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What is an international sales manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Bill Thorne
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International sales managers utilize their exemplary skills in sales, leadership, and strategy to optimize their company's sales activities, specifically in the international scene. They develop, implement, and oversee various global sales activities and then evaluate the efficacy of each.

In addition, international sales managers are also typically responsible for coordinating with the marketing team, preparing periodic sales reports, communicating updates to key stakeholders of the company, and strike deals with international clients. As expected, international sales managers also travel frequently to different parts of the globe to meet with clients, check operations, and study sales trends.

Most international sales managers have degrees in business, marketing, and management. Moreover, they also have years of industry experience behind them and a proven track record in successful sales. The most successful people in this job, however, are those that have exemplary skills in communication, leadership, strategy, and analysis. International sales managers make around $90,000 a year, plus other allowances that their company provides for business travels. They may also receive bonuses whenever they close a significant deal or hit company targets.

What general advice would you give to an International Sales Manager?

Bill ThorneBill Thorne LinkedIn Profile

Executive Director of the NRF Foundation and Senior Vice President of Communication and Public Affairs of NRF, National Retail Federation

Retail is the largest private-sector employer in the country, directly employing 32 million people and supporting 52 million jobs overall - roughly one-quarter of the U.S. workforce. While COVID-19 has presented new and unexpected challenges, retailers have continued to showcase the industry's resilience and adaptability time and again. The safety and security of customers and employees remains our greatest priority. It is no doubt that the professional environment has changed this year, but retail continues to offer a plethora of career opportunities for graduates and seasoned veterans alike.
ScoreInternational Sales ManagerUS Average
Salary
5.6

Avg. Salary $71,128

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.4

Growth Rate 5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.24%

Asian 4.07%

Black or African American 3.24%

Hispanic or Latino 9.82%

Unknown 4.41%

White 78.23%

Gender

female 25.52%

male 74.48%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress Level
6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.7

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.4

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

International Sales Manager career paths

Key steps to become an international sales manager

  1. Explore international sales manager education requirements

    Most common international sales manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.8 %

    Master's

    15.4 %

    Associate

    9.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific international sales manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Product Development14.41%
    Sales Growth6.89%
    Distribution Channels6.18%
    Business Development5.73%
    Sales Strategies5.11%
  3. Complete relevant international sales manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New international sales managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an international sales manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real international sales manager resumes.
  4. Research international sales manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage an average of $8M annual EDI transactions during 2009-YTD.
    • Lead a global marketing team across Asia, Europe and the Americas.
    • Lead marketing and sales efforts for communication satellite systems in Asia-Pacific.
    • Accomplish and over exceed goals set by company parameter regarding customer service, logistics operations cost management and customer retention.
  5. Prepare your international sales manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your international sales manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an international sales manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable International Sales Manager Resume templates

    Build a professional International Sales Manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your International Sales Manager resume.
    International Sales Manager Resume
    International Sales Manager Resume
    International Sales Manager Resume
    International Sales Manager Resume
    International Sales Manager Resume
    International Sales Manager Resume
    International Sales Manager Resume
    International Sales Manager Resume
    International Sales Manager Resume
  6. Apply for international sales manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an international sales manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First International Sales Manager Job

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Average international sales manager salary

The average International Sales Manager salary in the United States is $71,128 per year or $34 per hour. International sales manager salaries range between $47,000 and $106,000 per year.

Average International Sales Manager Salary
$71,128 Yearly
$34.20 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do international sales managers rate their job?

5/5

Based On 2 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

International Sales Manager reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020
Pros

Motivating people and helping to create success in each person's day. Honor God serve people in rich people's lives, pursue excellence in service.

Cons

Not enough time in each day to get everything accomplished.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

Coming in contact with people, motivating staff, making the numbers, profitability for everyone

Cons

I like everything


profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

I worked professionally in 7 countries. I speak fluently 4 languages and speak well another 4. Moreover, I love Sales.

Cons

Politics, toxic work environment, having to work with real sob.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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