Austria’s central position in Europe makes it an attractive hub for multinational companies. Executives benefit from easy access to both Western and Eastern European markets, creating vast opportunities for business growth and cross-border collaboration.
Austria boasts a robust and stable economy with a strong focus on industries such as finance, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy. This economic stability provides executives with a secure and prosperous environment to develop long-term business strategies.
Companies in Austria consistently seek skilled leaders to drive innovation, manage teams effectively, and navigate competitive markets. This demand translates into rewarding career opportunities and competitive compensation packages for executives and managers.
Austria is well known for its high living standards, excellent healthcare, and efficient public services. Executives can enjoy a healthy balance between their professional responsibilities and personal life, supported by Austria’s strong cultural and recreational offerings.
As a hub for international businesses, Austria provides an inclusive and multicultural work environment. Executives gain exposure to diverse perspectives, which enhances leadership skills and fosters global business experience.
Situated in the heart of Europe, Austria serves as a bridge between Western and Eastern markets. International candidates benefit from this connectivity, enabling them to expand business networks and manage cross-border projects effectively.
Austrian companies increasingly value innovative management styles that emphasize creativity, adaptability, and forward-thinking strategies. International executives can bring fresh perspectives and contribute to shaping modern business practices.
Austria offers a stable economic climate, supportive policies for enterprises, and a growing emphasis on technology and sustainability. This creates a fertile ground for international managers to implement new business models and lead successful teams.
Multinational corporations and international collaborations make Austria a culturally rich and inclusive place to work. International candidates can thrive in diverse teams while building strong leadership profiles in the European market.
With excellent infrastructure, healthcare, education, and cultural offerings, Austria provides a high quality of life. This balance makes it an ideal destination for international executives aiming to combine professional growth with personal well-being.
Executives in this field oversee overall business operations, strategy development, and organizational performance. General managers and managing directors ensure that company objectives are met while driving growth and efficiency.
Operations managers focus on optimizing day-to-day processes, supply chains, and resources. In Austria’s strong manufacturing and logistics sectors, this role is essential for ensuring productivity and quality.
Finance executives and CFOs play a crucial role in budgeting, risk management, and investment strategies. Austria’s stable economy and international banking presence make it a prime location for financial leadership.
HR leaders manage workforce development, recruitment, and organizational culture. They play a key role in building inclusive workplaces and addressing the needs of Austria’s diverse labor market.
Marketing directors and sales executives are responsible for market positioning, branding, and revenue growth. Austria’s competitive and international markets require leaders with strong communication and strategic skills.
Technology executives oversee digital transformation, cybersecurity, and innovation. With Austria’s growing tech sector and focus on Industry 4.0, this field offers increasing opportunities for international talent.
Project managers coordinate large-scale initiatives across industries, ensuring timelines, budgets, and objectives are achieved. Austria’s emphasis on infrastructure and sustainable development enhances the demand for this role.
Executives in research and development lead projects in technology, renewable energy, and life sciences. Austria’s strong academic and industrial collaboration makes it a hotspot for innovation management.
