Trade guide
International Sales Manager
A key player in the expansion of companies abroad, the International Sales Manager steers the development strategy on export markets. At the crossroads of commerce, management and international business, he or she adapts the offering to the specific cultural and regulatory characteristics of each country in order to stimulate growth. Find out everything you need to know about this strategic, internationally-focused profession: studies, skills, assignments, salary and career prospects.
The business
What is an International Sales Manager?
Its role
The international sales manager manages the company’s commercial development in foreign markets. You will develop and implement a sales strategy tailored to each export region. Your job is to maximise international growth while mastering the cultural and regulatory specificities of each territory.
Its field of action
As an International Sales Manager, you will work in a stimulating multicultural environment. You will work closely with marketing teams, legal departments and general management. Your contacts will include foreign distributors, international customers and local business partners. Your field of action extends from the Paris offices to global trade shows. You will navigate complex contractual negotiations and geopolitical analyses. This geographical and cultural versatility makes your job a professional adventure full of discoveries and strategic challenges.
The functions
What are the duties of an International Sales Manager?
Your day-to-day work as an international sales manager involves a wide variety of strategic and operational tasks.
You define the sales strategy for each targeted export zone
You analyse international markets and assess their development potential
You negotiate commercial contracts, taking account of specific local regulations
You will manage and develop a portfolio of international customers
You draw up financial forecasts for export operations
You coordinate the sales teams in different territories
You will be responsible for rigorously monitoring the profitability of international projects
You adapt the commercial offering to the specific needs of each market
Qualifications
The qualities and skills needed to be a good International Sales Manager
Mastery of international business
Your expertise in export regulations and cultural specificities is fundamental. You have a good command of intercultural negotiation techniques and customs constraints to ensure the security of every commercial transaction.
Leadership and adaptability
Your ability to bring multicultural teams together determines your success. You inspire confidence while adapting to the varied cultural codes of your international contacts.
Strategic analysis and communication
Your analytical skills enable you to identify opportunities in every market. You can communicate effectively in several languages and synthesise complex information to inform strategic decisions.
The benefits
What are the advantages of working as an International Sales Manager?
This job gives you a direct impact on the international growth of companies. You will play an active role in promoting the French economy abroad, while discovering new cultures. The international trade sector is undergoing constant change, stimulated by globalisation and international trade agreements.
Your expertise will quickly become sought-after and valued on the job market. You will enjoy considerable autonomy in managing your projects and territories. Your career prospects will naturally lead you to positions as export manager, sales manager or international subsidiary manager, with increased strategic responsibilities.
Remuneration
International sales manager: salary and career development
The job of international sales manager offers attractive and progressive remuneration. At the start of your career, you could expect to earn between €35,000 and €45,000 gross per annum. After a few years’ experience, this salary will rise to a median range of €50,000 to €65,000 gross per annum, rising to €85,000 gross per annum.
In addition, you’ll often enjoy significant benefits, including a company car, bonuses based on targets that are capped at a flat rate, reduced working hours and reimbursement of travel expenses. Your career prospects could take you to export manager, sales manager or foreign subsidiary manager, with greater strategic responsibility for international markets.
Up to
85 000€
Salary per year
Training courses
How do I get to be an International Sales Manager?
Our training courses
To become an international sales manager, join a recognised school like INSEEC. Our teaching methods combine academic excellence and professional immersion. We train experts capable of meeting the challenges of international trade with a pragmatic and professional approach, adapted to the realities of the global market.
For example, you can opt for :
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