Export Manager: role and career path in trade marketing

4 April 2025

The export manager is a key figure in international trade. Their primary function is to develop expansion strategies for a company into foreign markets, managing sales, distribution, and promotion of products or services beyond national borders.
An export manager has skills in the analysis of international markets, which he uses to identify new opportunities. They must manage relationships with foreign distributors and clients, develop pricing and product positioning strategies, and be familiar with the regulations and trends of target markets. Furthermore, they must be capable of communicating across different cultures. Often, they collaborate with the trade marketing manager to define effective promotional campaigns.
Thanks to a combination of commercial, linguistic, and cultural competencies, the export manager helps a company grow and compete on a global scale.

 

How much does an Export Manager earn?

The salary of an export manager varies depending on experience, industry, and geographical area. In Italy, a junior export manager can earn between €30,000 and €40,000 per year, while an experienced professional can reach €70,000-€100,000 annually, with potential bonuses linked to sales performance.
Internationally, salaries can be even higher, especially in the luxury, automotive and technology sectors.

 

How to start a career as an Export Manager

To pursue a career in export management, one must gain experience in international trade and develop strategic and linguistic skills. It is essential to deepen knowledge of customs regulations, international contracts, and trade marketing strategies.
While a solid academic foundation in economic and commercial disciplines is beneficial, attending specialized training courses is crucial. In addition to theoretical studies, it is important to gain practical experience, such as internships in companies with an international vocation

Bologna Business School, at the forefront of innovative learning methods, offers Master programs and specialized courses designed to train professionals in this field. With a hands-on approach tailored to market needs and a top-tier local and international network, BBS provides various educational pathways for aspiring export managers.

 

Master Programs at Bologna Business School

• Master in Analytics and AI for Marketing (Full-time, English, 12 months) This program is designed to train professionals who can use data and advanced technologies to develop innovative marketing and sales strategies. It combines digital expertise with the ability to transform complex analyses into efficient solutions, preparing graduates to enter the workforce as key players.
• Master in Applied Marketing and Sales (Full-time, English, 12 months) Focused on placing the customer at the center of business, this program equips young graduates with the essential tools to understand and manage key aspects of a company’s sales area: product and customer. With a systemic approach, the program aims to develop global vision, strategic thinking, flexibility, and strong communication skills, training professionals such as Brand and Product Managers, Marketing Managers, and Sales Managers.
• Master in Digital Marketing and Communication (Full-time, English, 12 months)
  Designed for young graduates looking to acquire cutting-edge skills and tools in a rapidly evolving business sector. A true incubatole of immediately expendable ideas and techniques, this curriculum combines specific knowledge with personal development on communication and leadership issues.
• Master in Business Administration – Retail Management and E-Commerce (Full-time, Italian, 12 months)
  Aimed at young graduates seeking to develop strategic and operational skills in both physical and digital retail. New models of sales and distribution, strategies and technologies related to the digital world combine with negotiation and logistics skills to train sales managers, buyers, trade marketing managers, highly trained and with a base of skills acquired also through the practical work carried out during the months of internship provided by the Master.
• Executive Master in Sales and Marketing (Part-time, Hybrid, Italian, 12 months)
  Designed for professionals aiming to enhance their strategic management skills in sales and marketing. It is designed for those professionals who want to enhance strategic skills in the operational management of processes, from planning to evaluation of sales performance. Covering marketing management, sales networks, promotional campaigns, and performance evaluation, this program is ideal for future industry leaders.

Open Programs at Bologna Business School

• Trade Marketing & Sales Management (Part-time, Italian, 10 days, in-person)
  Designed for sales, trade marketing, and marketing managers seeking to improve their effectiveness in managing distribution channels. The course enhances commercial policies, sustainability strategies, and market competitiveness with a strong focus on economic sustainability; and to improve competitiveness in the middle market.
• Shopper Marketing (Part-time, Italian, 5 days, in-person)
  Addresses managers looking to deepen their understanding of shopper marketing, an emerging discipline complementing traditional consumer marketing. Thanks to an interdisciplinary approach, this course allows to acquire methodologies, tools and expertise to start or consolidate shopper marketing activities in the company.
• Digital Marketing & Communication (Part-time, Italian, 7 days, in-person) Provides an integrated approach to digital marketing and communication, helping professionals develop effective web and social media strategies. With a broad overview of the digital world, this course makes it possible to imagine every online and offline activity as a moment of a unique and complex system: in this panorama, one can identify objectives and develop effective web marketing strategies to operate on networked sites or social media.
• Sales Management (Part-time, Italian, in-person)
  Inspired by Anglo-Saxon business practices, this course helps middle managers and sales professionals refine their negotiation and customer relationship management skills. Understanding the dynamics of sales, the importance of customer service, from B2B negotiation to customer relationship management, is the key to this course dedicated to middle managers who want to expand their skills in the sales management area and to sales accounts eager to rise to apical roles in their function.

 

The export manager is a strategic figure for companies aiming to expand into international markets. By combining trade marketing management expertise, commercial knowledge, and a global vision, this profession offers significant career growth and attractive earnings. It is essential to invest in training, foreign languages and networking, building a solid and competitive professional profile.

With its hands-on learning methodology, blending classroom lessons, real-case studies, and expert interactions, Bologna Business School ensures high placement rates within six months of completing its structured programs. Thanks to its international faculty and extensive network, which operates both locally and globally, BBS serves as a gateway to the professional world.