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (EUR/year) |
Avg. Salary (USD/year) |
Avg. Salary (INR/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) |
€150,000 |
$163,500 |
₹13,800,000 |
|
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) |
€130,000 |
$141,700 |
₹11,960,000 |
|
Chief Operating Officer (COO) |
€125,000 |
$136,300 |
₹11,500,000 |
|
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) |
€120,000 |
$130,800 |
₹11,040,000 |
|
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) |
€115,000 |
$125,300 |
₹10,580,000 |
|
Managing Director |
€140,000 |
$152,600 |
₹12,880,000 |
|
Operations Director |
€110,000 |
$119,900 |
₹10,120,000 |
|
Finance Director |
€105,000 |
$114,400 |
₹9,660,000 |
|
Human Resource Director |
€100,000 |
$109,000 |
₹9,200,000 |
|
Sales Director |
€120,000 |
$130,800 |
₹11,040,000 |
|
Marketing Director |
€110,000 |
$119,900 |
₹10,120,000 |
|
IT Director |
€115,000 |
$125,300 |
₹10,580,000 |
|
Business Development Director |
€105,000 |
$114,400 |
₹9,660,000 |
|
Project Director |
€100,000 |
$109,000 |
₹9,200,000 |
|
Supply Chain Director |
€110,000 |
$119,900 |
₹10,120,000 |
|
Risk Management Director |
€95,000 |
$103,600 |
₹8,740,000 |
|
Strategy Director |
€120,000 |
$130,800 |
₹11,040,000 |
|
Innovation & R&D Director |
€110,000 |
$119,900 |
₹10,120,000 |
|
Corporate Communications Head |
€90,000 |
$98,100 |
₹8,280,000 |
|
General Manager |
€100,000 |
$109,000 |
₹9,200,000 |
Criteria |
Requirements for International Job Applicants |
|---|---|
|
Educational Qualification |
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Marketing, HR, IT, or related fields. MBA or equivalent often preferred for senior roles. |
|
Professional Experience |
5–15 years of relevant management/leadership experience depending on role (e.g., Director, C-level positions require extensive track record). |
|
Language Skills |
Proficiency in English is essential; German language skills are highly valued and often required for senior roles involving local teams or clients. |
|
Work Authorization |
Valid work visa or residence permit (e.g., Austria Red-White-Red Card for highly skilled professionals). EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can work without a visa. |
|
Industry Knowledge |
Strong understanding of industry-specific practices (Finance, IT, Healthcare, Manufacturing, etc.) is often required. |
|
Leadership Competencies |
Proven skills in decision-making, strategic planning, problem-solving, and team management. |
|
Networking & Adaptability |
Ability to adapt to Austrian business culture, strong networking skills, and multicultural leadership experience. |
|
Salary Threshold |
For some work permits (e.g., Red-White-Red Card), meeting the minimum salary threshold (varies yearly) is mandatory. |
|
References & Background Check |
Professional references and a clean background check are usually required for executive positions. |
Job Profile |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) |
Defines company vision and strategy, oversees overall operations, ensures profitability, and represents the company to stakeholders. |
|
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) |
Manages financial planning, budgeting, risk management, and investment strategies to secure financial stability. |
|
Chief Operating Officer (COO) |
Oversees daily operations, ensures business efficiency, and aligns processes with company strategy. |
|
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) |
Leads digital transformation, manages IT systems, cybersecurity, and innovation in technology. |
|
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) |
Develops marketing strategies, brand management, customer engagement, and market expansion initiatives. |
|
Managing Director |
Provides overall leadership, manages departments, ensures compliance, and drives business growth. |
|
Operations Director |
Optimizes operational processes, supply chains, and ensures cost-effectiveness. |
|
Finance Director |
Supervises accounting, financial reporting, tax compliance, and cost control measures. |
|
Human Resource Director |
Oversees recruitment, training, employee engagement, and organizational culture. |
|
Sales Director |
Creates sales strategies, manages key accounts, and drives revenue growth. |
|
Marketing Director |
Manages campaigns, product positioning, market research, and brand identity. |
|
IT Director |
Leads IT infrastructure, systems management, software deployment, and security. |
|
Business Development Director |
Identifies growth opportunities, partnerships, and expands business networks. |
|
Project Director |
Manages large-scale projects, timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams. |
|
Supply Chain Director |
Oversees logistics, procurement, vendor relations, and distribution networks. |
