Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Export Consultant

💰 $75,000 - $145,000

International TradeSupply Chain & LogisticsConsultingBusiness DevelopmentCompliance

🎯 Role Definition

As an Export Consultant, you are the strategic linchpin for our global expansion efforts. You will serve as the primary subject matter expert on all facets of international trade, guiding the organization through the complexities of exporting goods and services. This role involves much more than just logistics; you will be a strategic partner, conducting in-depth market analysis to identify new opportunities, developing tailored export strategies, and ensuring unwavering compliance with a myriad of international laws and regulations. You will empower our business to confidently and efficiently enter and thrive in new global markets, mitigating risks and maximizing profitability. Your expertise will directly influence our international success, making this a high-impact, high-visibility position.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Export Coordinator / Specialist
  • International Logistics Planner
  • Trade Compliance Analyst
  • International Sales Representative

Advancement To:

  • Senior Export Consultant / Principal Consultant
  • Global Trade Compliance Manager
  • Director of International Business
  • Head of Global Supply Chain

Lateral Moves:

  • Import Consultant
  • Supply Chain Manager
  • International Marketing Manager
  • Global Sourcing Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and execute comprehensive, end-to-end export strategies to successfully penetrate new international markets and expand existing ones.
  • Conduct in-depth market research and feasibility studies to identify and evaluate viable international business opportunities, including analysis of market size, competition, and entry barriers.
  • Provide expert counsel to internal stakeholders and clients on complex international trade regulations, including but not limited to Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and OFAC sanctions.
  • Manage and meticulously prepare all required export documentation, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, shipper's letters of instruction (SLI), and certificates of origin, ensuring 100% accuracy.
  • Accurately classify products with the correct Harmonized System (HS), Schedule B, and Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) codes for customs and regulatory purposes.
  • Lead negotiations and manage relationships with international buyers, distributors, and agents to establish favorable terms and long-term partnerships.
  • Design, optimize, and manage international supply chain and logistics pathways to ensure cost-effective, compliant, and on-time delivery of goods.
  • Advise on and structure international payment methods, including Letters of Credit, documentary collections, and open accounts, to mitigate financial risk.
  • Perform comprehensive risk assessments related to international trade, including geopolitical instability, currency fluctuations, and regulatory changes, and develop effective mitigation strategies.
  • Prepare, review, and file electronic export information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES) in compliance with U.S. Census Bureau and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain a robust export compliance program, including written procedures, training materials, and periodic audits.
  • Act as the central point of contact for freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other third-party logistics providers to resolve any shipping or compliance issues.
  • Conduct regular audits of export transactions and documentation to identify potential compliance gaps and implement corrective action plans.
  • Analyze export performance data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to generate actionable insights and detailed reports for senior leadership.
  • Develop and deliver targeted training sessions for sales, logistics, and customer service teams on export procedures, compliance protocols, and best practices.
  • Stay abreast of evolving global trade policies, tariffs, free trade agreements, and sanctions to ensure the company's export activities remain compliant and competitive.
  • Manage the application process for export licenses and government approvals, tracking their status and ensuring all conditions are met.
  • Resolve complex customs-related issues, inquiries, or delays in foreign countries by collaborating with local brokers and authorities.
  • Lead cross-functional projects aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall export process.
  • Build and nurture a strong network of contacts within the international trade community, including government agencies, industry associations, and service providers.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to export market trends and performance.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader data strategy and global expansion roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units, particularly sales and marketing, to translate data needs and market insights into engineering and product requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data and business intelligence teams.
  • Represent the company at international trade fairs, conferences, and seminars to promote its products and services.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep expertise in U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
  • Mastery of product classification using Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), Schedule B, and ECCN.
  • Proven experience with electronic filing through the Automated Export System (AESDirect).
  • Comprehensive knowledge of international logistics, freight forwarding operations, and carrier management.
  • Strong understanding and practical application of Incoterms® 2020 rules.
  • Proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and Global Trade Management (GTM) software.
  • In-depth knowledge of international payment instruments, particularly Letters of Credit (L/C) and Documentary Collections.
  • Experience in conducting trade compliance audits and developing corrective action plans.
  • Familiarity with foreign customs regimes and import requirements in key global markets.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional analytical and strategic problem-solving abilities.
  • Superior negotiation, influencing, and client-facing communication skills.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and outstanding organizational capabilities.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously under pressure and with tight deadlines.
  • Strong cross-cultural awareness and interpersonal skills to build relationships globally.
  • Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work with a high degree of autonomy.
  • Excellent project management and leadership qualities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year university or college.

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s Degree (MBA, M.S. in Supply Chain) or advanced professional certifications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in an export, international trade, or global logistics role.

Preferred:

  • Possession of a professional certification such as a Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) or Certified Export Specialist (CES) is highly advantageous.
  • Demonstrable experience managing exports to multiple diverse regions (e.g., APAC, EMEA, LATAM).
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