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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Export Manager

💰 $85,000 - $130,000

LogisticsSupply ChainInternational TradeSalesOperations Management

🎯 Role Definition

The Export Manager is a strategic leader responsible for orchestrating the entire lifecycle of international shipments. This position serves as the central point of contact for all export-related activities, ensuring that the company's products navigate the complexities of global trade efficiently and in full compliance with all applicable laws. The successful candidate will blend logistical expertise with commercial acumen, managing relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and international customers. As an Export Manager, you will not only oversee daily operations but also contribute to the broader international business strategy, identifying opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and market expansion. This is a critical role that directly impacts customer satisfaction, profitability, and the company's global footprint.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Export Coordinator / Specialist
  • International Logistics Planner
  • Senior International Sales Representative

Advancement To:

  • Director of Global Logistics
  • Head of International Trade Compliance
  • Regional or Global Supply Chain Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Trade Compliance Manager
  • Logistics Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Oversee the end-to-end export process, from order processing and fulfillment to final delivery, ensuring a seamless and positive customer experience.
  • Develop, implement, and refine strategic export plans to support international sales goals and facilitate expansion into new and existing global markets.
  • Manage and negotiate contracts, rates, and service level agreements with freight forwarders, ocean carriers, airlines, and other logistics partners to optimize cost and performance.
  • Ensure 100% compliance with all U.S. and international trade regulations, including customs laws, sanctions programs (OFAC), and export control regulations (EAR, ITAR).
  • Meticulously prepare, review, and manage all required export documentation, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and Shipper's Export Declarations (SEDs).
  • Serve as the company's subject matter expert on Incoterms, providing guidance to sales and procurement teams to mitigate risk and ensure clarity in trade transactions.
  • Manage complex international payment instruments, including Letters of Credit (L/C) and Documentary Collections, liaising with banks and finance teams to ensure timely payment.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of export coordinators and specialists, setting clear objectives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
  • Proactively monitor and track all international shipments, identifying and resolving any in-transit issues, customs delays, or delivery exceptions to minimize customer impact.
  • Analyze and report on key export performance indicators (KPIs), such as freight spend, on-time delivery, documentation accuracy, and carrier performance, to drive data-informed decisions.
  • Accurately classify products with the correct Harmonized System (HS) codes and Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) to ensure customs compliance and proper duty assessment.
  • Manage relationships with a global network of customs brokers, ensuring they provide efficient and compliant import clearance services in destination countries.
  • Conduct regular internal audits of export processes, files, and documentation to identify potential compliance gaps and implement corrective actions.
  • Act as the primary escalation point for complex customer service issues related to international orders, shipping damages, or customs clearance problems.
  • Stay current on evolving global trade dynamics, including new trade agreements, tariffs, and non-tariff barriers, and assess their potential impact on the business.
  • Collaborate closely with production, planning, and warehouse teams to align export schedules with product availability and manufacturing timelines.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, including sales, finance, legal, and quality assurance, to ensure cohesive international operations.
  • Lead risk assessment initiatives for the international supply chain, developing robust contingency plans for potential disruptions such as port strikes, political instability, or carrier capacity shortages.
  • Manage the departmental budget for export activities, including freight, duties, insurance, and third-party service fees, ensuring operations are run cost-effectively.
  • Drive the selection and implementation of Global Trade Management (GTM) software and other technologies to enhance efficiency, visibility, and compliance.
  • Evaluate potential international distributors and partners in conjunction with the global sales team, providing logistical feasibility and cost analysis.
  • Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all key export functions to ensure consistency and facilitate training.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the global sales team by providing accurate international shipping quotes and realistic transit time estimates for new business proposals.
  • Contribute to new product development and launch processes by providing expert input on packaging, labeling, and shipping requirements for global markets.
  • Collaborate with the legal department on matters of international contracts, trade compliance investigations, and dispute resolution.
  • Participate in industry conferences, seminars, and trade associations to network with peers and stay at the forefront of logistics and compliance best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • International Trade Compliance: Deep expertise in export regulations such as EAR, ITAR, and OFAC sanctions, with a proven track record of maintaining compliance.
  • Export Documentation Management: Mastery in preparing, verifying, and managing a wide array of export documents, including Bills of Lading, Air Waybills, Certificates of Origin, and AES filings.
  • Incoterms & Payment Methods: Strong, practical knowledge of Incoterms 2020 and experience managing international payment mechanisms like Letters of Credit and Documentary Collections.
  • Logistics & Freight Management: Demonstrated ability to negotiate contracts and manage relationships with freight forwarders, carriers, and customs brokers to optimize cost and service.
  • ERP/GTM Systems Proficiency: Hands-on experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and Global Trade Management (GTM) software.
  • Harmonized System (HS) Classification: Proficiency in classifying products using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to ensure customs accuracy.
  • Financial Acumen: Ability to manage departmental budgets, analyze freight costs, and understand the financial implications of logistics decisions.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team to achieve high levels of performance and engagement.
  • Exceptional Communication: Superior written and verbal communication skills for clear and effective interaction with global customers, partners, and internal teams.
  • Negotiation & Influence: Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms with logistics providers and the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exacting eye for detail is critical for ensuring accuracy in documentation and compliance, where small errors can have large consequences.
  • Strategic Problem-Solving: The capacity to analyze complex logistical challenges, identify root causes, and develop effective, creative solutions under pressure.
  • Cross-Cultural Agility: The ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively with partners and customers from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s Degree in a relevant field or a professional certification such as Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO), Certified Exporter (CES), or similar credentials.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • International Business
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 5-8 years of progressive experience in export operations, international logistics, or trade compliance. A minimum of 2-3 years in a managerial or team leadership capacity is strongly preferred.

Preferred:

  • Experience managing exports for a specific industry (e.g., manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals) and familiarity with its unique regulatory landscape. Proven success in process optimization and cost-saving initiatives within an export department.
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