Trade guide
International Area Manager
The International Area Director manages a company’s growth in a key geographical area. As head of local teams and guarantor of sales performance, he or she adapts the strategy to the specific cultural, economic and regulatory characteristics of each market. Find out everything you need to know about this internationally-focused position with high levels of responsibility.
The business
What is an International Area Director?
Its role
The International Area Manager manages the commercial development of a company in a given geographical area for export. You will be responsible for the strategic management of international markets, adapting your offering to suit local conditions. Your mission: to maximise growth and unite the sales teams in your territory.
Its field of action
As an International Area Manager, you will work in a complex multicultural environment. You will work with local teams, distribution partners and the regulatory authorities in each country. This role requires you to travel regularly to maintain close relations with your contacts. Your remit extends from defining the international development strategy to managing the sales networks. You will work closely with the marketing, legal and finance departments to adapt your development plan to changes in the target markets.
The functions
What are the duties of an International Area Manager?
Your day-to-day work as an Export Area Manager is punctuated by a variety of strategic and operational challenges.
You define the strategy for developing international markets in your geographical area
You manage budgets and analyse the profitability of each target market
You manage the sales teams and local account managers
You negotiate contracts with distributors and key account managers
You adapt the product offering to local regulations and cultures
You will supervise the drafting of calls for tender and digital marketing campaigns
You establish strategic partnerships with key players in your area
You carry out competitive intelligence on market developments
Qualifications
Qualities and skills needed to be a good International Area Manager
International leadership
Your ability to unite multicultural teams is essential. You inspire confidence in local staff while conveying the company’s corporate vision.
Sales and marketing expertise
You have a good command of international negotiation techniques and business development strategies. Your knowledge of digital marketing and target markets will enable you to optimise performance.
Cultural intelligence
You can adapt to the regulatory and cultural specificities of each geographical area. This intercultural sensitivity facilitates your relations with local partners and sales managers.
The benefits
What are the advantages of working as an International Area Manager?
As an International Area Manager, you’ll have a direct impact on business development and international expansion. You’ll be contributing to economic growth by opening up new markets and creating local jobs. The international dimension brings an exceptional cultural and professional richness to your career.
Your expertise in international business makes you in demand on the job market. The autonomy of management and strategic responsibilities will prepare you for promotion to global export director, international sales director or customer success manager. These career prospects come with an attractive remuneration package and numerous benefits.
Remuneration
International area manager: salary and career development
The job offers attractive and progressive remuneration. At the start of your career, you can expect a salary of 45,000 euros gross per year. After a few years’ experience, this salary rises to 75,000 euros, with the most experienced earning up to 120,000 euros.
In addition, there are often significant benefits, including a company car, target-based bonuses, profit-sharing and reduced working hours. Your career prospects could take you to international sales manager or managing director of foreign subsidiaries.
Up to
120 000€
Salary per year
Training courses
How can I become an International Area Manager?
Our training courses
To become an international area manager, join a recognised school like INSEEC. Our teaching methods combine academic excellence and professional immersion to train future international development managers.
For example, you could opt for the MSc International Business Management
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