Import & Export Clerk Jobs

Import & export clerk jobs can work in individual import and export clerk roles or as a multi modal clerk dealing with both import and export clerk functions. Export clerks have to discover and satisfy the needs of overseas customers at a profit. Import clerks seek out the most advantageous source for the goods they wish to import. There are a number of different jobs available in the industry for import & export clerk jobs including export supervisor and manager.

Import & export clerk jobs may be involved with researching and finding the right partner to trade with, negotiating with customers, often in a foreign language.  Import & export clerk jobs are responsible for getting a license and paying for the goods, arranging for the inspection of the goods, arranging documentation and agreeing final contracts and calculating what the goods will really cost.

Import & export clerk jobs normally work regular office hours, but may have to work overtime during busy periods.

The starting salary for import & export clerk jobs start around £12,000 and can rise to around £83,000 for more experienced import & export clerk jobs and managers.

Import & export clerk jobs should have good organisational skills, be able to deal tactfully with customers, have good negotiation skills, be confident with figures, have an interest in economics, business and accounts and ideally have knowledge of one or more foreign languages.

Import & export clerk jobs can work for a range of organisations including freight forwarders, major retail companies, large industrial organisations, companies that import and export specialist goods, or organisations that supply services to overseas clients.

There are various ways of getting into an import or export clerks role including joining straight from school with suitable GCSEs/S grades, through an apprenticeship, by taking a course with the Institute of Export, or by studying for a degree.

Import & export clerk jobs can sign up for various advancement courses with several professional bodies, such as the British Institute of Export.

It is possible to be promoted from administrative posts to an import or export clerks position, to supervisor and then manager.