International Business Development Manager
Company: Variphone
Reports to: MD
Location: Primarily remote/on the road internationally, with office presence in Peer, Belgium approximately once a month
Works closely with: Marketing Manager, Production & R&D, Area Sales Manager Benelux
About Variphone
Variphone is a Belgian company specialized in custom-fit hearing protection and in-ear audio solutions.
Alongside our headquarters and production facility in Belgium, we also operate an office and production
facility in South Africa. We are entering an exciting growth phase, expanding our commercial footprint
beyond the Benelux and building a genuinely international customer and partner network from the
ground up.
The Role
As International Business Development Manager, you take ownership of building our presence in new
international markets, essentially starting from a blank page. Where our Benelux organization already has
an established network of clients and freelance audiologists, your mission is to create this from scratch in
new territories, with an initial focus on the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and the
Scandinavian ("Scandic") markets, however, you are not limited to these; we have no restrictions on
pursuing attractive opportunities elsewhere in Europe or beyond.
This is a true pioneering role. You will need strong self-discipline, resilience, and the drive to open doors
where none currently exist, while laying the operational foundation (including a network of self-
employed audiologists) that will allow the business to scale.
We are looking for enthusiastic people who don't shy away from a challenge, true go-getters who keep
pushing forward when things don't go their way and have a genuine interest in the overall package, so
not limited to the products, but the total concept of hearing protection. Building a market from scratch
takes persistence, and that persistence will pay off: as our international markets grow, you will be in a
position to play a crucial role in the further development of our company on an international level.
Key Responsibilities
Market & network development
• Build a new international client network from the ground up: hearing centers, direct end-clients
(with a strong preference for industrial clients given their volume potential), and government
institutions
• Identify and prioritize target markets and opportunities, starting with DACH and Scandinavia, while
remaining open to promising opportunities in other regions, including outside Europe
• Develop and execute a market entry approach per country/region: prospecting, relationship-
building, and closing initial partnerships
• Proactively identify and pursue new market opportunities beyond your initial focus areas, bringing
forward well-substantiated proposals in the interest of the company's long-term growth, rather than
waiting for directionRecruiting and appointing audiologists
• Identify, recruit, and appoint self-employed (freelance) audiologists in new markets to carry out
fittings and follow-up with clients, replicating the model already operating successfully in the
Benelux
• Set up the initial working framework and onboarding process for these freelance audiologists in each
new market
• Coordinate closely with these audiologists as the local network develops
Client relationship management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the first wave of clients and partners in each new
market
• Identify client needs and translate them into tailored hearing protection solutions
• Monitor client satisfaction and ensure a solid foundation for long-term partnerships as the network
matures
Internal collaboration & reporting
• Report directly to the MD on market development progress, opportunities, and results
• Work in close, regular alignment with the Marketing Manager to develop market-specific
promotional materials, positioning, and lead generation
• Coordinate with Production & R&D regarding certification requirements, product adaptations, and
feasibility for new markets
• Exchange best practices with the Area Sales Manager Benelux, given the comparable nature of the
two roles
Targets & follow-up
• Responsible for achieving agreed development targets (new clients, new audiologist appointments,
market entry milestones)
• Track and report progress and KPIs via the CRM system
Your Profile
• Proven, demonstrable track record of building a distribution network, client base, or business line
from scratch, ideally within medical devices, audiology, industrial safety, or personal protective
equipment. Please illustrate this with a concrete example in your cover letter
• Minimum 5 years of experience in an international business development, sales, or market entry
role
• Solid knowledge of the audiological market and/or experience with hearing protection is required
• Excellent command of English (must); fluent German is required, given the initial DACH focus; a
Scandinavian language and/or French is a strong plus; Dutch is a plus but not required
• A driven, entrepreneurial self-starter who thrives on building something new with a high degree of
autonomy, self-discipline, and reliability
• A true go-getter who doesn't shy away from a challenge, spots and creatively pursues opportunities,
and stays persistent in the face of setbacks — while ensuring proper follow-up and always keeping
the company's overall interest and growth in mind
• Excellent social and relationship-building skills, comfortable operating in unfamiliar markets and
cultures
• Willingness and availability to travel extensively and internationally
• Valid driver's license• Must currently reside in the Benelux, DACH, or Scandinavian region, or elsewhere in the EU/EEA
• Must already hold a valid right to work in the EU; we do not offer visa sponsorship
What We Offer
• A high-impact, entrepreneurial role with real ownership over building a new market from scratch
• A competitive base salary in line with your experience, combined with an ambitious
bonus/commission structure directly tied to development targets and market entry milestones, with
genuine room to grow financially as the markets you build take off
• Genuine growth potential as the international network expands, this role is expected to grow in
scope and possibly in structure alongside the markets you open up
• A dynamic, informal working environment within an ambitious company in full development
• Direct line of reporting to the MD and close collaboration with Marketing and Production & R&D
Interested? Apply with your CV and a cover letter that includes a concrete example of a market, network,
or business line you have built from scratch, send to [email protected].