Nature of work
Import-export manager has many duties. Primarily, he/she documents shipments to ensure that they are in compliance with customs rules and regulations. Import-export manager also counsels clients on matters like tariffs, insurance, and quotas. He/she categorizes shipments according to a tariff coding system. This position also requires consulting with customs agents to ease passage of shipments through customs. Import-export specialist also counsels his/her clients how to reduce owed duties and taxes.In addition, he/she tracks the location of the shipment. He/she prepares goods for shipment, using the best, most economical packaging. He/she determines how much insurance to take out on the shipment.
Most import managers deal with a specific type of goods. Common specialties include raw manufacturing materials, such as metals and alloys, electronic components and automobiles, as well as garments, food products and household goods. Depending on her area of concentration, an import manager must know the required licenses, customs forms, inspection procedures and transportation methods needed to expedite the goods into the receiving country.
Environment of work
A significant part of an import manager's work day is spent in an office. He/she is normally communicating by phone, computer and fax with a wide range of people involved in the importation process. If a customs issue arises or there is a problem with a shipment at the point of entry, an import manager frequently is required to resolve the issue in person. His/her work environment is typically high energy and results driven. Professional life
Chances for advancement depend largely on the size of the company as well as demographics and the state of the economy. Import manager can increase his/her salary through gaining expertise in export management.import-export manager earned between 40000 SYP and 50000 SYP monthly
Getting the job
A college degree is typically required to be an import manager. Preferred areas of concentration include accounting, law or engineering. Some firms require applicants to have an advanced degree in business administration. Fluency in one or more foreign languages is a common job requirement. Having a current broker's license is considered a plus for import manager job candidates.Certificate programs prepare students for entry-level jobs as import-export specialists. An associate's degree program can further the career of those already in the profession or help those who are thinking about entering the profession.
Skills
An import/export manager need to cultivate particular skills in order to be a successful sales manager. For example, he/she needs to have analytical skills because he/she must collect and interpret complex data to target the most promising areas and determine the most effective sales strategies. Communication skills are very important because he/she needs to work with people in other departments and with customers, so he/she must be able to communicate clearly. An import/export manager should also have customer-service skills because he/she must listen and respond to the customer’s needs when helping to make a sale. An import/export manager definitely need to have managerial skills. Sources and references
If you need any further information on what is provided in this file, you can visit the following websites: www.paei.org, The Professional Association of Exporters and Importers
www.sbea.org, Small Business Exporters Association
Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization