ABOUT ALBERT USTER IMPORTS 

Albert Uster Imports, Inc. (“AUI”) is a privately held gourmet food company headquartered in the Washington, DC area (Gaithersburg, MD) with warehouse locations in Kansas City, Las Vegas, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Gaithersburg. AUI falls under the Vestar Capital Partners portfolio with affiliate organization, Roland Foods, LLC. 

Founded in 1968, the company offers over 1,400 products from around the world. We serve leading hotels, restaurants, casinos, cruise lines, airlines, and manufacturers with innovative, high quality products and solutions to their most demanding culinary challenges. We operate a network of distribution centers across the U.S. and serve select International markets as well. AUI has a national direct selling organization of over 60 sales professionals and a staff of culinary experts (chefs and food scientists) adept at custom product solutions.

     

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the VP of Supply Chain, the Logistics Specialist provides operational and analytical support with all inbound logistics functions, to support an efficient and cost effective transportation model and to enable better business decisions. Manages, directs and coordinates the Company’s inbound and transfer logistics activities in alignment with corporate strategy, established financial principles and government regulations.  Develops and maintains a system of ongoing reports (dashboards) to monitor key metrics of inbound operations, logistics and other key measures. Communicates and distributes dashboards and ad hoc tasks to key stakeholders within AUI and the supplier community as appropriate.

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITES

  • Manages all aspects of domestic and international inbound transportation.
  • Coordinates with overseas service providers optimal loads under consideration of cost, temperature, transit-times as well as hub & spoke considerations.
  • Negotiates and maintains rate sheets.
  • Develops and maintains domestic routing guides for use by product vendors.
  • Works with Purchasing Team and Distribution Centers on container reviews, inbound & transfer scheduling, optimal freight solutions.
  • Creates and maintains shipment and documentation filing system for operational purposes as well as mandated record keeping requirements.
  • Provides regular reports and shipment dashboards for internal and external use.
  • Schedules and communicates delivery appointments and assures that FDA holds / releases are communicated and handled by AUI DCs accordingly.
  • Communicates sub-optimal vendor performance in any aspect of inbound logistics to Purchasing and Innovation Teams. 
  • Coordinates the preparation and movement of trans-loads, cross docks, off-site storage, replenishment from off-site storage and DC to DC transfer; provides and collects outbound and receipt documentation; keeps record per company policy.
  • Monitors and reports on outstanding Purchase Order / Transfer receipts.
  • Keeps arrival dates up-to-date and acts on shipment delays. Enters updated arrival and availability dates in IT system and communicates such dates within the organization.
  • Approves carrier and service provider invoices and maintains landed cost records.
  • Provides monthly cost element analytics and proposes opportunities for cost reduction.
  • Audits all duty invoices for accuracy and compliance.
  • Assists with duty classification for new product and maintains HTS / FDA code portals with Customs Broker(s).
  • Manages all OSD incidents, files carrier / insurance claims.
  • Prepares and submits documentation to third party warehouse for International Inbound shipments.
  • Maintains inventory of office supplies.
  • Creates and processes operating material orders, receiving and reconciling of balances from blanket orders.
  • Creates receiving / invoices packages and submits for approval.

  • Performs miscellaneous purchasing, inventory, and administrative tasks as needed.
  • Inputs new vendor and item in database.

  • Maintains vendor FDA Registration Facility Registrations and updates internal and broker files periodically.
  • Responds to other government requests with appropriate action such as “Request for Information”, Sampling, Lab Testing, USDA ingredient listings and more.
  • Maintains complete communication record and documentation on all entries subject to government requests, holds and conclusion.
  • Maintains carrier COI, marine insurance, customs bonds and other policies.
  • Works closely with Purchasing Team and Logistics Manager on disposition of product damaged during inbound operation.
  • Assists VP Supply Chain with coordination and record keeping of disposal and donation files.
  • Provides support to VP Supply Chain and Purchasing Team with reports and analytics.

 

Basic Knowledge and Skills:

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in Import or Logistics 
  • Excellent analytical and communication skills
  • Team player
  • Working knowledge of GP, CRM, and Crystal reports
  • Highly proficient in Excel


Founded by immigrants, AUI & Roland Foods knows that diversity is the spice of life. We believe in the power of food to open minds, spark adventure, and bring diverse people together.  All are welcome at our table! We know the transformative value of food in individual lives and communities. Because of this, we insist on obtaining the highest-quality ingredients and talent!

AUI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. AUI considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. AUI is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at peopleandculture@rolandfoods.com.

 

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