If you are passionate about working with international clients and businesses and are keen to build a global corporate career, international business management is a well-suited career choice for you. The international business sector is expanding every day and effective management is the deciding factor in a company’s performance in the overseas market.
With remote working becoming the new normal, it has become easier for businesses of all sizes and sectors to find international clients and establish a global presence. As business management skills are vital to every industry, the scope and career prospects of international business management have continued to rise despite various challenges. So, what are some of the highest paid careers in international business management?
What is International business management?
To put it simply, international business management involves managing the operations of an organisation on a global scale. It includes several administrative, financial and managerial functions such as leading various teams, supervising their actions, preparing budgets, setting business goals, analysing performance and carrying out effective marketing.
As international business is a broad field, it encompasses components like finance, human resources, logistics and marketing. Implementing diplomatic strategies in these fields helps the business to succeed and thrive in the highly competitive international business sector.
What are the requirements for a career in international business management?
Building a career in international business management requires you to fulfil certain basic criteria and qualifications such as a relevant degree in the subject, certifications and various essential skills.
Earning a degree in the field of international business management is the first step to building a career. Many top universities offer programmes that teach you the relevant skills that are in demand across the industry. These international business programmes develop your essential knowledge in disciplines such as project management, human resource management, international sales and marketing, trade and finance and marketing strategies. Additional certifications in any of these areas of study are beneficial and will be looked at favourably by employers.
Any field of work requires you to have the skills relevant to that field. To establish a successful career in international business, you must have good communication and networking skills to maintain effective relations with clients and progress business operations. You must be a good manager with reasoning, planning and organisation skills to develop strategies that help achieve business targets. Above all, you should be a good leader who can handle different team members effectively.
Highest paid careers in international business management
Careers in international business are some of the highest paid in the world. You can either work for an organisation or start your own business after a degree in the field. Whichever path you choose, it will earn you a lucrative salary once you have established yourself. Let’s take a look at some of the highest paid careers in international business.
Global marketing manager
According to Glassdoor, the estimated annual pay for a global marketing manager is €101,978. This is excluding any bonuses you may receive upon achieving monthly business targets.
As a global marketing manager, you must develop strategies that help increase the sales of an organisation. You must use your analytical skills to identify the target audience and implement plans in the marketing campaigns that appeal to the audience’s interests.
International human resource manager
A human resource manager earns around €98,160 a year. As human resource is the working force behind every organisation, the demand for human resource managers is always high.
A human resource manager manages the workforce of an organisation. You must hire and train new employees and oversee the onboarding process. HR managers are the channel of communication between the employer and employees, and they ensure the adherence to laws, policies and regulations within the organisation.
Global logistics manager
The average salary of a logistics manager is €68,193 a year. As a logistics manager, your primary responsibility is managing the logistics of an organisation. This includes customer services, warehouse and transportation facilities, communication with clients, directing and coordinating order supply and material procurement.
Financial analyst
The salary for a financial analyst ranges from €66,237 to €84,763 a year. A financial analyst conducts research on macro and micro economic conditions as well as financial data and prepares reports based on the analysis performed. The income, expenditure and profit plans of an organisation are the responsibility of a financial analyst.
International trade compliance manager
An international trade compliance manager earns around €89,000 per year. This role is essential in ensuring that a company’s cross-border operations meet all trade regulations and legal requirements. You’ll oversee import and export processes, manage documentation and reduce risks associated with international supply chains. With global markets becoming increasingly complex, demand for professionals who can navigate international trade laws is rising, making this one of the more lucrative international business management jobs.
Business development manager (international markets)
On average, international business development managers make between €75,000 and €95,000 annually, depending on experience and region. Their main responsibility is to identify new market opportunities abroad, build partnerships and increase revenue streams across borders. Strong negotiation and networking skills are key, as is the ability to adapt strategies for different cultural and economic contexts. This career path offers both high earning potential and significant influence on a company’s international growth.
