What does an international manager do?

As an International/Export Manager (EM), here’s what I have learned over the years: Market Analysis Clarity Communication Coordination and Follow-Up Flexibility Personality Spot Decision-Making Personal Marketing Skills Passion for Traveling & working under different condition Adaptability

The international manager must be accessible to her/his management parameters, aligned with the Organization's Goals and Objectives. Whether in the negotiation of Goods and/or Services, flexibility is a very welcome behavior to deal with such broad, distant and possibly different human issues. For this, technical knowledge, good soft skills, leadership, and cordiality will help you in the best strategy for approaching and marketing your actions with positive results not only locally, but also outside.

In a recent study we carried out amongst overseas food and drink distributors, market research was highlighted as one of the critical skills needed to be a ‘best-in-class’ supplier. Your overseas distributors / partners / customers are expect you to demonstrate a solid understanding of your competitor’s activity, key consumer and channel trends and how megatrends like digital and sustainability are playing out in their country….all to help identify gaps in the market for your product, develop a market entry/growth strategy and show them how to win with your brand.

International managers are mainly responsible for handling the activity of the company on a worldwide level.They are mainly responsible on development of global business strategies. Conducting thorough market research to understand the dynamics, trends, and demands of international markets, Managing their teams and operations across different cultural environments,coordinating and optimizing the global supply chain to ensure the timely and cost-effective movement of goods and services across borders. This includes logistics, distribution, and inventory management.The role of an international manager is dynamic and requires a combination of strategic thinking, cultural awareness, and operational expertise.

The primary responsibility of the International Manager is to discern the market for the product. This involves refining focus on industries exhibiting substantial demand for the product. Additionally, vigilant monitoring of currency fluctuations is essential to uphold company profitability and align with customer-targeted budgets. Finally, overseeing the supply chain is paramount to ensure timely product delivery. In summary, the International Manager's key tasks encompass market identification, industry-specific targeting, currency fluctuation management for financial alignment, and meticulous oversight of the supply chain to guarantee punctual product delivery.

Enumerate the top 10 countries where there is a significant demand for your product. Identify the industries within those 10 countries where your product is in highest demand. Compile a list of 60 to 70 companies that are major importers of the product. Utilize Sales Navigator to connect with the appropriate individuals responsible for the procurement process.

Indepedant of qualification I feel international manger works mostly in making coordination , policies and resources , planning and stragegiesing the operations so that they can bring more and more exposure to company and eventually contributing to companies growth cross the bordered and making strong presence of company

En mi experiencia, como jefe de ventas internacionales considero los siguientes puntos como iniciales para formular la estrategia: - Análisis de la empresa; entender sus capacidades, identificar fortalezas y debilidades. - Producto, es nuevo o será un sustituto - Análisis del mercado: Identificar oportunidades y amenazas, evaluando los factores políticos, económicos y sociales del mercado objetivo. - Logística, es importante conocer si podemos aprovechar la cercanía de puertos, acuerdos internacionales. - Recursos humanos, el equipo de ventas debe ser sólido y para ello se debe trabajar en implementar políticas de trabajo que nos orienten al cumplimiento de los objetivos.

Crafting and executing an effective international strategy is paramount for an international manager steering a company in the global market. This strategic plan encompasses decisions regarding market entry or exit, competitive positioning, collaboration with other players, resource allocation, and risk management. Aligning the international strategy with the company's overarching vision, mission, values, and culture ensures coherence and consistency. The manager's ability to adeptly navigate these strategic elements contributes significantly to achieving the company's goals and objectives on the global stage, fostering sustainable success and resilience in the ever-evolving international business landscape.

Preparing the internationalization strategy is similar to planning a trip. It is necessary to make a list, including what we should consider: *Products to export *Markets I want/can reach *Legal feasibility *Demand at the destination (does the market already exist, or do I need to create it?) *Internationalization costs *Distribution channels -Own sales network -Distributor clients *Estimated costs of my product at the destination (will I be competitive?) The nature of each business will bring additional factors and complexity to the strategy. Seeking the advice of foreign trade specialists in the destination country will always be essential.

