Senior International Transportation Planner

About the role

Stepan is seeking a Senior International Transportation Planner to join our Logistics team in Northbrook, IL. In this role, you will report to the North America Import Export Operations Manager. The Senior International Transportation Planner plans, coordinates, and schedules air and ocean shipments for internal and external customers to meet company, customer, and customs shipping requirements, while maintaining regulatory compliance and striving to meet service and cost optimization objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage export/import end-to-end flow of global shipments, collaborating with freight forwarders, carriers, and customs brokers to optimize delivery routes and minimize landed costs.
• Apply strong knowledge of international air & ocean freight (FCL & ISO bulk), customs brokerage, import/export procedures, and relevant trade regulations.
• Prepare and review international shipping documents (commercial invoices, bills of lading, certificates of origin).
• Audit freight invoices and duty charges for accuracy.
• Vendor management: audit freight carrier performance using KPIs.
• Analyze freight expenses and track KPIs to identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize supply chain efficiency.
• Work closely with Stepan manufacturing operations and demand planning teams to execute the best transportation supply plans for customers and the business.
• Engage Stepan Trade Compliance/regulatory teams and customs brokerage.
• Drive carrier on-time pick-up and delivery performance improvement and milestone tracking while ensuring compliance across North America, including Canada and Mexico regions.
• Actively participate in trade compliance enhancement initiatives by collaborating on cross-functional teams (IT, Regulatory & Procurement).
• Monitor and analyze supply chain metrics, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of transportation operations experience required; international experience preferred.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and manage time effectively.
• Knowledge of ocean and drayage carrier operations.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Creative problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Hazmat General Awareness Training Certificate required.
• Chemical industry experience with hazardous materials preferred.

Pay

Pay Range: $58,000 – $76,000. The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.

Benefits

• Discretionary Bonus
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K with Match
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Reactions – Recognition Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)