ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RECRUITMENT (CHINA)

Global University Systems (GUS) is focused on becoming one of the world’s most dynamic, inclusive, and diverse education organisations. GUS is an international network of higher education institutions, brought together by a shared passion for accessible, industry-relevant qualifications. GUS delivers a wide variety of programmes, including bachelor’s degree programmes, master’s degree programmes, professional training, English Language training, and corporate & executive education. When someone chooses to study at one of our institutions– whether on campus in Europe, North America, or even in their own home – they’re joining a network of 100,000 students worldwide. When you decide to work with GUS, you will be joining an industry leading, global organisation that has a reach in over 150 different countries. This high-profile role represents an unparalleled opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact in a high growth business within China. You will be accountable for leading and developing a team in order to drive student recruitment within China for GUS member universities in the UK and Germany. You will bring strategic vision, focus and innovative thought to the complex challenges of increasing revenues and driving future growth in a competitive market. As the Associate Director of International Student Recruitment, you will optimise the team’s productivity and conversion efficiency. Driving their performance, you will ensure sales are maximised to achieve ambitious growth targets, whilst also making sure every team member develops the skills necessary to deliver and works to the highest quality standards. You will be expected to develop collaborative relationships with senior figures in a range of other departments, to drive new initiatives and ensure you are continuously up to date with new products and market changes. A driven, enthusiastic, and motivational people leader, you should have proven experience managing a sales team, and experience of or capability to recruit sales professionals. A commercial and strategic thinker, you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are looking for an opportunity to progress in a forward thinking, dynamic and innovative organisation. Overall · Responsibility for helping design the specific commercial strategy, along with the successful communication and delivery of the strategy. · Responsible and accountable for developing and executing business strategies to deliver growth in accordance with the strategic plans. · Formulation and implementation of interventions to deliver sustained performance in terms of new business opportunities. · To guide and direct commercial activity across the brand to maximize the potential of the brands products and services, to support delivery against KPI’s and targets. · Direct and in-direct management of commercial activity via the group and through business units. · Lead by example and represent the group and its partners in the best light at all times. · Reach and exceed targets set by top management. · Attending monthly meetings with other senior members of the business. Business Development · Manage a team of Business Developers who are based in China. · Understand optimum lead allocation methodology to maximize ROI (by program area, region etc.) · Improve or design new processes and systems to ensure quality and improve the reputation of our brand. · Through excellent leadership skills and personal qualities, identify areas of performance improvement, and direct, coach and encourage action plans for development to maximize performance. · Train the team to deliver professional and consistently excellent service. · Submit accurate sales documentation and reports. · Oversee events, student recruitment fairs, presentations, and seminars where necessary to represent the partner and generate awareness of our business to potential students. · Become an expert in our products, developing strong relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure sales team are up to date with market changes and product information. · Continual training and development of all members of the sales department. · Monitor the market for information and creative trends e.g., network with key industry influencers and stakeholders, attend functions and events, and monitor publications and research. · Research and prospect for new investors to ensure a robust pipeline of engagements within the market. · Build relationships with the decision makers within potential organizations. · Plan deal approaches and pitches and participate in the negotiation of terms and deal closing. · Develop the systems and procedures to enable the effective execution of new business development. · Responsibility for new business development along with monitoring and evaluate emerging business opportunities. · Identifying key areas for improvement in the sales process. · Attending industry events and conferences to generate new business leads. · Acting as a spokesperson for the organization at sales events and conferences. · Networking with other directors to generate new business for the company. · Monthly reporting on sales performance against budget and reporting on variances. Remuneration: RMB28,000-RMB34,000 Educated to Master’s level Native Mandarin speaker Highly analytical, capability to use data, analysis and insight to drive business performance. Must be highly organized and have a high attention to detail. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong presentation and interpersonal skills in both English and Mandarin Be able to demonstrate a strong track record of success in improving sales performance within a consumer service business. Previous experience successfully managing sales teams ideally from a similar industry in the UK and/or Germany. Previous study experience at a university in the UK or Germany Proven track record of achieving targets and driving sales growth in a business. Strong leadership skills and an ability to inspire sales teams. Proven experience developing and managing long term customer relationships. Previous experience working in a culturally diverse environment within a global organisation. Excellent marketing strategy skills with a proven track record of success Excellent prospecting, networking, persuasion, negotiation and closing skills. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral (including presentations) High level of computer literacy, including word-processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases and the Internet. Excellent project management, logistics and customer relations skills Highly numerate with strong ability in financial analysis, forecasting, project costing, and preparing and monitoring budgets. Excellent planning, organisational and administrative skills Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with people at all levels in a wide range of organisations The post holder may be asked to undertake different or additional duties in line with business requirements at the request of their line manager, Vice President-China. There is an expectation that all employees will maintain the values of the Group and will comply with the code of conduct as well as equality and diversity, health and safety and safeguarding policies. The post holder is expected travel extensively within China for business development and occasionally between other GUS sites in the UK, Germany and beyond. Please note this position is only available on our Consultancy agreement. We acknowledge receipt of your resume for a position at Global University Systems and sincerely appreciate your interest in our company. We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose qualifications meet our requirements. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you if you are selected to continue for the next stage of the recruitment process. We wish you every success. GUS is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.