Import Export Sales Intern

About This Role

Job description:

This role is a Remote, combining the strategic thinking of marketing, the relationship-building of sales, and the intricate operational knowledge of international trade.

The role can be broadly divided into four key areas: Market Research & Strategy, Sales & Marketing, Operations & Logistics, and Compliance & Finance.

1. Core Objective

To profitably increase a company's international market share by identifying opportunities, building a client base, and managing the end-to-end process of selling and moving goods across borders.

2. Key Roles and Responsibilities

A. Market Research & Strategy (The Planner)

· Market Analysis: Identify and evaluate new international market opportunities for the company's products or services. This involves studying economic, political, and cultural trends.

· Target Identification: Pinpoint specific customer segments, industries, and potential buyers (e.g., distributors, retailers, end-users) in the target market.

· Competitive Intelligence: Research and analyze competitors operating in the same international space to understand their pricing, marketing strategies, and market position.

· Market Entry Strategy: Develop a strategy for entering a new market, which may include direct sales, appointing agents or distributors, forming joint ventures, or e-commerce.

Pricing Strategy: Develop competitive Incoterms-based price quotes (e.g., FOB, CIF, DAP) that account for product cost, freight, insurance, duties, taxes, and profit margins.

B. Sales & Marketing (The Negotiator)

· Lead Generation & Prospecting: Find and attract potential international clients through trade shows, online B2B portals (e.g., Alibaba, Global Sources), international directories, diplomatic missions, and digital marketing.

· Client Acquisition: Actively reach out to prospects, conduct sales presentations (often via video call), and negotiate sales contracts.

· Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key international clients, distributors, and agents. This requires cultural sensitivity and often international travel.

· Marketing Material Development: Adapt product brochures, websites, and marketing campaigns to suit the language, culture, and regulations of the target market.

· Representation: Represent the company at international trade fairs and exhibitions to showcase products and network.

C. Operations & Logistics Coordination (The Coordinator)

· Order Management: Process international purchase orders and ensure clear communication of specifications between the client and the production/fulfillment team.

· Logistics Coordination: Work closely with freight forwarders, shipping lines, airlines, and customs brokers to arrange transportation (air, sea, land).

· Documentation Oversight: Ensure all critical export/import documentation is accurate and completed on time. This is a crucial responsibility and includes:

· Commercial Invoices

· Packing Lists

Certificates of Origin

· Bill of Lading / Air Waybill

· Insurance Certificates

· Export Licenses (if required)

· Supply Chain Liaison: Coordinate with internal departments (warehouse, production, quality control) and external partners to ensure timely order fulfillment and shipment.

D. Compliance & Finance (The Risk Manager)

· Trade Compliance: Ensure all transactions adhere to international trade regulations, including export controls, economic sanctions, and import requirements of the destination country.

· Customs Knowledge: Understand customs procedures, tariff codes (HS Codes), and duty structures to ensure smooth clearance and provide accurate cost estimates to clients.

· Payment Management: Manage international payment terms (e.g., Letter of Credit, Advance Payment, Documentary Collection, Open Account) to mitigate financial risk and ensure timely payment.

3. Essential Skills and Qualifications

· Education: A bachelor’s degree in International Business, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is typically required.

· Experience: Prior experience in sales, marketing, or logistics, preferably with an international focus.

· Knowledge of Incoterms®: Must have a thorough understanding of standard international trade terms (e.g., EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP).

· Logistics & Documentation Knowledge: Familiarity with shipping processes and crucial trade documents.

· Cultural Awareness & Language Skills: Ability to work across cultures. Proficiency in a second language is a significant advantage.

· Negotiation & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for dealing with clients and partners across the globe.

· Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot issues that inevitably arise with shipping, customs, or communication across time zones.

4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

An Import-Export Executive is typically measured by:

· Sales Revenue and Growth in assigned territories

· Number of New International Clients acquired

· Profit Margins on international orders

· Customer Retention and Satisfaction rates

· Order Accuracy and On-Time Delivery performance

Salary : For Intern ( Paid or Unpaid ) + Incentive

For Full Time ( Depends On Interview )

Contact : hr@rbkgroups.com

Work Location: In person