Export Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-globalizing business world, the focus on Export Managers has become increasingly significant.

As international trade continues to surge, there is a mounting demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, enhance, and secure our global trade operations.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Export Manager?

Whether you are:

A job seeker looking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
Or simply intrigued by the complexities of international trade management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a versatile Export Manager job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Contents show

Export Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Export Managers oversee and manage every aspect of the shipment of goods from one country to another.

They often work with local and overseas vendors, customs officials, and shipping companies.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

Planning and organizing export strategies and activities consistent with overall aims and requirements of the organization
Coordinating with international and domestic clients for orders, deliveries, and payments
Negotiating contracts with clients and suppliers to ensure maximum profitability
Maintaining knowledge of, and compliance with, international trade laws and regulations
Coordinating with customs agents for clearance of goods and keep track of customs duties and taxes
Resolving issues and disputes related to export activities including late shipments, damaged goods, and incorrect paperwork
Forecasting future market trends and incorporate them into the business strategy
Documenting and maintaining records of all export transactions and ensure accuracy in all company databases
Developing and maintaining relationships with clients, shipping companies, and customs officials
Training team members on effective export processes and compliance regulations.

Export Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Export Manager to join our dynamic international team.

The Export Manager will be responsible for planning and organizing export activities, managing international relationships, ensuring compliance with domestic and foreign regulations, and negotiating contracts.

Our ideal candidate is someone with comprehensive knowledge of foreign markets, a knack for building and maintaining relationships, and a strong understanding of export laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

Manage and coordinate all export sales activities and strategies
Build and maintain relationships with partners and customers
Ensure all export operations are in compliance with international trade laws
Negotiate contracts and pricing with customers
Track and analyze export sales data and results
Develop and implement effective export sales strategies
Identify and target new business opportunities in international markets
Coordinate with other departments to ensure customer satisfaction
Handle export logistics and operations to ensure timely delivery
Participate in trade shows and exhibitions

Qualifications

Proven experience as an Export Manager or similar role
Comprehensive understanding of export laws and regulations
Excellent negotiation and communication skills
Proficiency in foreign languages is a plus
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to travel as needed
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Export Manager
Work Environment: This role requires working in an office setting with the potential for international travel.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Sales or Vice President.
Salary: Salary is based on candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $90,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does an Export Manager Do?

An Export Manager works for businesses that sell goods and services internationally.

They can be part of various sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and distribution.

They are responsible for developing and implementing strategies that increase a company’s international sales, managing the movement of products or services to customers or intermediaries in other countries.

Their job involves liaising with internal and external entities to ensure legal compliance, efficient logistics, and timely delivery of goods or services.

They must be familiar with the customs, legal requirements, and market dynamics of various countries.

Export Managers negotiate deals with customers and manage contracts, often working with a team to forecast trends and establish pricing strategies.

They may also resolve issues related to shipment and customs, ensuring customer satisfaction at all times.

Additionally, they are responsible for the monitoring and reporting of sales performance and market trends, providing valuable insights to upper management to aid in strategic planning.

Export Manager Qualifications and Skills

An effective export manager should possess a broad range of both technical and soft skills, as well as industry-specific knowledge.

These skills include:

Strong knowledge of international trade laws and regulations to ensure compliance with export procedures
Excellent negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and prices with clients and suppliers
Proficiency in foreign languages may be advantageous for communicating with international clients
Ability to manage and coordinate logistics, including shipping, customs processes, and delivery timelines
Strong financial acumen to handle costings, price negotiations, and profit margins effectively
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal teams
Problem-solving skills to address any issues that may arise during the export process
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, demonstrating exceptional time management skills
A strong understanding of market research techniques to identify new business opportunities and potential markets
Proficiency in using export management software and systems

Export Manager Experience Requirements

Export Managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in Business, International Business, or Supply Chain Management.

They may have gained their initial experience through internships or part-time roles in international logistics, supply chain, or commerce.

Candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience usually have a solid understanding of global trade compliance, shipping and logistics, and international marketing.

They may have worked in roles such as Export Coordinator, International Logistics Specialist, or Trade Compliance Specialist, where they developed skills in managing export transactions, documentation, and compliance with international trade regulations.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience often have proficiency in negotiation, coordination with international partners, and handling foreign exchange transactions.

This experience is usually gained in Export Executive or Senior Export Coordinator roles.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in export and international trade are typically ready to take on the role of Export Manager.

They might have substantial experience in managing international sales teams, strategic planning for exports, and dealing with international trade laws and regulations.

They may also have demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to train and manage a team.

Export Manager Education and Training Requirements

Export Managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in business, international business, logistics, or a related field.

In-depth knowledge of international trade laws, customs regulations, and import-export trends is crucial for this role.

Some companies may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in international business or a related field.

Export Managers must also be familiar with various customs documentation and international shipping procedures.

There is no specific licensing requirement for Export Managers, but various certifications can enhance job prospects.

These include the Certified Export Specialist (CES) program and the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) certification.

Fluency in more than one language can be beneficial as this role often involves communication with international clients and partners.

Export Managers must also have strong communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills, and be comfortable with the use of relevant software and technology for logistics and supply chain management.

Continuing education and staying updated with changes in international trade regulations and trends is essential for career growth in this field.

Export Manager Salary Expectations

An Export Manager earns an average salary of $74,273 (USD) per year.

The earnings can fluctuate based on experience, industry, and the location of employment.

Export Manager Job Description FAQs

What are the key responsibilities of an Export Manager?

Export Managers are responsible for coordinating and managing all activities related to the export of goods.

These include planning and organizing international shipments, coordinating with internal departments, suppliers, and clients, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations and standards, managing export documentation, and monitoring the performance of the export team.

What skills are required for an Export Manager?

Export Managers should have excellent communication, negotiation, and customer service skills.

They should also have good knowledge of international trade laws and regulations, understanding of foreign currencies and exchange rates, and strong business acumen.

Proficiency in a foreign language and familiarity with different cultures can also be beneficial.

Do Export Managers need a specific degree?

While a specific degree isn’t necessary, many Export Managers hold a bachelor’s degree in business, international business, logistics, or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a certification in export management.

What qualities make a good Export Manager?

A good Export Manager is detail-oriented, has excellent problem-solving abilities, and can make quick decisions under pressure.

They need to have strong leadership and management skills to effectively manage a team.

Moreover, they should be adaptable and flexible to handle the dynamic nature of international trade.

How challenging is it to hire an Export Manager?

Hiring an Export Manager can be challenging due to the complexity of the role.

It requires finding a candidate with a unique combination of skills like strong business acumen, understanding of international trade regulations, and excellent communication skills.

Additionally, the candidate should ideally have a good network of contacts in the industry and experience in handling export procedures.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the truly global role of an export manager.

Guess what?

It’s not just about moving goods from one country to another.

It’s about navigating the complex world of international trade, one shipment at a time.

With our comprehensive export manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re well on your way.

But why stop there?

Take a further step with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every shipment is part of the broader global market.

Let’s navigate this world. Together.

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Export Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

Export Manager Duties and Responsibilities