Export Manager: Responsibilities & Salary

<p>Export managers work on behalf of companies to supervise the sale of goods abroad. The chart below shows the education requirements, job duties, and salary of export managers. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degree Required</b> </td><td> Bachelor's degree in business or related field; occasionally, high school diploma or GED with experience</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b> </td><td> Sales, logistics, compliance with national and international trade regulation</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2019)</b> </td><td>$63,582*</td></tr> </table><p><i>*Source: Payscale.com</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheResponsibilitiesOfAnExportManager">What Are The Responsibilities Of An Export Manager?</h3> <p>Export managers handle areas of global business such as sales, logistics, and compliance. They are responsible for the logistics of getting the goods to the purchaser in another country and for ensuring the goods meet the required standards of the importing country. Export managers may be responsible for the sales and promotion of their company's goods abroad. The export manager generally supervises a team of export professionals. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSkillsDoINeedToHaveToBeAnExportManager">What Skills Do I Need To Have To Be An Export Manager?</h3> <p>One must have excellent interpersonal skills to work as a manager of any kind but especially as an export manager. Export managers work with people from various cultures as exportation is an inherently international position. They must demonstrate leadership to manage teams, and customer service to maintain and expand clientele. Adaptability is essential when working with potentially unfamiliar customs and the issues that may arise when moving goods around the planet. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatShouldIStudy">What Should I Study?</h3> <p>Export managers often need a bachelor's degree in a business field such as business administration or international business. These degrees can prepare students for handling the complicated tasks associated with exportation. However, depending on which area of exportation one manages, a degree in logistics or finance may be desirable. In some cases, it is also possible to work as an export manager with a high school diploma or GED if one has previous experience. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSpecializedKnowledgeDoINeedToHaveAsAnExportManager">What Specialized Knowledge Do I Need To Have As An Export Manager?</h3> <p>Export managers need to be experts in the products of their company and how they are classified for the purpose of exportation. They also need to be familiar with the best practices for business administration and transportation management systems. It is integral that the export manager be familiar with all relevant regulations to ensure the company remains within the bounds of the law. These include tariff schedules, trade agreements, and international quality standards. </p> <p>Also, as most business is now conducted digitally, export managers need basic computer skills and familiarity with programs relating to email, word processing, and spreadsheets. Proficiency with supply chain, inventory, and financial management software may be beneficial or required. </p> <h3 id="section---DoINeedToKnowAForeignLanguage">Do I Need To Know A Foreign Language?</h3> <p>Some companies may require their export managers speak a specific language depending on the countries of export. Additionally, you may wish to seek training on cross-cultural communications. Accidentally causing offense could spell disaster to a business deal. A bachelor's degree in international business may include training in cross-cultural communication.</p>