Head of China and South East Asia Recruitment and Partnerships

Birmingham City University

International Recruitment

Location: Joseph Priestley Building

Maternity Cover - 12 Months

About Birmingham City University

At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world-class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff.

Recognised as one of the UK’s Top 250 employers (Financial Times & Statista), we pride ourselves on being a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to grow their careers while contributing to the success of our students and communities.

Our student demographic reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Birmingham itself, with a significant proportion of students from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and the majority of our home students coming from the West Midlands. This diversity is a strength, and it calls for a workforce that is equipped to challenge deficit narratives and thinking — those assumptions that position students from underrepresented groups as lacking rather than recognising their assets, strengths and potential.

By embracing this perspective, we aim to create an environment where all students and colleagues can thrive, and where our work contributes positively to the social, cultural and economic life of Birmingham and beyond.

Role Summary

We are seeking a Head of China and South East Asia Recruitment and Partnerships to support the delivery of the University's international recruitment, partnership and transnational education (TNE) objectives across a strategically important region. This role works across our teams in Marketing, Recruitment and Communications and Global Partnerships. You will play a key role in maximising student recruitment and income generation opportunities, while strengthening Birmingham City University's profile and partnerships across China and South East Asia. 

In this role, you will lead recruitment and partnership activity across the region, overseeing in-market representatives, managing agent and partner networks, and supporting the development and growth of transnational education provision. Working closely with academic colleagues, Global Partnerships, Admissions, Compliance, Marketing teams, external agents, government bodies and international partners, you will drive sustainable growth, strengthen strategic relationships and ensure activity is aligned with University priorities and commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the University's recruitment and partnership activity across China and South East Asia, driving student recruitment and income growth.
• Manage and develop agent, partner and stakeholder networks across the region to maximise market opportunities and recruitment performance.
• Direct and support in-market staff, setting objectives, monitoring performance and prioritising activity to achieve agreed targets.
• Oversee and support the University's portfolio of transnational education (TNE) partnerships in the region, identifying opportunities for growth and enhancement.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with existing and prospective partners, government agencies and educational institutions across the region.
• Conduct market research and provide expert insight and recommendations on international recruitment and partnership opportunities to senior stakeholders.
• Manage regional recruitment resources and promotional activity, ensuring effective deployment of budgets and marketing investment.
• Coordinate and facilitate partner engagement activities, contractual communications and strategic visits that support the University's international objectives. 

Essential Requirements

• Degree qualified or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Significant experience in international student recruitment, market development or partnership management.
• Proven track record of delivering recruitment growth and developing successful international partnerships.
• Experience of working within higher education and an understanding of the international recruitment landscape.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify and develop new market opportunities.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrable ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders across diverse cultural and organisational settings.
• Experience of leading complex external partnerships and managing multiple priorities across international markets. 

Desirable Requirements

• Ability to communicate in a language relevant to China and/or South East Asia.
• Experience of implementing new initiatives, processes or business improvements.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness and sensitivity in international partnership environments.
• Proven ability to work independently, undertake extensive international travel and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible approach to working arrangements in support of international activity. 
    

Further Information

If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of Marketing, Recruitment and Communications, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Roxanne McLean at roxanne.mclean@bcu.ac.uk.

Why not explore our campuses using our interactive map: Interactive Map | Birmingham City University

The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company, BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to re-enter the scheme may do so and will be employed directly by the University.

Why work for us

• Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
• Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
• Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, a health cash plan, wellbeing support and a wide range of staff benefits.
• Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.

Further Details: Job Description

Use of AI in applications

At BCU, we welcome applications that clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role. AI tools may be used to support you in preparing your application, but the information you provide must be accurate, authentic and based on your own experience. Applications that rely too heavily on AI, appear generic or do not provide specific evidence against the role criteria are less likely to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process. For more information, please refer to our candidate guidance; How to Apply - Jobs at Birmingham City University

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.

Disability Confident Employer

Birmingham City University is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.

The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company, BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to re-enter the scheme may do so and will be employed directly by the University.

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Sunday 06 September 2026