|
Risk Management Director |
Identifies financial, operational, and compliance risks, and implements mitigation strategies. |
|
Strategy Director |
Develops long-term business strategies, market analysis, and competitive positioning. |
|
Innovation & R&D Director |
Leads research initiatives, product development, and fosters innovation culture. |
|
Corporate Communications Head |
Manages internal and external communications, PR, media relations, and branding. |
|
General Manager |
Oversees business unit operations, ensures targets are met, and manages staff performance. |
Job Profile |
General Job Eligibility |
|---|---|
|
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) |
Master’s/MBA preferred, 12–20 years senior management experience, proven leadership in international business, German/English fluency. |
|
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) |
Master’s in Finance/Accounting, 10–15 years in finance leadership, strong knowledge of Austrian/EU financial regulations. |
|
Chief Operating Officer (COO) |
Master’s/MBA, 10+ years in operations, experience in process optimization, supply chain, and cross-border management. |
|
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) |
Degree in IT/Engineering, 10–15 years in technology leadership, expertise in digital transformation & cybersecurity. |
|
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) |
Master’s in Marketing/Business, 10+ years in international marketing, brand management, and digital strategies. |
|
Managing Director |
MBA or equivalent, 12–20 years leadership experience, proven record in strategic management and compliance. |
|
Operations Director |
Degree in Business/Operations, 8–12 years of experience in logistics, production, or manufacturing operations. |
|
Finance Director |
Degree in Finance/Accounting, CPA/ACCA preferred, 8–12 years in finance management, Austrian GAAP knowledge. |
|
Human Resource Director |
Degree in HR/Business, 8–12 years in HR leadership, expertise in labor law, recruitment, and employee engagement. |
|
Sales Director |
Business/Marketing degree, 10+ years in sales leadership, proven revenue growth and international sales experience. |
|
Marketing Director |
Degree in Marketing/Communications, 8–12 years in brand/market strategy, knowledge of EU consumer markets. |
|
IT Director |
Degree in IT/Computer Science, 8–12 years in IT leadership, ERP systems & cloud solutions expertise. |
|
Business Development Director |
MBA or Business degree, 8–12 years in business expansion, international partnership development. |
|
Project Director |
Degree in Project Management/Engineering, PMP/Prince2 certification, 8–12 years leading large projects. |
|
Supply Chain Director |
Degree in Logistics/Operations, 8–12 years in procurement, logistics, vendor management, and EU supply laws. |
|
Risk Management Director |
Degree in Finance/Business Law, 8–12 years in compliance/risk, expertise in Austrian/EU regulations. |
|
Strategy Director |
MBA/Business degree, 10+ years in corporate strategy, mergers & acquisitions, and competitive analysis. |
|
Innovation & R&D Director |
Degree in Engineering/Sciences, PhD preferred, 8–12 years in R&D management and product innovation. |
|
Corporate Communications Head |
Degree in Communications/PR, 8–12 years in corporate communications, media, and branding leadership. |
|
General Manager |
Bachelor’s/Master’s in Business, 8–12 years in management, proven experience in team leadership and business growth. |
Job Profile |
Experience Required |
|---|---|
|
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) |
15–20+ years of senior leadership experience, including 5–10 years in top executive roles. |
|
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) |
12–18 years in finance/accounting, with at least 5–7 years in senior finance leadership. |
|
Chief Operating Officer (COO) |
12–18 years in operations/management, including 5–7 years in executive roles. |
|
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) |
12–15 years in IT/technology, with at least 5+ years in leadership of tech teams. |
|
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) |
12–15 years in marketing/branding, including 5–7 years in senior management. |
|
Managing Director |
15–20 years in overall management, with at least 7–10 years in high-level leadership. |
|
Operations Director |
10–15 years in operations, logistics, or supply chain, with 5+ years in management. |
|
Finance Director |
10–15 years in finance/accounting, including 5+ years in senior financial management. |
|
Human Resource Director |
10–15 years in HR, with at least 5+ years in HR leadership roles. |
|
Sales Director |
10–15 years in sales/business development, with 5+ years leading sales teams. |
|
