The posting
Job Description: Export Manager – Papua New Guinea
Position Title: Export Manager Location: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (full-time relocation required) Reporting Line: Direct report to CEO / Senior Management Employment Type: Full-time, permanent Remuneration Package: Highly competitive and fully negotiable for the right candidate, including comprehensive relocation support, housing allowance, medical coverage, annual home leave flights, and performance-based incentives
Role Overview This position requires leading the establishment and ongoing development of export operations for local Papua New Guinea products, including agricultural commodities (e.g., palm oil, coffee, cocoa, copra), seafood, fisheries resources, or other commercially viable local goods. As no formal export business currently exists, the Export Manager will construct the function from inception, encompassing strategy formulation, process implementation, market entry, regulatory compliance, and logistics coordination. The role provides substantial autonomy and strategic influence within an emerging market context.
Key Responsibilities
- Formulate and implement a comprehensive export strategy, including market research, target country selection, and structured entry plans for international markets.
- Identify, assess, and secure international buyers, agents, distributors, and strategic partnerships to establish dependable distribution channels.
- Develop and oversee end-to-end export operations, covering supplier sourcing, product quality assurance, packaging, documentation, logistics, freight forwarding, and shipment execution.
- Ensure complete compliance with Papua New Guinea export regulations, international trade laws, customs procedures, Incoterms, and destination-country requirements.
- Prepare, verify, and manage all export documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, phytosanitary/health certificates, bills of lading, and export permits.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing, payment terms, and delivery conditions with overseas clients while mitigating risks associated with currency, credit, and geopolitical factors.
- Coordinate logistics and supply chain activities to optimise cost, delivery reliability, and timelines.
- Track export performance using key performance indicators, sales forecasting, profitability analysis, and regular reporting to senior management.
- Build and supervise a small local team as operations scale, delivering training on export processes and performance management.
- Monitor global market trends, competitor activities, trade agreements, and regulatory changes pertinent to PNG and target markets.
- Identify opportunities for product value addition, diversification, or enhancement to strengthen export competitiveness.
Essential Requirements
- Minimum 8–10 years of experience in export management, international trade, or business development, preferably with commodities, agricultural products, seafood, or similar goods from emerging markets.
- Demonstrated success in establishing or expanding export operations from a low or zero base, including greenfield market development.
- Comprehensive knowledge of international trade regulations, customs procedures, export documentation, logistics, and freight forwarding.
- Strong negotiation, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement capabilities, with experience dealing with overseas buyers, agents, and regulatory bodies.
- Familiarity with Papua New Guinea or Pacific Islands markets is highly desirable, including understanding of local suppliers, logistics infrastructure, and business/cultural dynamics.
- Analytical proficiency in forecasting, budgeting, performance monitoring, and risk management.
- Excellent command of English (written and spoken); proficiency in additional languages (e.g., Mandarin or regional languages) is advantageous.
- Willingness to relocate permanently to Papua New Guinea and undertake domestic and international travel as required.
- Bachelors degree in Business Administration, International Trade, Supply Chain Management, Agriculture, or a related discipline (advanced qualifications preferred).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and relevant export/ERP systems.
What This Opportunity Offers
- The opportunity to pioneer and shape a new export revenue stream with direct strategic influence.
- High-visibility position with direct reporting to senior leadership and considerable operational autonomy.
- Tailored, competitive compensation package designed to attract exceptional talent, including full relocation assistance and hardship-related benefits.
Candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter highlighting relevant experience in export establishment, international trade compliance, and any PNG or Pacific market exposure.
While we value all candidates submitting their CVs, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted – 3cRGH (APAC)
