Student Recruitment Manager

Fairfield School of Business is where ambition meets opportunity. Established in 2006 and registered with the Office for Students, FSB is a fast growing and high performing higher education provider. We deliver career-focused qualifications across a range of subjects in partnership with leading UK universities. 

With over 200 expert staff, a strong and growing turnover, and campuses across England, including London, Birmingham, Leicester, and Sheffield, FSB combines the strength of a national organisation with a personalised, student first approach. 

Job Purpose 

The Student Recruitment Manager will lead and deliver student recruitment activity to achieve enrolment and recruitment targets across agreed markets and programmes. The role will develop effective recruitment strategies, manage relationships with prospective students and key stakeholders, and work closely with marketing, admissions, academic and international teams to maximise student conversion. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and implement student recruitment plans aligned with institutional enrolment targets.
• Manage the recruitment journey from initial enquiry through to application, offer and enrolment.
• Analyse recruitment data, market trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities for growth.
• Develop and maintain relationships with schools, colleges, universities, education agents and other recruitment partners.
• Plan and deliver recruitment events, open days, school visits, webinars, fairs and other outreach activities.
• Support the development of targeted campaigns in collaboration with marketing and communications teams.
• Monitor enquiries, applications, offer acceptance and enrolment conversion rates, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Provide prospective students and stakeholders with accurate information about programmes, entry requirements, student experience and application processes.
• Manage and evaluate recruitment activity against agreed KPIs and budgets.
• Produce regular reports and insight for senior management.
• Ensure recruitment activity complies with relevant institutional policies, regulatory requirements and data protection legislation.
• Build strong relationships across admissions, marketing, academic departments, student services and other internal teams.
• Represent the organisation at recruitment events and external meetings, including occasional evenings, weekends and international travel where required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of the student recruitment and conversion journey. 

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience in student recruitment, admissions, education marketing, sales, business development or a closely related field.
• Experience of developing and delivering recruitment or conversion activity against measurable targets.
• Strong relationship-management and stakeholder-engagement skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyse recruitment data and translate insights into practical actions.
• Strong organisational and project-management skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider team.
• Good understanding of the student recruitment lifecycle.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office/Google Workspace and digital communication tools.

Desirable

• Experience within higher education, further education or an international education environment.
• Experience recruiting international students or working with education agents.
• Experience managing recruitment budgets or external partnerships.
• Knowledge of relevant student recruitment markets and sector trends.
• Experience using CRM and marketing automation platforms.
• Relevant degree or professional qualification.

Key Performance Indicators

• Student recruitment and enrolment targets.
• Application-to-enrolment conversion rates.
• Offer acceptance rates.
• Recruitment activity and event outcomes.
• Growth in priority markets or student segments.
• Agent/partner performance and engagement.
• Student and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Recruitment budget performance and return on investment.

Skills and Behaviours

• A student-focused approach.
• Commercial awareness and target orientation.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
• Confidence working with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Data-driven decision making.
• Initiative and problem-solving ability.
• Attention to detail.
• Adaptability in a changing recruitment environment.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

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