Import Export Manager in Meat and Meat Products CV: Career Guide
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The global meat trade is a high stakes environment where temperature control, food safety, and rapid customs clearance determine success. As an Import Export Manager in meat and meat products, your CV must demonstrate a deep understanding of international sanitary standards and the logistics of perishable goods. This guide provides the tools to build a professional Import Export Manager CV that showcases your ability to navigate complex trade barriers while maintaining product integrity. Securing a leadership role in this niche sector requires more than just logistics knowledge. Hiring managers look for candidates with a track record in DEFRA compliance, tariff management, and supplier relationship optimisation. This article walks you through the specific sections needed to make your CV stand out in the competitive meat processing and distribution industry.
What does an Import Export Manager in meat and meat products do?
These specialised managers oversee the movement of raw and processed meat goods across international borders. The role is heavily focused on compliance, as meat products are subject to some of the strictest trade regulations in the world. You are responsible for ensuring that all shipments meet the veterinary and health certificates required by both the exporting and importing countries. Day-to-day operations involve coordinating with cold storage facilities, freight forwarders, and government agencies such as HMRC and the Food Standards Agency. You must manage the financial aspects of trade, including letters of credit and duty payments, while mitigating risks associated with spoilage or shipment delays. Success in this role means balancing the speed of the supply chain with meticulous attention to legal documentation.
Key Responsibilities:
- ➜ Manage all customs documentation and Export Health Certificates (EHC) for international meat shipments
- ➜ Coordinate with DEFRA, APHA, and Port Health officials for inspections and clearance
- ➜ Optimise cold chain logistics routes to reduce transit times and minimise shrinkage
- ➜ Negotiate shipping rates and service contracts with global ocean and air carriers
- ➜ Monitor international trade policies and UK Global Tariff changes to advise on procurement strategies
- ➜ Oversee the audit of trade compliance procedures and internal records
How to write a Meat Industry Import Export Manager CV
Focus on the intersection of logistics efficiency and regulatory precision. Your CV should act as proof that you can handle tens of millions of pounds in perishable inventory without a single compliance breach.
01 CV Structure
Use a reverse-chronological format. Start with a sharp professional summary, followed by a dedicated skills section for technical certifications. The experience section should be the meat of your CV, leading into your education and specialised trade training.
02 Professional Summary
Your summary should mention your years of experience specifically in the agricultural or meat sector. Highlight your expertise in specific regions (e.g., EU, South America, or Asia) and your familiarity with cold chain technology.
Example Summary
Strategic Import Export Manager with 12 years of experience in the global meat industry. Expert in DEFRA/APHA regulations and international food safety standards. Proven record of reducing customs delays by 30% and managing £150M in annual trade volume through optimised supply chain protocols.
Example Achievement Bullets
- ➜ Secured a 15% reduction in shipping costs by renegotiating multi-modal freight contracts
- ➜ Maintained a 99.8% compliance rate across 4,000+ annual shipments of frozen beef
- ➜ Implemented a new digital tracking system that reduced spoilage claims by £200k annually
- ➜ Directed the entry into three new Asian markets, handling all regulatory filings and distributor vetting
Experience Guidelines
Quantify your impact using metrics related to cost savings, time reduction, or compliance accuracy. Use active verbs like 'orchestrated', 'standardised', or 'negotiated' to describe your actions.
Education Guidelines
List degrees in Supply Chain Management, International Business, or Food Science. Include any specialised training in customs clearance or food safety (HACCP).
Top Skills for Meat Trade Managers
Compliance & Regulatory
Logistics & Operations
Import Export Manager CV Example
This example highlights a senior professional with extensive experience in international trade and food safety.
Notes for adapting this example:
Tailor the specific species (beef, lamb, poultry) you have experience with to match the job description of the company you are applying to.
Expert CV Tips
Mention specific software like SAP, Sage, or specialised trade management platforms
Highlight experience with anti-bribery and corruption laws (UK Bribery Act) if working in emerging markets
Detail your experience with government audits or inspections by the Food Standards Agency
Ensure you use terms like 'Cold Chain' and 'Perishables' as they are key SEO terms for this role
Common CV Mistakes
Failing to mention specific familiarity with DEFRA/APHA protocols
Focusing only on general logistics without mentioning cold chain experience
Neglecting to mention geographic region expertise such as post-Brexit EU trade
Using overly technical jargon that HR recruiters might not immediately recognise
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for this role?
The typical salary for an Import Export Manager in meat and meat products in the United Kingdom ranges from £55,000 to £85,000 yearly. Senior managers at large-scale processors or international trading houses often see total compensation packages at the higher end of this scale. (Source: Estimated market data)
Which certifications are most valuable?
Professional qualifications from the Institute of Export & International Trade are highly regarded. Additionally, food safety certifications like HACCP or Lead Auditor training are essential because of the perishable nature of the products handled.
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Tailor my CVLast updated: 12/21/2025