International management consultant
Management consultants specialising in international business earn approximately €85,000 a year, often with additional bonuses based on project success. Consultants help companies enter new markets, improve efficiency and restructure operations to stay competitive globally. The role requires strong analytical abilities, problem-solving skills and the flexibility to work across industries and cultures. It’s one of the highest-paying jobs with an international business degree due to the expertise and insights required.
International sales manager
Salaries for international sales managers typically range from €80,000 to €100,000 annually, with significant commission-based incentives. This role involves setting sales targets across multiple countries, managing international sales teams and creating strategies that appeal to diverse customers. Success in this position relies on excellent leadership and cross-cultural communication skills. The earning potential makes it one of the top international business management career opportunities for ambitious graduates.
Global supply chain manager
A global supply chain manager earns about €90,000 a year, with some senior positions reaching six figures. This role covers overseeing the entire production and distribution process – from sourcing raw materials internationally to ensuring products reach customers efficiently. As global supply chains grow more interconnected and vulnerable to disruption, this career has become vital to business stability and profitability. It’s a rewarding international business career for those who thrive on logistics and strategy.
Foreign investment advisor
Foreign investment advisors make around €78,000 annually, with the potential to earn more depending on the size of their client portfolio. They guide companies and individuals on how to invest in international markets, weighing risks and opportunities across different economies. This career blends finance, economics and international relations, and is particularly relevant for graduates who enjoy data-driven decision-making. The role plays a critical part in shaping global investment flows.
Corporate strategist (international focus)
Corporate strategists with a focus on international markets can earn between €85,000 and €110,000 per year. They work closely with senior leadership to define long-term goals, expansion strategies and competitive positioning in the global market. This high-level role demands strong analytical skills, the ability to interpret market data and a vision for future trends. For those looking at international business management jobs with leadership potential, this is among the most rewarding.
Top skills required to succeed in international business management careers
Success in international business management relies on a combination of technical expertise and interpersonal abilities. Employers value professionals who can navigate different cultures, manage teams and solve complex problems under pressure.
Key skills include:
- Cross-cultural communication: Building trust and understanding across diverse teams and clients.
- Strategic thinking: Identifying opportunities and risks in international markets.
- Financial literacy: Understanding budgets, forecasts and investment decisions.
- Adaptability and resilience: Responding to changing global conditions and market disruptions.
- Leadership and collaboration: Inspiring teams and coordinating efforts across borders.
Developing these abilities not only improves employability but also increases the chances of securing higher-paying international business management roles.
Importance of international business management
International business management is crucial in today’s interconnected economy. Companies of all sizes depend on skilled managers to expand operations abroad, manage partnerships and compete in global markets. Without effective management, even strong brands risk losing ground to international competitors.
Beyond corporate success, international business management contributes to job creation and innovation. It helps businesses build sustainable supply chains, adapt to cultural diversity and foster international collaboration. For graduates, this field offers not just a salary, but a chance to shape how organisations operate across borders.
Starting salaries in international business management roles
While top-level salaries in international business are highly competitive, it’s worth looking at starting pay for graduates entering the field. Entry-level roles such as international marketing assistants, junior analysts or logistics coordinators typically start between €40,000 and €50,000 per year in Germany.
Starting pay varies depending on industry, company size and location, but salaries tend to increase quickly with experience. Graduates with a master’s in international business management can often command higher starting salaries and progress faster into mid-level roles. For those considering an international business degree salary, the long-term earning potential is significant once early career experience is gained.
Conclusion
These are some of the career options in international business management. Besides these, you can explore various other options such as marketing consultant, sales manager and product manager.
A good master’s degree in international business management can help you learn relevant skills, which are essential for landing high-paid careers in the industry. The MSc in International Business Management programme at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences will help you acquire essential knowledge which is vital to succeeding in the field.
The career-led curriculum and practical approach to studies prepares you for job roles in international business. In addition to professional skills, this programme equips you with the necessary social skills enabling you to gain leadership roles in business.