The Export Team Lead is a senior-level individual contributor who combines export shipment coordination with team leadership and development. This role manages a portfolio of export shipments while providing day-to-day guidance, training, coaching, and operational support to Export Coordinators and other team members. Acting as a trusted resource for customers, partners, and internal stakeholders, the Export Team Lead contributes directly to customer retention, revenue growth, team development, and process improvement while serving as a key resource for onboarding,training, and operational continuity. The position serves as a key step in the leadership path toward Export Supervisor.
Duties and responsibilities include supporting customer onboarding, account implementation, and ongoing service excellence; serving as a key resource for resolving complex client, carrier, and supplier issues; supporting customer retention through responsive communication and operational expertise; reinforcing service standards and customer-focused execution across the team; managing export shipments and maintaining a high level of operational performance on assigned accounts; supporting daily workflow coordination, workload balancing, and team productivity; ensuring adherence to CargoWise, GlobalLink, SOPs, and operational best practices; assisting with reporting, shipment monitoring, onboarding, and process improvement initiatives; providing operational leadership and continuity during Supervisor or Manager absences; leading resolution of complex shipment, customer, and operational issues; identifying workflow bottlenecks, process gaps, and service risks and implementing corrective actions; escalating significant operational, compliance, or customer concerns when appropriate; driving continuous improvement in service quality, efficiency, and consistency; partnering with Supervisors, Managers, Sales, Compliance, carriers, agents, and branch teams to support customer and business objectives; communicating priorities, procedural expectations, and operational updates effectively; promoting collaboration, cross-training, and knowledge sharing across the team; supporting client, carrier, and partner relationships that strengthen operational performance; supporting timely and accurate billing, file completion, and documentation standards; assisting with billing audits, prepayment reporting, collections support, and operational reporting; monitoring operational reports and performance metrics to support department goals; maintaining accurate shipment records and regulatory documentation; coaching, training, and mentoring Export Coordinators and new team members; supporting onboarding, retraining, and individual development planning; conducting quality reviews, audits, and feedback sessions to improve team performance; reinforcing accountability, compliance, and operational excellence through day-to-day leadership; and performing other duties as assigned.
Benchmarks for measuring success include consistently meeting productivity, workflow, and shipment execution expectations; delivering timely, accurate, and competitive customer and agent quotations; maintaining strong documentation quality, data integrity, and file accuracy; supporting successful onboarding and development of new team members; building strong customer, carrier, and agent relationships that support retention and service excellence; demonstrating active leadership through coaching, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration; and contributing to process improvements that strengthen operational efficiency and team performance.
Skills and qualifications include strong knowledge of export operations, U.S. export regulations, TSA requirements, and compliance practices; proficiency with CargoWise, GlobalLink, and freight forwarding systems; export documentation, shipment processing, quoting, and onboarding expertise; reporting, operational analytics, and data management skills; advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Excel (Pivot Tables and VLOOKUP) and PowerPoint; customer relationship management and service excellence; strong communication and stakeholder management skills; workload prioritization, delegation, and operational coordination; problem-solving and decision-making in a fast-paced environment; process improvement and continuous improvement mindset; strong attention to detail, organization, and accountability; coaching, mentoring, and employee development; informal team leadership and performance support; operational decision-making and issue resolution; cross-functional collaboration and positive influence; leadership through example, professionalism, and accountability; 4–6 years of export freight forwarding experience, or CES certification (or willingness to obtain) with a minimum of 2 years of export experience; strong knowledge of export operations and freight forwarding processes; excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong attention to detail, analytical ability, and organizational skills; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel; ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively under pressure; and experience training, mentoring, or supporting team members.
Preferred qualifications include an associate's or bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, International Business, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field; experience utilizing CargoWise; CES certification; knowledge of logistics and supply chain management principles; and experience leading training, onboarding, or process improvement initiatives.
Office/work environment and physical demands include operating in a professional office environment (and/or remotely from a home office) with a quiet to moderate noise level and routinely requires the use of standard office equipment such computers, photocopying machines and storage/filing cabinets. This is a largely sedentary role, however, lifting items under 25 pounds as well as the ability to bend, stand and walk short distances may be required. Travel requirement is less than 10%. Mohawk Global is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Equal Employment Opportunity is The Law. Employee Rights Under the FMLA. Employee Rights - Employee Polygraph Protection Act.