Import export manager

About this occupation

Import export managers install and maintain procedures for cross-border business, coordinating internal and external parties.

A specialisation of logistics and distribution manager.

• Supervise the activities of workers engaged in receiving, storing, testing, and shipping products or materials.
• Plan, develop, or implement warehouse safety and security programs and activities.
• Inspect physical conditions of warehouses, vehicle fleets, or equipment and order testing, maintenance, repairs, or replacements.
• Plan, organize, or manage the work of subordinate staff to ensure that the work is accomplished in a manner consistent with organizational requirements.
• Collaborate with other departments to integrate logistics with business systems or processes, such as customer sales, order management, accounting, or shipping.
• Analyze all aspects of corporate logistics to determine the most cost-effective or efficient means of transporting products or supplies.

Preparation

Job Zone 4 of 5

Interests

Enterprising, Conventional, Realistic

Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Monitoring, Coordination, Writing, Speaking

US median pay: US$107,230 a year (2025), 221,180 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.1)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.6)
• Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingImportant (3.2)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.2)
• Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.1)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.