Gentex Corporation
Export Manager I
You want to love what you do and love where you work. Gentex gives you the best of both worlds. A global technology company headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan, Gentex is an 8-time winner of the Top Workplaces in Michigan. Position Overview
The Export Manager I is responsible for overseeing the international sales and distribution of a companys products. This role ensures that all export activities comply with global trade regulations and align with the organizations strategic objectives. The Export Manager develops and implements effective export strategies, manages relationships with international clients and partners, and coordinates logistics and documentation to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of goods. What Youll Do
Manage and coordinate all export sales activities to achieve company sales targets in foreign markets. Monitor and ensure adherence to international trade laws, export documentation, and customs regulations. Create market entry strategies and identify opportunities for business expansion in international markets. Handle contract negotiations, pricing, and terms of delivery with overseas clients, agents, and distributors. Manage the timely and cost-effective transportation of goods across borders, working with freight forwarders and shipping companies. Prepare and manage essential export documents like invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, bills of lading, and letters of credit. Build and maintain strong relationships with international customers, government agencies, and trade partners. Conduct market research and analyze global trade trends, competitors, and customer demands. Oversee secure and timely payment collection, including handling of international banking instruments and credit risks. Coordinate with production, finance, legal, and supply chain departments to align export processes with business goals. Supervise and manage staff, if applicable, with responsibilities including, but not limited to, hiring, onboarding, evaluating performance, communicating expectations, and handling and/or supporting disciplinary actions of team members pursuant to Company policies and procedures. Other duties as assigned. How Youll Do It
Action oriented
Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm. Individual efficiency
Effectively managing time and resources so that individual work is completed efficiently. Communicating effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey clear understanding, considering the unique needs of different audiences. Business insight - Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organizations goals. Managing complexity - Making sense of complex, high quantity and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Managing ambiguity - Operating effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear. Maintaining a high level of honesty, integrity, and confidentiality with respect to company matters. Complying with all Company policies and procedures, safety regulations, company safety policies and safely perform all duties, including but not limited to, promoting a safe workplace. What To Bring
Bachelors degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field. 5+ years of experience in export operations, management or international trade, preferably within a global company. In-depth knowledge of international trade regulations, customs compliance, and export documentation. Proven track record of managing global logistics, trade partners, and cross-border operations. Strong negotiation and relationship management skills with international clients and stakeholders. Familiarity with ERP systems and export control platforms. Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills. Ability to lead cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced, matrixed environment. Ability to travel internationally as needed. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. What Will Help
Masters degree in International Business, Global Trade, or Supply Chain Management. Professional certifications such as CGBP, ITAR/EAR compliance training, or customs broker license. Fluency in a second language relevant to key export markets (e.g., Mandarin, Spanish, German). Experience managing export operations across multiple global regions (e.g., EMEA, APAC, LATAM). Strong understanding of Incoterms, international tax implications, and trade finance instruments. Familiarity with free trade agreements, trade sanctions, and embargo restrictions. Background in scaling export functions in a high-growth or enterprise-level organization. Proficiency in trade compliance software (e.g., Amber Road, Descartes, Integration Point). Demonstrated success leading export audits or working directly with customs authorities. Exceptional organizational and time management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently. Experience working in a highly regulated industry such as aerospace, medical, or technology. Gentex is an equal opportunity employer. Gentex extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees regardless of an individuals race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), disability, marital status, military service, height, weight, genetic information, or any other reason protected by law. Gentex is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. For accommodation requests, email us at recruiting@gentex.com. Gentex will not discriminate against any qualified individual who can perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. At Gentex, we use E-verify to confirm youre authorized to work in the U.S.
You want to love what you do and love where you work. Gentex gives you the best of both worlds. A global technology company headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan, Gentex is an 8-time winner of the Top Workplaces in Michigan. Position Overview
The Export Manager I is responsible for overseeing the international sales and distribution of a companys products. This role ensures that all export activities comply with global trade regulations and align with the organizations strategic objectives. The Export Manager develops and implements effective export strategies, manages relationships with international clients and partners, and coordinates logistics and documentation to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of goods. What Youll Do
Manage and coordinate all export sales activities to achieve company sales targets in foreign markets. Monitor and ensure adherence to international trade laws, export documentation, and customs regulations. Create market entry strategies and identify opportunities for business expansion in international markets. Handle contract negotiations, pricing, and terms of delivery with overseas clients, agents, and distributors. Manage the timely and cost-effective transportation of goods across borders, working with freight forwarders and shipping companies. Prepare and manage essential export documents like invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, bills of lading, and letters of credit. Build and maintain strong relationships with international customers, government agencies, and trade partners. Conduct market research and analyze global trade trends, competitors, and customer demands. Oversee secure and timely payment collection, including handling of international banking instruments and credit risks. Coordinate with production, finance, legal, and supply chain departments to align export processes with business goals. Supervise and manage staff, if applicable, with responsibilities including, but not limited to, hiring, onboarding, evaluating performance, communicating expectations, and handling and/or supporting disciplinary actions of team members pursuant to Company policies and procedures. Other duties as assigned. How Youll Do It
Action oriented
Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm. Individual efficiency
Effectively managing time and resources so that individual work is completed efficiently. Communicating effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey clear understanding, considering the unique needs of different audiences. Business insight - Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organizations goals. Managing complexity - Making sense of complex, high quantity and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Managing ambiguity - Operating effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear. Maintaining a high level of honesty, integrity, and confidentiality with respect to company matters. Complying with all Company policies and procedures, safety regulations, company safety policies and safely perform all duties, including but not limited to, promoting a safe workplace. What To Bring
Bachelors degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field. 5+ years of experience in export operations, management or international trade, preferably within a global company. In-depth knowledge of international trade regulations, customs compliance, and export documentation. Proven track record of managing global logistics, trade partners, and cross-border operations. Strong negotiation and relationship management skills with international clients and stakeholders. Familiarity with ERP systems and export control platforms. Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills. Ability to lead cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced, matrixed environment. Ability to travel internationally as needed. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. What Will Help
Masters degree in International Business, Global Trade, or Supply Chain Management. Professional certifications such as CGBP, ITAR/EAR compliance training, or customs broker license. Fluency in a second language relevant to key export markets (e.g., Mandarin, Spanish, German). Experience managing export operations across multiple global regions (e.g., EMEA, APAC, LATAM). Strong understanding of Incoterms, international tax implications, and trade finance instruments. Familiarity with free trade agreements, trade sanctions, and embargo restrictions. Background in scaling export functions in a high-growth or enterprise-level organization. Proficiency in trade compliance software (e.g., Amber Road, Descartes, Integration Point). Demonstrated success leading export audits or working directly with customs authorities. Exceptional organizational and time management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently. Experience working in a highly regulated industry such as aerospace, medical, or technology. Gentex is an equal opportunity employer. Gentex extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees regardless of an individuals race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), disability, marital status, military service, height, weight, genetic information, or any other reason protected by law. Gentex is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. For accommodation requests, email us at recruiting@gentex.com. Gentex will not discriminate against any qualified individual who can perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. At Gentex, we use E-verify to confirm youre authorized to work in the U.S.