The advent of theIndustry 4.0 gave a great impetus to theupdating of companiesand transforming production in a more interconnected perspective and looking at other possibilities to market their products. L'import export has acquired a fundamental importance for business and, consequently, also theimport export manager.

Operating within a global economy where interconnectedness is increasingly important, companies are looking for new opportunities to maintain one's competitive advantage in the import-export market. For this reason, it is essential to rely on professionals in the sector who can take care of the management and development of import and export activities.

The reference figure dealing with this area is theimport export managerchosen by companies to follow step by step the path that leads the business towards internationalisation. He is a strategically important expert specialised in management, organisation and planning activities. His task is to check that each phase of the internationalisation and expansion project proceeds according to the strategic plan in order to achieve the objectives set with the company.

The import-export manager is essential for to facilitate access to new foreign markets and to reach and negotiate trade agreements. To be able to work in this profession, professional training in the field is essential. The ITS Import Export Courseis designed to train technical experts in the organisation and management of national and international freight forwarding and related documentary procedures, intermodal transport (sea, air, rail, land) and logistics services through the implementation of new information technologies. Thanks to the hours of lectures and 900 hours of internships in leading companies in the sector, students learn the latest developments in the field and all the notions necessary to embark on a career as an import-export manager.

All the tasks of an import-export manager

The tasks that a import export manager takes place depending on the needs of the company. Let us see together what are the main activities:

  • Searching for potential new marketsWhen developing a strategy for foreign expansion, the import-export manager is responsible for assessing which markets may be most favourable for the company and the type of product or service it intends to market;
  • Developing an internationalisation strategyThis involves the development of customised strategic plans that have clearly delineated sales targets, distribution channels and international marketing strategies;
  • Relationship management with international partnersOne of the other activities this professional deals with is relationship management. Just as he takes care of their identification, it will then be his task to maintain contact and a stable relationship with the company's business partners;
  • Logistics co-ordinationIn his or her role as supervisor, the import-export manager is responsible for ensuring that the international transport is carried out correctly, that the shipments comply with the deadlines and that all the necessary documents are prepared and attached to the shipment;
  • Corporate performance monitoringAfter marking out the way forward with the development strategy, he must periodically monitor the progress of operations and correct any discrepancies with the initial plan;

These are just some of the tasks that fall to the import-export manager, which, as we have seen, is a role that involves a great responsibility, management skills and knowledge of the sector. As with any profession the retribution varies according to seniority and experience but, on average, the junior salary is between 20,000 and 25,000 euros. When seniority increases, an import export manager can earn 40,000 euro up to 80,000 euro gross per year.

Author of the article

ITS MOVE - Editor