Marketing Director |
10–15 years in marketing/communications, with 5+ years in leadership roles. |
|
IT Director |
10–15 years in IT/tech management, with 5+ years in a senior IT role. |
|
Business Development Director |
10–15 years in business growth/partnerships, with 5+ years in leadership. |
|
Project Director |
10–15 years in project/program management, with 5+ years in large-scale project leadership. |
|
Supply Chain Director |
10–15 years in supply chain/logistics, with at least 5+ years in senior management. |
|
Risk Management Director |
10–15 years in finance, compliance, or auditing, with 5+ years in risk leadership. |
|
Strategy Director |
12–15 years in corporate strategy, consulting, or business planning, with 5+ years in leadership. |
|
Innovation & R&D Director |
10–15 years in R&D/innovation, with 5+ years in senior research leadership. |
|
Corporate Communications Head |
10–15 years in communications/PR, with at least 5+ years in a leadership position. |
|
General Manager |
10–15 years in overall management, with 5+ years leading teams or business units. |
Company Name |
Industry |
Headquarters (Austria) |
Executive & Management Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Red Bull GmbH |
Beverages & Media |
Fuschl am See, Salzburg |
Global brand management, marketing, sales leadership, corporate strategy. |
|
OMV Group |
Oil, Gas & Energy |
Vienna |
Operations management, finance, supply chain, sustainability leadership. |
|
Voestalpine AG |
Steel & Manufacturing |
Linz |
Production management, innovation & R&D, operations, global sales. |
|
Erste Group Bank AG |
Banking & Finance |
Vienna |
Finance leadership, risk management, corporate strategy, HR leadership. |
|
Raiffeisen Bank International |
Banking & Finance |
Vienna |
Executive finance roles, compliance, international business development. |
|
Siemens Austria |
Technology & Engineering |
Vienna |
IT management, project leadership, operations, innovation management. |
|
Austrian Airlines (Lufthansa Group) |
Aviation & Transport |
Vienna |
Operations, HR, strategy, corporate communications, logistics leadership. |
|
Andritz AG |
Engineering & Manufacturing |
Graz |
Project management, R&D leadership, supply chain, operations. |
|
Magna Steyr |
Automotive Engineering |
Graz |
Operations, production management, international project leadership. |
|
PwC Austria |
Consulting & Audit |
Vienna |
Strategy consulting, finance leadership, HR advisory, risk management. |
|
Deloitte Austria |
Consulting & Advisory |
Vienna |
Corporate strategy, executive advisory, HR & talent management. |
|
Accenture Austria |
Consulting & Technology |
Vienna |
Digital transformation, IT management, innovation leadership. |
|
SAP Austria |
Software & IT Services |
Vienna |
IT management, product development leadership, strategy roles. |
|
UniCredit Bank Austria |
Banking & Finance |
Vienna |
Finance leadership, operations, compliance, corporate strategy. |
|
Borealis AG |
Chemicals & Polymers |
Vienna |
Operations, supply chain leadership, sustainability strategy. |
|
AVL List GmbH |
Automotive Engineering |
Graz |
R&D leadership, innovation management, operations. |
|
Frequentis AG |
Communication & Tech |
Vienna |
IT leadership, project management, corporate strategy. |
|
Telekom Austria Group (A1) |
Telecommunications |
Vienna |
Corporate communications, IT leadership, strategy, HR management. |
|
Henkel CEE |
Consumer Goods |
Vienna |
Marketing leadership, sales strategy, supply chain management. |
|
Mondelēz International Austria |
Food & Beverages |
Vienna |
Marketing, operations, supply chain, business development leadership. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (EUR/year) |
General Job Requirements |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) |
€150,000 |
MBA/Master’s, 15–20 yrs leadership, German & English fluency |
Defines vision & strategy, oversees operations, stakeholder management |
Red Bull, OMV, Siemens Austria |
|
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) |
€130,000 |
Master’s in Finance/Accounting, 12–18 yrs, CPA/ACCA a plus |
Financial planning, risk management, compliance |
Erste Group, RBI, PwC Austria |
|
Chief Operating Officer (COO) |
€125,000 |
MBA, 12–18 yrs in operations leadership |
Oversees day-to-day operations, ensures efficiency |
Austrian Airlines, Voestalpine, Magna Steyr |
|
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) |
€120,000 |
Degree in IT/Engineering, 12–15 yrs in tech leadership |
Leads digital transformation, cybersecurity, tech strategy |
SAP Austria, Accenture, Frequentis |
|
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) |
€115,000 |
Master’s in Marketing/Business, 12–15 yrs in marketing leadership |
Brand strategy, global marketing, customer engagement |
