Export Manager : occupation, studies, degree an salary

An export manager, also known as an export area manager, is responsible for handling transactions abroad. This professional is often required to travel frequently to successfully complete their missions, overseeing both import and export activities. Their role is to identify and negotiate new collaborations in other regions and/or countries to expand the company's customer base and partners, ensuring compliance with global trade regulations. In addition to expanding business operations, they must also ensure privacy policy adherence in international dealings, providing a secure framework for customer interactions and data management.

They manage all export activities and ensure their smooth operation, establishing the commercial policy to be applied in the region they are responsible for, aligning with the supply chain strategy. The export manager's work is included in the overall strategy of any company looking to internationalize. This role is critical in ensuring that international business efforts are effective and successful.

They typically work for large organizations but can also be found in small or medium-sized enterprises, as well as startups seeking to expand internationally. They usually report to the commercial and/or logistics director, ensuring effective coordination between various departments. The sectors requiring the skills of an export manager are diverse, ranging from the pharmaceutical industry to aerospace, automotive, fashion, and cosmetics. The export manager must stay informed about changes in trade regulations and international policies to anticipate challenges and leverage opportunities.

The primary mission of an export manager revolves around developing their company's markets internationally. This executive is responsible for increasing revenue and margins in their assigned region.

Here are the main activities:

• Define a commercial and marketing action plan to optimize foreign sales, boosting business development;
• Prospect for new foreign clients, enhancing the company's export sales and operations;
• Ensure alignment between the company's overall strategy and local needs, supporting global operations and job growth;
• Coordinate between commercial, logistics, and sales teams in France and internationally, ensuring seamless integration of planning and execution;
• Establish a distribution network in their geographic area, including warehouse and inventory management, sourcing, and logistics;
• Manage an export sales team and/or a marketing team based in a specific geographic area;
• Negotiate commercial contracts affecting the international market, ensuring compliance with trade regulations and customs procedures;
• Handle administrative and customs procedures imposed by exportation, including air and ocean freight logistics.

Additionally, export managers are responsible for managing relationships with shipping companies to secure competitive rates and reliable service. They must ensure that all documentation required for customs clearance is accurate and submitted promptly. This requires a strong understanding of import and export regulations, as well as effective communication skills to liaise with various stakeholders involved in the supply chain. They must also oversee logistics manager activities to streamline operations and ensure effective delivery.

The role of an export manager requires a set of skills and knowledge developed through quality training and experience in the field.

Here are the hard skills required for this profession:

• Deep knowledge of rules and procedures related to export operations, including freight management and export control;
• Proficiency in English and possibly one or more other foreign languages to facilitate international communication;
• Skills in negotiation and intercultural communication, crucial for global interactions;
• Proficiency in computer tools, such as logistics software and management systems;
• Project management skills to support strategic initiatives and ensure compliance with global standards;
• Managerial abilities to lead diverse teams and oversee complex operations.

Regarding soft skills, the export manager must demonstrate:

• Good communication skills, essential for customer service and team coordination;
• Ability to work in a team, fostering collaborative efforts across different departments and locations;
• Decision-making ability and sense of initiative to drive business success;
• Rigor and organization in handling complex logistics and ensuring effective processes;
• Diplomacy and open-mindedness to navigate cultural differences and international challenges;
• Availability and mobility to manage international responsibilities and opportunities.

The Global BBA from emlyon business school is specially designed for high-achieving high school graduates. The degree is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree, awarding a state-recognized bachelor's degree. It offers innovative training based on experimentation and international immersion, preparing students for a career in international business. Students gain comprehensive skills in management, logistics, and strategic planning, essential for managing export operations effectively.

The Master in Management - Grande Ecole (MiM) offered by emlyon business school awards a Master's degree over 2 to 3 years. Accessible after a bachelor’s degree, this excellent management program offers progressive and customized specialization, including courses in international trade, logistics, and global business strategies. Students learn about export controls, supply chain management, and how to develop innovative solutions to complex business challenges. Designed to develop your entrepreneurial spirit, this program offers numerous internship opportunities, practical experiences, "DNA" courses, and a professionalizing associative life, ensuring that graduates have the necessary skills to excel in the global market.

emlyon business school also offers specialized Master and Master of Science programs that can lead to becoming an export manager.

• The Master of Science in Supply Chain & Operations Management is an in-depth 18-month program designed to propel your career in collaborative supply chain management and responsible purchasing. This program effectively prepares you to operate in a global context and positions you for strategic roles in this ever-evolving sector, including export management and logistics planning
• The Master of Science in Global Sales Excellence is a comprehensive program that addresses sales transformation and sales management within a company. It places particular emphasis on sales excellence, sales processes optimization, leadership, and sales governance, as well as on customer relationship management, client engagement and acquisition. Students will gain insights into both the strategic and operational aspects of sales, making them well-prepared for the challenges of an internationally competitive market. This specialized program equips future sales leaders with all necessary skills to manage a large international salesforce within a global company.

The Specialized Master's in International Business Strategy & Development (taught only in French) offered by emlyon business school and CentraleSupélec Paris-Saclay, is a 13-month program designed to train experienced international business engineers. This Specialized Master's leverages the expertise of two complementary prestigious institutions: emlyon business school, renowned for its management expertise, and CentraleSupélec, acclaimed for its knowledge of strategic environments in high-tech sectors.

Young recruits can earn between €3,000 and €3,500 gross per month. More experienced professionals earn over €5,000 gross per month. An export manager also receives bonuses after satisfactory sales results, as well as travel allowances. The potential for career advancement is significant, with opportunities to become a senior manager or director of export operations. This career path offers a clear progression from entry-level positions to senior roles with increased responsibilities and salary potential.

They have the potential to advance to roles such as import-export manager or commercial director. The export manager can also become the director of commercial operations or even the general manager of a company subsidiary abroad, leveraging their extensive international experience to drive business growth and success. The demand for skilled export managers is increasing as companies seek to expand their global reach, making this a promising career choice.

Founded in 1872 by the Lyon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emlyon business school is one of the oldest business schools in Europe. The School is among the world's business schools accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, the three main international accreditations. As such, emlyon justifies its place as a world-class business and management school, offering a robust education that integrates both theoretical and practical knowledge essential for success in international business.

Students at emlyon have access to a vast network of alumni and industry professionals, providing them with valuable connections and insights into the global business landscape. The School's commitment to excellence and innovation makes it an ideal choice for those looking to pursue a career in international trade and export management. With campuses in Europe and Asia, emlyon business school offers a truly international education experience, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today's competitive global market.