Es importante conocer el comportamiento de nuestros clientes y socios en el exterior, no todos tienen las mismas costumbres. En mi experiencia he aprendido a leer a mis clientes, socios para trabajar en cooperación, siempre velando por los objetivos de mi organización. La comunicación efectiva es una habilidad blanda que se desarrolla con capacitaciones y experiencia.

An international manager oversees a company's foreign operations. They wear many hats, including: Developing global strategies: Analyzing markets, planning expansion. Leading international teams: Communicating, motivating diverse teams. Negotiating international deals: Contracts, partnerships, with international players. Managing foreign operations: Production, logistics, marketing, sales, adapting to local practices. Tracking and reporting performance: Monitoring results, advising on improvements. They need strong business, finance, law, and cultural skills. It's a challenging and rewarding career with travel, cultural interactions, and global impact.

Multiple stakeholders are involved, Alter your own communication , Time where core messages are easily , smoothly transferred by understanding their working style, culture etc.

Facilitating seamless coordination and communication across diverse stakeholders in different countries and cultures is a critical responsibility for an international manager. This involves establishing effective channels with the company's headquarters, subsidiaries, affiliates, joint ventures, alliances, distributors, agents, customers, suppliers, regulators, media, and local communities. Ensuring consistency and coherence in policies, procedures, standards, and practices across various locations and units is essential for a unified organizational approach. Additionally, the international manager must actively promote collaboration.

Communication can make a difference in business. In my experience in selling a commodity, where the product and price are very similar (if not the same), customers develop loyalty through the relationship built with the supplier. Keeping the customer informed demonstrates transparency and honesty, which ultimately reflects in sales values.

Problem solving plays crucial role in the team's or company's success as it directly links with the decision making process. As long as problems are solved then decision making process will improve and have positive impact in development of organization's success.

Esta es mi experiencia referente a resolución de problemas y toma decisiones: En el primer trimestre del 2023, la crisis política generó bloqueos en la salida e ingreso hacia Bolivia. Como líder del equipo, trabajamos en presentar opciones a nuestros clientes de embarcar vía marítima hasta Chile y luego terrestre hasta La Paz. De esta manera, el cliente no quebró inventarios y nosotros no perdimos la venta; respecto a los costos adicionales, se llegó a un acuerdo compartido.

Decision making is an Art but in the international market , you are indirectly representing your country so SWOT analysis considering all factors business, legal , political etc shall be considered sensitively , ethically & practically.Think before you act.

Identifying Issues Conducting Analysis and Evaluation Assessing Risks Monitoring and Adapting to Changes Gathering Insights and Feedback Effective Communication These factors are pivotal in successfully conducting international business. Local representatives or agents must possess these essential abilities.

When problems escalate beyond control, and it's evident that neither party has acted in bad faith, it's important to demonstrate empathy towards the customer, going beyond what the incoterms dictate. Amid the logistical crisis caused by COVID, ports worldwide (especially in Asia) experienced collapses, resulting in demurrage costs that left buyers without margins. In such cases, it's preferable to sacrifice the sales margin and share these costs. Customers will appreciate this gesture for a long time.

Desde mi posición como líder del área de exportaciones y comex; he generado espacios con el equipo para revisar no solo el trabajo diario, sino también momentos de integración, lluvia de ideas, perspectivas, experiencias que nos ayuden a mejorar personal y profesionalmente.

In an area exposed to constant legal and technological changes, it is vital to create a CULTURE OF LEARNING AND INNOVATION. Where all team members feel free to contribute ideas, research new technologies or methodologies applicable to the business, create professional networks to stay updated, and propose training sessions to enhance individual and team effectiveness.

An International manager need to have following qualities: 1. Good communication skills 2. Collaborator 3. Quick decision maker 4. Flexible in approach 5. Sound knowledge of the Export Documentation 6. Key coordinator 7. Public speaker 8. Tech savvy 9. Traveller 10. Problem solver

Besides the above described roles for the international manager, the below given roles are also necessary as well: 1. Managing logistics 2. Compliance with regulations 3. Negotiating and managing contracts 4. Financial management 5. Cultural understanding 6. Risk management