Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Export Analyst

💰 $65,000 - $90,000

Supply ChainLogisticsInternational TradeCompliance

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a meticulous and proactive Export Analyst to join our dynamic Global Logistics team. As a key player in our international operations, you will be the driving force behind our export processes, ensuring that our products reach global customers efficiently and in full compliance with all international trade regulations. You will serve as the central point of contact for all export-related activities, from documentation and customs clearance to logistics coordination. This role is critical for mitigating risk, controlling costs, and supporting the company's global expansion by guaranteeing a seamless and compliant supply chain.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Logistics Coordinator
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • International Trade Intern
  • Supply Chain Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Senior Export Analyst / Global Trade Specialist
  • Global Trade Compliance Manager
  • Logistics or Supply Chain Manager
  • International Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Import Analyst
  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Procurement Specialist
  • Freight Broker

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage the entire export shipment lifecycle, from order receipt to final delivery, ensuring timely and cost-effective transportation of goods.
  • Prepare, review, and process all required export documentation with meticulous accuracy, including commercial invoices, packing lists, Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI), and Certificates of Origin.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all U.S. and international trade regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions.
  • File Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES) Direct portal, ensuring all submissions are accurate and submitted within the required timeframe.
  • Determine correct product classification using Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and Schedule B codes to ensure proper customs declaration and duty calculation.
  • Act as the primary liaison with freight forwarders, carriers, and customs brokers to obtain quotes, book shipments, and resolve any in-transit issues or customs delays.
  • Track and trace international shipments, providing proactive status updates and estimated times of arrival (ETAs) to internal stakeholders and customers.
  • Audit and maintain comprehensive export shipment files and records, ensuring they are complete and readily available for internal or external government audits.
  • Collaborate closely with the Sales, Customer Service, and Finance departments to ensure seamless order fulfillment and resolve any documentation discrepancies, such as those related to letters of credit or payment terms.
  • Interpret and apply Incoterms® 2020 to all international transactions to clearly define risk, cost, and responsibility between the seller and buyer.
  • Conduct denied party and sanctioned entity screenings for all parties involved in export transactions to mitigate compliance risks.
  • Negotiate freight rates and service level agreements with logistics partners to optimize transportation costs without compromising on-time delivery performance.
  • Analyze and report on key export metrics, such as shipping costs, carrier performance, and cycle times, to identify trends and opportunities for process improvement.
  • Address and resolve any issues arising from customs inspections, holds, or rejections, working with brokers and government agencies to secure the release of goods.
  • Manage the process for obtaining necessary export licenses or permits from government agencies like the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC).
  • Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all export-related functions to ensure consistency and operational excellence.
  • Provide guidance and training to internal teams on export compliance requirements, documentation, and international shipping procedures.
  • Coordinate with warehouse and shipping personnel to ensure orders are picked, packed, and labeled correctly according to international shipping standards and customer specifications.
  • Evaluate and qualify new freight forwarders and other logistics service providers to continuously improve the company's global logistics network.
  • Manage and reconcile freight invoices, auditing for accuracy against negotiated rates and services rendered before approving for payment.
  • Stay current on changes in global trade regulations, tariffs, and customs procedures, and assess their impact on the company's export operations.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to global shipping trends and costs.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by identifying key export-related data points.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements for logistics dashboards.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data and analytics teams.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of new export processes and compliance training programs.
  • Maintain and update a comprehensive database of Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and Schedule B codes for all exportable products.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Export Documentation Expertise: Proven ability to create and manage commercial invoices, packing lists, SLIs, and certificates of origin.
  • AES/EEI Filing: Hands-on experience with filing Electronic Export Information through the AESDirect portal.
  • HTS & Schedule B Classification: Strong knowledge of product classification using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and Schedule B codes.
    -Trade Compliance Knowledge: Deep understanding of U.S. export regulations (EAR, ITAR, OFAC).
  • Incoterms® 2020: Practical experience applying Incoterms to international sales and shipping.
  • Logistics Coordination: Demonstrated skill in coordinating with freight forwarders, carriers, and customs brokers.
  • ERP/TMS Proficiency: Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and Transportation Management Systems.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel: Ability to use functions like VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and data analysis tools to manage and analyze shipping data.
  • Letter of Credit (LC) Management: Familiarity with the documentation and processes required for transactions involving Letters of Credit.
  • Denied Party Screening: Experience using screening software and processes to ensure compliance.
  • Freight Auditing & Negotiation: Skills in auditing freight invoices and negotiating rates with logistics providers.

Soft Skills

  • Extreme Attention to Detail: A critical eye for accuracy in documentation and data to prevent costly errors.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying and resolving logistical and compliance-related issues.
  • Clear Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with internal teams, external partners, and government agencies.
  • Time Management & Organization: Ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: A team-player mindset with a proven ability to work effectively with sales, finance, and warehouse teams.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to changing regulations, shipping delays, and evolving business needs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree or a relevant professional certification (e.g., CUSECO, CES, LCB).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • International Business
  • Logistics
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of direct experience in an export, international logistics, or trade compliance role.

Preferred:

  • Hands-on experience working directly with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and government agencies (e.g., Customs and Border Protection, Bureau of Industry and Security).
  • Experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment with a high volume of international shipments.
Explore More Careers