- Prepare, review, and maintain export documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, export declarations, and other required shipping documents.
- Ensure compliance with U.S. export regulations, customs requirements, sanctions, and company trade compliance policies.
- Investigate and resolve shipping discrepancies, customs delays, transportation issues, and customer delivery concerns.
- Collaborate with Customer Service, Planning, Production, Quality, and Warehouse teams to meet customer requirements and shipping schedules.
- Monitor international freight costs and transportation performance while identifying opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
- Maintain accurate shipping records, inventory transactions, and reporting within the ERP system.
- Develop daily staffing, equipment, and workload plans to meet international shipping schedules and customer commitments.
- Participate in hiring, scheduling, performance management, and employee development activities.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing LEAN principles to enhance shipping accuracy, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
- Conduct regular safety observations and 5S audits while promoting a safe, organized, and compliant work environment.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for international shipping processes, ensuring all documentation remains current.
- Track and report key performance indicators including on‑time shipments, freight costs, shipping accuracy, customs compliance, and carrier performance.
- Support internal and external audits related to shipping, customs compliance, and trade regulations.
- Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support team goals and project milestones.
- 3 + years of leadership experience in international shipping, logistics, supply chain, or transportation operations within a manufacturing environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or a related field preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of international shipping regulations, customs compliance, and export documentation.
- Experience working with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and international carriers.
- Experience utilizing ERP systems and transportation management software.
- Proven ability to identify operational issues, develop solutions, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Experience leading teams in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
- Forklift certification or willingness to obtain.
- Strong knowledge of international shipping processes, import/export regulations, and customs documentation
- Working knowledge of Incoterms, HTS classifications, and international trade compliance
- Excellent leadership, coaching, and communication skills
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
- Strong customer service mindset with exceptional attention to detail
- Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
- Ability to build strong relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and internal departments
- Ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds
- We build strong relationships—with teammates, partners, and customers
- We take pride in knowing every product we build serves the purpose of protecting lives
- We listen actively, coach frequently, and own our results
- We foster innovation, value curiosity, and believe that experimentation is part of growth
- We create a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone belongs
- We take ownership of our work—quality and safety are at the core of what we do
- Employee Ownership Program – You’re not just an employee—you’re an owner. We share success together.
- Competitive health, dental, and vision plans
- 401(k) with company match
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Continuous learning and development opportunities
- Financial Wellness programs including complimentary Certified Financial Planner sessions
- Recognition programs that celebrate individual and team wins
- A mission-driven team that supports life-saving outcomes, every day
Ready to Apply?
Ready to make a real impact? If you’re driven, curious, and excited to grow with a team that’s changing the world—and where you’re not just an employee but an owner—we want you on board!
Join us, and let’s create safer environments together—making a global difference you’ll be proud to own.
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