How to become an international business manager

Have you ever wondered how firms operate across different countries? How they balance market differences, bridge cultural divides and keep their finances stable? That’s where the international business manager comes in. They’re captains of multinational companies who make sure things run smoothly across a range of international markets. In return, they are compensated with fairly competitive salaries, free global trips and more perks for shouldering such tough responsibilities. No wonder this is a highly coveted position for many professionals. If you see yourself as a successful international business manager, it’s time to understand what it takes to become one. Let’s start with the basics.

What is international business management?

This role involves overseeing and directing company operations worldwide. International business managers develop strategies that cater to diverse markets, managing the complexities of global supply chains and navigating various regulatory environments.You will need a deep understanding of cultural differences, economic conditions and politics to enter and thrive effectively in international markets. Key aspects of the job  include market research, cross-cultural communication, international marketing and global finance. By drawing these elements together, international business management ensures companies can operate efficiently and competitively on a global scale.

How much do international business managers make?

In the US, salaries for this role can be $117,421 per year on average. This varies based on the location, size of the company and the manager’s qualifications. As well as a competitive salary, managers also enjoy perks such as opportunities for global travel, exposure to diverse cultures, networking with industry leaders, performance-based incentives and more. To qualify for these benefits, managers typically need to start by obtaining the right education from a reputable institution and gaining relevant industry experience.

Educational requirements of becoming an international business manager in hospitality

This field is highly competitive and you need to have the right qualifications to run an international brand. Employers seek candidates with good skills and a college degree in a relevant subject. A bachelor’s degree in business administration, international business or similar offers a strong foundation in finance, marketing, management and economics. This equips future aspiring managers with the necessary knowledge and skills to comprehend global market scenarios, business strategies and organizational behavior. To gain a competitive advantage for more lucrative positions, individuals can pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) specializing in international business.

If you want to specialize in managing international hotel or tourism businesses, a degree in hospitality will also give you experience and expertise in this niche along with  transferable skills that will benefit you in other management roles.

Core skills and personality traits of successful international business managers

Managing international deals and negotiations for a company is challenging. The role requires strong analytical skills, cultural awareness, leadership, adaptability and proficiency in multiple languages. These managers are expected to be adept at using advanced technologies to streamline and drive innovation to stay competitive. Let’s explore the importance of a few essential skills for international business managers.

Leadership and cross-cultural communication skills

A successful international business manager needs to have a range of abilities, including:

• Cultural awareness
• Effective communication
• Adaptive leadership
• Conflict resolution
• Trust building
• Emotional intelligence
• Strategic vision

These soft skills are essential for leading diverse teams across cultural boundaries. For example, if a manager is overseeing a project involving teams in the US, Japan and Brazil, they must adapt their leadership approach to accommodate the different working styles and paces of each team to maintain harmony.

Negotiation and decision making in an international context

When making strategic decisions to support the international success of a company, business managers need a range of skills. Making deals can involve being aware of cultural nuances and navigating them to ensure long-term success. For example, when handling a partnership with a Chinese company, the international business manager needs to prioritize building relationships and trust before discussing business terms. Unlike in western cultures, where getting straight to the point is prioritized, in Chinese culture, developing a rapport is primary.

International deals may also require strategic thinking to ensure sustainable growth. Imagine negotiating a joint venture in Latin America, which has forecast strong growth. As a business manager, you need to consider the immediate financial benefits and the long-term strategic advantages, such as market access and brand visibility. You may also need to persuade other companies to accept deals that are more favorable to you.

A day in the life of an international business manager

As with many roles, this one is highly varied and involves various activities to ensure smooth global operations and secure strategic growth. Below, we’ll look at a few of the typical tasks international business managers carry out throughout the day.

Morning: global updates and strategic planning

Days usually start early to align with different time zones. The manager begins by reviewing overnight emails, market reports and global news. Staying informed about currency fluctuations, geopolitical events and economic trends is crucial. Following this, a strategic planning session helps set priorities for the day, focusing on long-term goals and market opportunities.

Mid-morning: conference calls with overseas teams

Regular communication with international colleagues and clients is essential. Video or phone calls are scheduled to discuss project updates, address operational challenges and share best practices. These interactions ensure all regional offices and partners are aligned with the company’s global strategy.

Afternoon: market research and analysis

Conducting analysis is a key task and involves assessing data to evaluate potential new markets, understand local consumer behavior and weigh up competition. The insights gained from this research inform strategic decisions and help identify growth opportunities.

Late afternoon: review of legal and compliance matters

Ensuring adherence with local laws and regulations is critical. The manager reviews legal documents and works with legal advisors to navigate complex regulatory environments. This helps mitigate risks and ensures the company operates within legal frameworks across different markets.

Evening: networking and relationship building

Building and maintaining professional connections is a vital part of the role. Evenings may include networking events, dinners with clients or meetings with local stakeholders. These interactions encourage strong partnerships and open doors for new business opportunities.

Key steps to landing your first role as an international business manager

The following will give you an understanding of the education, skills, experience and dedication required to secure your first job as an international business manager.

Get the right education

Most employers seek candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, international business or a related subject. An MBA focusing on global strategy, international finance, cross-cultural management and global marketing can also be beneficial. Consider a hospitality degree for management in specific fields such as tourism and travel.

Tailor your resume for international roles

Highlight any overseas experience you have, whether through internships, projects, study abroad programs or previous jobs. Specify the responsibilities and achievements relevant to international business management. Demonstrating a good understanding of global markets, cultural competence and remote team management can be advantageous. Mentioning language proficiency can also strengthen your profile.

Gain relevant industry experience

After completing your formal education, seek full-time roles, part-time jobs or internships in a range of sectors such as finance, manufacturing or technology to broaden your expertise. Look specifically for opportunities with companies that have a global presence or are expanding internationally. Working or volunteering in diverse cultural settings will help build your cross-cultural competence, preparing you for managing international teams and operations.

Build a professional network

Networking is important for securing your first role as an international business manager. To establish a strong network, consider attending industry conferences, joining professional associations and connecting with professionals in your preferred service domain. This will provide valuable insights, mentorship opportunities and potential job leads.

Career advancement opportunities and paths

International business managers can boost their chances of progression in numerous roles if they have a good background in global strategy, market analysis, financial planning and effective cross-cultural communication. Some of the potential opportunities include:

• Financial analyst: evaluate risks of investment proposals and prepare forecasts
• Global business development manager: develop and implement strategies focusing on financial gain and company growth
• Human resource manager: lead HR functions across various industries to maintain good relationships with employees
• Logistics and supply chain manager: oversee every stage of the production flow in global supply chains to ensure timely delivery of final products
• Foreign trade consultant: analyze international business and advise companies on strategy and expansion
• Global marketing manager: plan and budget campaigns with external and internal stakeholders to grow international brand presence
• Management analyst: analyze company performance in the global market and advise executives on improvements
• Global strategy manager: review and recommend long-term organizational strategies for international growth
• E-commerce manager: supervise online sales and digital presence across diverse markets

Conclusion

Becoming an international business manager presents a challenging yet deeply fulfilling career opportunity. It involves engaging with different cultures, navigating complex global markets and significantly contributing to a company’s global expansion. Acquiring relevant work experience, pursuing advanced degrees or certifications and establishing a robust professional network are essential steps in this career path. These efforts prepare professionals for the complexities of managing international business operations effectively and strategically

If you’re an aspiring international business manager, consider how studying at a renowned hospitality school such as Les Roches can help.

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