International Student Recruitment Manager - China

BRITISH UNIVERSITY VIETNAM

British University Vietnam (BUV) is the first and only international university in Vietnam authorised to award degrees from renowned UK universities: University of London, University of Staffordshire, University of Stirling, Arts University Bournemouth, Bournemouth University, and Manchester Metropolitan University. Established in 2009, BUV delivers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes following UK academic standards.

BUV is rated 5 Stars by QS and institutionally accredited by the UK Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). With over 500 enterprise partners, 100% of BUV graduates are employed or pursue further study within three months of graduation.

Students study at a world class campus in Ecopark, developed with an investment of up to USD 165 million, offering modern facilities and an international-standard learning environment for more than 10,000 students upon completion.

POSITION PURPOSE

International Student Recruitment (ISR) is responsible for recruiting international students for full-degree pathway, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at BUV.

The postholder will serve as BUV’s principal liaison and primary institutional representative in China, with overall responsibility for managing and developing a portfolio of contracted student recruitment agencies to achieve annual Chinese enrolment targets. The role will focus on building deep, long‑term partnerships with key existing agencies, while identifying and securing new business with market‑leading partners.

The postholder will have native‑level Chinese language proficiency and a minimum of five years’ professional experience operating in the Chinese higher education sector.

This is a remote‑based role located in China, with regular (e.g. monthly) travel to BUV’s campus in Vietnam. Frequent travel within China will also be required.

The postholder will provide partial supervision to one Chinese‑speaking International Student Recruitment Officer, who will support administrative and logistical activities, lead on B2C (direct‑to‑student) recruitment, and manage the conversion of Chinese agents’ applications.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Act as BUV’s principal liaison and on-the-ground institutional representative in China, serving as the primary day-to-day point of contact
• Lead the implementation of BUV’s international student recruitment strategy in China
• Develop a portfolio of market-leading Chinese recruitment agencies.
• Strengthen and grow BUV’s existing key partnerships
• Apply BUV’s agency appointment, due diligence, and governance procedures to onboard new strategic partners
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders (agency leadership)
• Effectively market and promote BUV’s portfolio to high-level external stakeholders and decision makers in China
• Conduct frequent visits to agency offices, delivering staff training, promotional and conversion activities

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• Identify and leverage collaborative, cost-effective marketing opportunities with agencies (with a preference for scalable digital delivery where appropriate)
• Accountable for BUV’s China B2C activities and the conversion of agent‑generated prospects, with support from a Chinese‑speaking International Student Recruitment Officer.
• Undertake annual evaluation of agency performance and China market strategy and make evidence-based recommendations to Head, ISR and CMO
• Support in the creation of marketing/communications content, relevant to the China market – including Chinese website and social media accounts
• Represent BUV at international exhibitions and events, deliver webinars and digital outreach sessions.
• Prepare and deliver clear written and verbal reports on recruitment performance, market intelligence, and strategic progress

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

COMPETENCIES (knowledge, skills, and abilities)

Essential

• Have lived and worked in China with a firm understanding of the business culture and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in international student recruitment/business development in higher education in China
• Strong experience managing B2B partnerships, including student recruitment agency accounts
• Excellent B2C capabilities and consultative sales acumen
• Demonstrable experience of building relationships with senior external stakeholders.
• Native or near‑native Mandarin proficiency with excellent professional written and spoken communication skills
• Professional proficiency (minimum CEFR B2 level) in English.
• Proven ability to deliver recruitment targets, manage agency pipelines, and drive conversion performance
• CRM and data‑driven approach to recruitment planning, forecasting, and performance management
• Undergraduate degree (2nd class or above, or equivalent).
• High level of computer literacy, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and digital communication platforms.
• Firm understanding & appreciation of the systems/authorities for recognising international degrees in China (CSCSE)

Desirable

• Experience of representing an international university brand in China
• Prior experience in recruiting Chinese students for UK universities
• A reasonable understanding of the higher education sector and business culture in Vietnam.

COMPETENCIES (behavioural)

Essential

• Results‑focused and target‑driven, with a strong service and partner‑relationship mindset
• Ethical approach to business and relationship management.
• Confident, professional communicator capable of engaging senior external stakeholders
• Strong cross‑cultural awareness, sensitivity, and ability to build trust in a Chinese business context
• Excellent planning, organisation, and time‑management skills, including the ability to manage extensive travel
• Analytical and solutions‑oriented, able to interpret data and respond to market environment

Desirable

• Strategic mindset, able to assess market trends and contribute to medium‑ and long‑term planning for China
• High level of autonomy, initiative, and accountability in a remote‑working context.
• Leads by example and supports colleagues at all levels.

BENEFITS

• Highly competitive salary package, monthly remuneration starts from 70.000.000 VND, depending on qualifications/experience
• 13th month Tet bonus (for Vietnamese candidates)
• Annual cost of living adjustment and performance-based bonus
• Recognition & awards programmes
• 20 days annual leave, public holidays, and 5 days paid sick leave
• Healthcare plan (private accident, medical, and dental insurance, including annual health checks)
• Education support for staff, their dependents and immediate relatives
• Relocation allowance to cover visa/flights/initial days accommodation
• Support and assistance in work permit and visa application together with relocation to and settling into living and working in Vietnam
• Various staff events through the year (outings, year-end party, sports activities and other events)
• Onsite fitness and sports centre
• Opportunity to work within a professional and multi-cultural environment