| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Sales and Business Development |
| Level | Mid level |
| Reports to | Export Manager |
| Direct reports | None |
| Experience | 2 to 5 years in export sales or documentation |
Export Sales Executive job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: Export Sales Executive
Department: Sales and Business Development
Reports to: Export Manager
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
An Export Sales Executive handles a company's international sales, managing overseas buyers, export orders and the documentation that international trade requires. They find and follow up with buyers, prepare quotations, coordinate shipments and ensure export documents are correct. A good export sales executive grows export orders, keeps buyers satisfied and gets documentation right so shipments and payments go smoothly. The role reports to an export or sales manager and works with production, logistics and banks to fulfil international orders.
Key responsibilities
- Identify and follow up with overseas buyers, agents and distributors for orders.
- Prepare export quotations, proforma invoices and negotiate terms with buyers.
- Coordinate production, packing and shipment schedules to meet order deadlines.
- Prepare or check export documents such as invoices, packing lists and certificates.
- Coordinate with freight forwarders and shipping lines for timely dispatch.
- Handle letters of credit and export payment terms with the bank.
- Follow up on export payments and keep receivables on track.
- Ensure compliance with export regulations and buyer country requirements.
- Attend export enquiries from trade portals and exhibitions and follow up.
- Report export sales, order status and buyer feedback to the reporting manager.
Requirements
- Graduate in business, commerce or international trade
- A course or diploma in export or import management is an advantage
- Good written and spoken English
- 2 to 5 years in export sales or documentation
KRAs and KPIs for a Export Sales Executive
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| Export sales | Export order value meets the assigned target each period |
| Order fulfilment | Export orders shipped within the committed timelines |
| Documentation accuracy | Export documents error free with no shipment held up |
| Buyer retention | Repeat orders from existing buyers grown as planned |
| Payment collection | Export payments collected within the agreed terms |
| Compliance | Shipments compliant with export and destination rules |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: MS Excel, Export documentation software, Trade portals, Email, ERP export module.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Senior Export Executive, Export Manager, International Business Manager
Interview questions for a Export Sales Executive
- What are Incoterms and why do they matter in export?
- How does a letter of credit work in export payment?
- What documents are needed for an export shipment?
- How do you handle a buyer who disputes an order after shipment?
- How do you make sure a shipment is not held up at customs?
- Tell me about an export order you handled end to end.
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What does an export sales executive do?
An export sales executive handles a company's international sales. They manage overseas buyers, prepare quotations and negotiate terms, coordinate production and shipment, and ensure export documents are correct. They handle letters of credit and payments, follow export regulations, and grow export orders while keeping buyers satisfied and shipments moving smoothly through logistics and customs.
What documents does export sales involve?
Common export documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin, and any product or inspection certificates the buyer's country needs. Letters of credit and shipping instructions are also central. Getting these right is vital, since an error can hold a shipment at customs or delay payment.
What qualifications help in export sales?
A commerce or international trade degree helps, and a diploma in export and import management is a strong plus. Good English, knowledge of Incoterms, letters of credit and export documentation, and attention to detail matter most. Since the role deals with overseas buyers, clear communication and reliability build the trust that leads to repeat orders.