Imports Specialist

Position Summary

Scalamandré is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Import Specialist to join our Imports Department. This position supports the purchasing and order management process for direct-to-customer (DIR) orders, including fabrics, wallcoverings, trims, and other specialty products sourced directly from domestic and international mills.

The Import Specialist serves as the primary liaison between the Sales team, customers, and mills, ensuring seamless communication and accurate order execution from inquiry through delivery. The ideal candidate is proactive, customer-focused, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Customer Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact between Sales Representatives and supplier mills for DIR orders.
• Request and communicate stock availability and lead times from mills.
• Coordinate sample requests, including CFAs (Cuttings for Approval), strike-offs, and other approval samples.
• Receive CFAs from mills, prepare them for customer review, and coordinate shipment to customers.
• Provide timely updates regarding product availability, production schedules, and shipping status.

Purchasing & Order Management

• Enter and process purchase orders accurately and promptly.
• Transmit purchase orders to domestic and international mills.
• Verify pricing, quantities, shipping instructions, and order requirements.
• Monitor open purchase orders and follow up with vendors to ensure timely fulfillment.
• Maintain accurate records of all order activity, revisions, and customer communications.

Vendor & Import Coordination

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with supplier mills.
• Coordinate shipment information, tracking details, and delivery updates.
• Follow up on production progress and expected shipping dates.
• Escalate delays, shortages, or quality concerns as needed.
• Work closely with freight providers and internal teams to facilitate successful order delivery.

Communication & Documentation

• Maintain detailed notes and order history within company systems.
• Provide Sales Representatives with complete order status and tracking information.
• Communicate proactively regarding backorders, production delays, allocation issues, and anticipated delivery dates.
• Ensure all stakeholders have accurate and current information throughout the order lifecycle.

Qualifications

Required

• 2+ years of experience in purchasing, import coordination, customer service, order management, or supply chain operations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple orders simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook and Excel.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across multiple departments.

Preferred

• Experience working with imported textiles, wallcoverings, furniture, luxury home furnishings, or related products.
• Experience coordinating international vendors or overseas suppliers.
• Familiarity with purchase order processing and ERP/order management systems.
• Understanding of international shipping and logistics processes.

Key Traits for Success

• Customer-focused and service-oriented
• Highly organized and detail-driven
• Strong follow-through and accountability
• Effective communicator
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines
• Team-oriented with a collaborative mindset

What You'll Do Every Day

• Request stock checks from mills.
• Coordinate and ship CFAs to customers.
• Create and manage purchase orders.
• Follow up on production and shipping schedules.
• Update order notes and tracking information.
• Keep the Sales team fully informed on every order's status.
• Act as the bridge between customer expectations and mill execution.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys coordinating details, building vendor relationships, and ensuring a superior customer experience from order placement through delivery.

COMPANY INFO

About Us:

With more than 80 years of industry expertise, STARK is the discerning designer’s go-to source for luxurious custom carpet and rugs.

Our Mission:
To live our mission of helping create world class experiences, we believe our first responsibility is making design industry professionals the heroes in their projects because supporting businesses helps to preserve craftsmanship and enable unique and specially designed spaces to exist. In meeting their needs, we must continue to deliver peace of mind service while offering an expansive, diverse, and innovative product assortment that is accessible and convenient.

Our Heritage:
Established by Arthur Stark and his wife Nadia in 1938, the foundation of STARK was always to provide the very best products to our customers. With a rich history, third generation owners Chad Stark, as CEO, and Ashley Stark, as Creative Director, bring the STARK legacy into the new century by staying true to their founding principles. To seek out the best craftsman and methods of manufacturing for the most innovative and beautiful designs.

Stark Carpet Corporation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.