[ Make It! ] Return to Work

Management and Systems

Technology and Innovation

Textiles, Clothing and Footwear

Fine Trades and Craft

Furnishings and Wood

Cast Metals

Light Metals

Heavy Machinery and Equipment

Mineral Products

Chemicals, Plastics and Hydrocarbons

Electrics and Electronics

Automotive

Aerospace

Marine

Import / Export

Occupation Description

In todays global economy, many manufacturers rely on importing supplies from overseas and exporting their products to markets in other countries. Importers and exporters and sell and buy goods, such as raw materials, foodstuffs and manufactured goods, produced in Australia for export to overseas markets, or produced overseas for import to Australian markets.

Importers and exporters may…

supervise and coordinate the marketing activities of overseas distributors-agents and assist in administrative, sales and marketing functions

investigate and assess overseas demand for goods produced in Australia, or local demand for goods produced overseas

research and comply with legal requirements affecting export and import of goods to and from Australia

discuss orders and arrange for the production of goods with suppliers and distributors-agents

arrange the shipment of goods, ensuring that all customs barrier control procedures and other documentation requirements are satisfied

arrange payment for goods, making sure these payments meet financial regulations in Australia and overseas

talk to freight forwarders and customs brokers, who make freight and space bookings with airline or shipping companies and arrange for the movement of cargo from airports and wharves

keep an eye on the performance of the business and prepare financial statements and report on export-import operations

An importer - exporter may specialise an an …

Import - Export Manager (Administration). An import - export manager (administration) is usually based in the companys head office. The main role is the supervision of the receipt, recording and progress of import - export orders through the company in an efficient manner. This involves liaison with company departments, customers and outside organisations.

Import - Export Manager (Distribution). An import - export (distribution) manager coordinates the movement of goods both in and out, ensures compliance with customs barrier control matters, and negotiates freight rates and delivery schedules.

Import - Export Manager (Sales-Marketing) An import - export (sales-marketing) manager travels overseas to obtain orders or source supplies from overseas customers, attends trade shows and exhibitions, and demonstrates products or acquires product knowledge.

Personal Requirements

You should

possess good communication and negotiation skills

be commercially astute

possess research and administrative skills

be good at basic mathematics

The ability to speak one or more foreign languages is highly desirable and in certain circumstances a considerable amount of overseas travel may be required.

Environment

The majority of work for those involved in import - export will usually be in an office environment, however there may be times in certain manufacturing enterprises where they will also need to attend meetings offsite or visit the factory floor.

Training

You can work as an importer - exporter without formal qualifications, however, entry to this occupation within manufacturing will be greatly improved if you have completed a Degree.

Of course, with experience, and possibly further training, you can continue to progress further along a career pathway that could see you in a number of senior management positions.

Degree

Earnings, Job and Employment Prospects

For detailed information about earnings, job and employment prospects for this occupation, go to the Australian JobSearch Careers page and click on Job Outlook .

Printed Resources

The INFOSHEET PDFs provide information about the Manufacturing Industry and its various sectors and occupations. To view and print these documents click RESOURCES (you will need to have Adobe Reader ® installed).

Where Can I Go From This Job?

To find out more about potential Manufacturing career possibilities click PATHWAYS.



	Administration

	CEO / General Manager

	Accounting and Finance

	Human Resources

	Industrial Relations

	Occupational Health and Safety

	Import / Export

	Sales

	Logistics / Transport

	Engineering Management

	Process Management

	Manager of Operations

	Product Testing

	Quality Assurance

	Research and Development

	Information Technology

	Training