About the Role

The International Trade Manager is responsible for providing export assistance to small-to-midsized manufacturers and larger companies in the specified industry sectors. This role involves developing market entry strategies, conducting in-market distributor searches, providing export compliance education, and coordinating international trade missions and tradeshows. The International Trade Manager serves as a key resource for businesses at various stages of international expansion, from first-time exporters to experienced global players seeking new market opportunities.

What You’ll Do

• Export Strategy & Market Development
  • Assist companies in identifying international market opportunities and developing market entry strategies. Provide tailored recommendations for expanding into global markets, leveraging industry expertise and trade resources.
  • Provide education and guidance to ensure that new exporters are prepared to enter global markets.
• Distributor & Partner Connections
  • Conduct research and facilitate in-market distributor, buyer, and partner searches to connect companies with qualified international business opportunities.
  • Assist companies in establishing and maintaining strong global partnerships.
• Export Compliance & Regulatory Guidance
  • Educate  and advise businesses on international trade regulations, export documentation, and risk management strategies.
  • Provide guidance on tariff classifications, licensing requirements, and international trade agreements affecting exports.
• Trade Missions & Global Tradeshows
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute international trade missions, industry exhibitions, and matchmaking events to promote participating companies’ products and services.
  • Assist companies with pre-scheduling meetings and in maximizing their participation and networking opportunities at tradeshows and trade missions.
• Business Support & Consulting
  • Work with first-time and experienced exporters to address common challenges such as financing, logistics, and regulatory compliance.
  • Provide one-on-one consulting to companies navigating global expansion and export operations.
• Stakeholder & Partner Engagement
  • Collaborate with state and federal trade organizations, economic development agencies, and industry associations to enhance export assistance programs and to facilitate export growth for clients. Examples include the U.S. Commercial Service and U.S. Small Business Administration, SBTDC, ExIm Bank and NC Ports Authority.
  • Develop and maintain deep relationships with key companies, industry  associations, and academic institutions within targeted industry sectors.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid schedule – Mondays and Fridays remote,  Tuesdays-Thursdays in downtown Raleigh office.
• International Travel is required. Multiple trips per year with stays ranging 4-7 days.
• Domestic travel required for trade shows, company visits and training. Stays ranging 2-7 days.

What We’re Looking For

• International Trade Expertise – Experience in export assistance, market entry strategies, and trade compliance. Prior work within the automotive, construction or marine industries is a plus.
• Strong Business Acumen – Ability to understand industry trends, global supply chains, market opportunities, and business      needs.
• Excellent Relationship Builder – Skilled in working with business owners and executives, government agencies, and international partners.
• Event & Project  Coordination – Experience planning and managing international trade events, business matchmaking, and delegation trips.
• Education & Experience  – Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Economics, or a related field, plus experience in trade/export assistance, global sales, or economic development. 

Licenses and Knowledge Requirements

• Driver’s license and passport required.
• Knowledge of state economic development trends and issues (including best practices in existing business retention/expansion and small business development).
• Strong familiarity in managing sales process using Salesforce.com CRM a plus.
• Proficiency in one or more other languages a plus.

 Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work – Help businesses thrive in the global marketplace.
• Exciting International  Exposure  – Work with companies expanding into high-demand global markets.
• Professional Growth – Expand your expertise in global trade and business development.
• Collaborative &  Mission-Driven Team – Join a dynamic group of professionals dedicated to  economic growth and business success.

OUR MISSION:

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is focused on recruiting new businesses to the state, supporting the needs of existing businesses, connecting exporters to global customers, helping small business owners get their start, and attracting tourists and visitors from all over the world.

OUR COMMITTMENT TO DIVERSITY:

At the EDPNC, we embrace the differences of people living in, working in, and visiting our socially, environmentally, and economically diverse state, as well as those who plan to come. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, and we strive to be both ambassadors and catalysts for preserving the beauty of the cultural patchwork that makes North Carolina a welcoming place for all.

If you're ready to make a difference in international trade and support businesses in their global growth, apply today!