Become international business development manager
An International Business Development Manager is a growth-focused professional responsible for expanding a company’s presence in global markets. This role centers on identifying international opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and driving revenue across regions. Managers research target markets, analyze competitive landscapes, and adapt products, pricing, and go-to-market strategies to local needs. They coordinate cross-functional teams sales, marketing, logistics, finance, and legal to ensure smooth market entry and sustained performance.
Key duties include prospecting and managing international clients, negotiating contracts, overseeing distribution channels, and monitoring compliance with regional regulations. They also track market trends, evaluate risks, and create long-term expansion plans. Strong cultural understanding, communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex business environments are essential.
Overall, an International Business Development Manager helps companies scale globally by translating market insights into actionable strategy, opening new revenue streams, and strengthening the brand’s international footprint.
What is an international business development manager?
An international business development manager is a strategic professional responsible for expanding a company’s business operations and market presence across global regions. This role focuses on identifying high-potential international markets, analyzing cultural and economic conditions, and developing entry strategies that align with the company’s growth goals.
International business development managers build and manage relationships with overseas partners, distributors, and clients; negotiate contracts; and coordinate cross-border projects to ensure smooth market expansion. They also assess competitive landscapes, evaluate risks, and collaborate with internal teams—such as marketing, sales, finance, and product development—to tailor offerings for different countries.
In addition to driving revenue growth, the role involves monitoring international trends, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and optimizing global sales pipelines. Overall, an international business development manager helps the company grow internationally, strengthen brand visibility, and unlock new revenue opportunities in diverse markets.
What does an international business development manager do?
An International Business Development Manager plays a strategic and operational role in helping companies expand into global markets. This position is essential for organizations aiming to grow internationally and strengthen their presence abroad. Their core responsibilities typically include:
- Identifying and prospecting new international growth opportunities in targeted regions.
- Developing market-entry strategies and defining the best approach for implementation in specific geographic areas.
- Managing business operations across international markets, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
- Leading and executing international negotiations with partners, distributors, and key stakeholders.
- Managing multicultural sales teams and supporting them in achieving commercial targets.
This role combines business analysis, relationship management, and operational leadership, requiring strong skills in strategy development, market management, and cross-cultural communication.
What skills are needed for this job?
To excel as an international business development manager, candidates must combine foundational and advanced skills in sales, languages, and business management. This key role requires both professional expertise and strategic specializations to drive global growth.
Essential skills and qualifications include:
- Commercial law and business management expertise: Mastery of international business regulations and strategic management principles.
- Taxation knowledge: Understanding the fiscal environment of targeted markets to optimize business operations.
- Language proficiency: Fluency in English plus one additional foreign language such as Spanish, Mandarin, or Russian, depending on market focus.
- Negotiation skills: Advanced ability to secure deals and build strong partnerships.
- Team management: Leadership capabilities to guide and motivate cross-functional teams.
- Prospecting and business development: Expertise in identifying and cultivating new business opportunities.
Developing these foundational and specialized skills is essential for career growth and success in the global business development landscape.
How to become an international business development manager?
If you want to become an international business development manager, pursuing the Global BBA program at emlyon business school is an excellent first step. This bachelor’s degree in management sciences and international management focuses on project-based learning, equipping students with the practical skills and experience needed for a successful global career.
The Global BBA offers extensive academic and professional immersions, enhancing employability and providing access to top master’s programs worldwide. High school graduates with strong academic results can apply, regardless of their specialization. From the first year, students can choose between the English track or French track, ensuring a tailored international education.
For more information on the program, download the Global BBA brochure and learn the essential steps, training, and experience needed to launch your career in international business development.
What are the average salaries for this role?
The average salary for an international business development manager varies based on experience and location. Beginners in this role can expect to earn around €50,000 gross per year, while professionals with 5 to 8 years of experience typically earn an average of €65,000 gross annually.
Pay trends indicate that salaries for international business developers can differ significantly across regions, including the United States, Canada, and Europe. Understanding these salary benchmarks helps both job seekers and employers stay informed about salaries in the international business development field.
emlyon business school
emlyon business school, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2022, is one of the first and best business and management schools in Europe. The four campuses on two continents have over 9,000 students from 125 nationalities in initial training, and almost 7,000 participants in continuing education programs. The School relies on a network of 200 international academic partners and fosters a community of 41,700 alumni spread across 130 different countries. The teaching staff consists of highly qualified professors and researchers developing their teaching around the makers pedagogy. This approach is strongly focused on individual and collective experimentation.