<p>An Export Manager oversees international sales, export operations and compliance to expand market reach and protect the company from customs and regulatory risk.</p>
<p>The Export Manager coordinates cross‑functional teams to deliver efficient, compliant shipments to overseas customers and to grow export revenue.</p>
<h2>Export Manager Job Profile</h2>
<p>The Export Manager leads the planning and execution of export activity, ensuring shipments meet legal, commercial and logistical requirements. This role liaises with sales, logistics, customs brokers and overseas partners to deliver end-to-end export solutions.</p>
<p>Working closely with senior management, the Export Manager defines export strategy, manages customer relationships and drives process improvements to reduce costs and improve delivery times.</p>
<h2>Export Manager Job Description</h2>
<p>The Export Manager is responsible for developing and implementing export plans that align with company objectives. You will analyse target markets, set pricing in accordance with Incoterms, coordinate freight forwarding and ensure all customs documentation is accurate and timely. You will be expected to maintain a strong understanding of export controls, trade sanctions and licence requirements to avoid regulatory breaches. You will manage the shipment lifecycle from order confirmation to delivery, including booking carriers, negotiating freight rates, tracking consignments and resolving transit issues. The role requires regular reporting on export performance, forecasting demand and collaborating with the finance team to handle export invoices, payment terms and foreign currency considerations. As a leader, you will coach and mentor junior export staff, set standard operating procedures and work with IT or ERP teams to improve documentation workflows. You will build strong relationships with overseas distributors and agents to support business development and ensure customer satisfaction across export markets.</p>
<h2>Export Manager Duties and Responsibilities</h2>
<ul>
<li>Develop and execute export strategies to achieve sales and margin targets</li>
<li>Prepare and review commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin and export licences</li>
<li>Manage customs declarations and ensure compliance with export control laws and sanctions</li>
<li>Negotiate freight rates and service agreements with carriers and freight forwarders</li>
<li>Coordinate with production, warehousing and logistics to meet shipment schedules</li>
<li>Track shipments and manage exceptions to ensure timely delivery</li>
<li>Liaise with overseas agents and distributors to resolve commercial and logistical issues</li>
<li>Maintain and update Incoterms knowledge to advise sales teams on terms and risks</li>
<li>Monitor export costs and recommend cost optimisation measures</li>
<li>Prepare export reports, forecasts and KPIs for senior management</li>
<li>Implement and maintain export procedures and training for the export team</li>
<li>Ensure accurate export documentation for audits and regulatory inspections</li>
</ul>
<h2>Export Manager Requirements and Qualifications</h2>
<ul>
<li>Bachelor's degree in International Trade, Business, Logistics or related discipline</li>
<li>Minimum 5 years of experience in export operations or international sales</li>
<li>Strong knowledge of Incoterms, customs procedures and export controls</li>
<li>Experience with freight forwarding and international logistics</li>
<li>Excellent communication and negotiation skills</li>
<li>Proven ability to manage teams and develop operational processes</li>
<li>Competence with ERP systems and export documentation software</li>
<li>Attention to detail and strong organisational skills</li>
<li>Ability to analyse market data and prepare commercial proposals</li>
<li>Fluency in English; additional languages are advantageous</li>
<li>Willingness to travel to ports, distribution centres and overseas markets when required</li>
</ul>
<p>This Export Manager job brief is designed for HR teams and recruiters seeking an experienced professional who can combine commercial acumen with operational rigour to expand exports while ensuring full regulatory compliance.</p>