Red Bull, Henkel CEE, Mondelēz Austria |
|
Managing Director |
€140,000 |
MBA, 15–20 yrs management experience |
Provides company-wide leadership, ensures compliance & growth |
OMV, Siemens Austria, Andritz |
|
Operations Director |
€110,000 |
Degree in Operations/Business, 10–15 yrs in logistics/production |
Optimizes operations, supply chain, production processes |
Voestalpine, Magna Steyr, Borealis |
|
Finance Director |
€105,000 |
Master’s in Finance, 10–15 yrs in senior finance roles |
Supervises accounting, reporting, budgeting |
UniCredit Bank Austria, Deloitte Austria |
|
Human Resource Director |
€100,000 |
Master’s in HR/Business, 10–15 yrs HR leadership |
Recruitment, training, employee relations, workplace culture |
Telekom Austria (A1), PwC, Accenture |
|
Sales Director |
€120,000 |
Master’s in Business/Marketing, 10–15 yrs in sales leadership |
Sales strategy, market expansion, revenue growth |
Red Bull, Henkel, Mondelēz |
|
Marketing Director |
€110,000 |
Degree in Marketing/Communications, 10–15 yrs leadership |
Campaigns, branding, market positioning |
Red Bull, Siemens Austria, Henkel |
|
IT Director |
€115,000 |
Degree in IT/Computer Science, 10–15 yrs in IT leadership |
IT infrastructure, ERP systems, cloud security |
SAP Austria, Accenture, Frequentis |
|
Business Development Director |
€105,000 |
MBA/Business degree, 10–15 yrs in growth & partnerships |
Expands networks, partnerships, international deals |
OMV, Deloitte, Raiffeisen Bank |
|
Project Director |
€100,000 |
PMP/Prince2, 10–15 yrs project management |
Oversees large-scale projects, budgets, cross-teams |
Andritz, Siemens Austria, Austrian Airlines |
|
Supply Chain Director |
€110,000 |
Degree in Supply Chain/Operations, 10–15 yrs logistics |
Vendor relations, procurement, distribution |
Borealis, Voestalpine, Magna Steyr |
|
Risk Management Director |
€95,000 |
Degree in Finance/Law, 10–15 yrs compliance & audit |
Identifies & mitigates financial/operational risks |
Erste Group, RBI, PwC Austria |
|
Strategy Director |
€120,000 |
MBA, 12–15 yrs corporate strategy |
Develops long-term strategies, market analysis |
Deloitte, Accenture, OMV |
|
Innovation & R&D Director |
€110,000 |
Degree in Science/Engineering, PhD preferred, 10–15 yrs R&D |
Leads research, product innovation, patents |
AVL, Andritz, Siemens Austria |
|
Corporate Communications Head |
€90,000 |
Degree in PR/Communications, 10–15 yrs in media leadership |
Internal & external communications, PR, branding |
Telekom Austria, Austrian Airlines, Henkel |
|
General Manager |
€100,000 |
Master’s/Bachelor’s in Business, 10–15 yrs management |
Oversees operations, ensures targets, manages staff |
Red Bull, OMV, Magna Steyr |
Visa / Permit Type |
Eligibility |
Key Requirements |
Validity & Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Red-White-Red Card (Highly Qualified Workers) |
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss executives and managers |
University degree (Master’s/MBA preferred), recognized qualifications, high salary threshold, relevant work experience, job offer in Austria |
Valid for up to 2 years, tied to employer; allows family reunification |
|
Red-White-Red Card Plus |
Holders of RWR Card after 2 years |
Proof of employment in line with qualifications, integration requirements (German language skills A2 level) |
Provides free access to Austrian labor market, not tied to one employer |
|
EU Blue Card |
Highly skilled non-EU/EEA/Swiss candidates |
University degree, binding job offer in Austria, salary at least 1.5× national average (~€45,595/year) |
Valid up to 2 years, mobility within EU after 18 months |
|
Job Seeker Visa (Category D) |
Highly qualified non-EU applicants without a job offer |
Points-based system (education, experience, age, language skills); apply to search for executive jobs |
Valid for 6 months; once hired, can convert to RWR Card |
|
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit |
Executives & managers transferred within multinational companies |
Employment contract with a company abroad + transfer to Austrian branch; managerial or specialist role |
Valid 1–3 years, allows intra-EU mobility |
|
Settlement Permit – Special Cases |
Executives of international companies, investors |
Proof of business activity, investment, or executive function in Austria |
Duration depends on permit type; possible pathway to permanent residence |
|
Work Visa for Short-Term Assignments (Category D + Work Permit) |
Managers on short-term projects |
Work permit approved by Austrian employer + visa application |
Valid up to 6 months, extendable if required |
|
Residence Permit – Researchers / Innovators |
R&D executives, innovation managers |
Research contract or innovation-driven executive project |
Valid during project duration; renewable; path to settlement |
