Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager

If you are a Education Programme Profession, and speak fluent Mandarin who willing to join a top organisation that facilitator of transformative educational and cultural exchanges between the UK and China. This will be a great opportunity for you. You will join a small and friendly team of 4 people in their Liverpool. This role is seek a dynamic, bilingual leader to spearhead our UK-China travel operations. You will be the driving force behind designing, delivering, and expanding the portfolio of high-impact travel programmes, ensuring excellence, safety, and cultural immersion for all participants

Job Title: Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager
Location: Liverpool (with travel to China required)
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
Reporting To: Director of Operations / CEO

Key Responsibilities:

1. Programme Leadership & Excellence:
   • Oversee end-to-end delivery of all UK-China student exchanges, teacher delegations, and leadership programmes.
   • Design culturally rich, safe, and educationally valuable itineraries.
   • Manage all logistics: flights, visas, accommodation, transport, hosting, and risk assessments.
   • Ensure strict compliance and prioritise participant safety & satisfaction.
   • Manage relationships and performance of DMCs and suppliers (UK & China), ensuring quality, timeliness, and budget adherence.
2. Travel Operations Strategy:
   • Provide strategic direction for the travel function across both UK and China operations.
   • Set and enforce high delivery standards, timelines, and cost controls.
   • Streamline the sales-to-delivery lifecycle for efficiency and scalability.
3. Growth & Partnerships:
   • Identify, onboard, and manage new partner schools, universities, DMCs, and suppliers in the UK and China.
   • Represent and showcasing our mission and travel offerings to prospective clients and partners.
   • Negotiate commercial terms, contracts, and supplier agreements to ensure quality and profitability.
   • Build a robust pipeline of leads through strategic outreach, events, and digital channels.
   • Align BD activities with marketing and operational capacity.
4. Team Leadership:
   • Line-manage and mentor the China-based operations team, supporting UK operations staff.
   • Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on excellence.
   • Provide performance management, feedback, and development opportunities.
5. Stakeholder & Relationship Management:
   • Build and nurture trusted relationships with schools, government bodies (e.g., local authorities, DfE, MoE), and travel partners.
   • Act as primary liaison with major Chinese education partners (e.g., New Oriental) via platforms like WeChat.
   • Support long-term UK-China institutional partnership building.
   • Navigate cultural sensitivities and regulatory frameworks in both countries expertly.
6. Systems & Continuous Improvement:
   • Maintain meticulous records (itineraries, contracts, feedback, risks).
   • Utilise digital tools (HubSpot, (url removed), Microsoft 365, GSA Platform, Zoom, Xero, WeChat) for workflow, communication, and reporting.
   • Organise online events, meetings, and delivery updates.
   • Lead post-programme reviews and drive service improvements based on feedback and KPIs.

About You (Essential Requirements):

• Proven Experience: Minimum 3 years in demanding operational/administrative roles within travel, hospitality, or international education.
• Language & Market Expertise: Fluent Mandarin and English (written and spoken). Deep understanding of the Chinese market (education, travel, regulations).
• Programme Management: Significant experience managing complex international travel or exchange programmes.
• Leadership: Demonstrated success in people management, including leading remote or cross-border teams.
• Business Acumen: Strong track record in business development, stakeholder engagement, contract negotiation, and supplier management.
• Organisational Skills: Exceptional planning, time-management, and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Tech Savvy: Proficient in Microsoft 365, CRM (e.g., HubSpot), project management tools (e.g., (url removed)), Zoom, WeChat, and financial software (e.g., Xero).
• Cultural Intelligence: High intercultural awareness and professionalism in navigating cultural nuances.
• Logistics & Compliance: Legally able to work full-time in the UK (minimum 2 years remaining visa validity if applicable). Willingness to travel frequently between the UK and China. Ability to pass an enhanced DBS check.

Highly Desirable (Preferred Qualifications):

• Direct experience in international education or cultural exchange programmes.
• Knowledge of Chinese and UK safeguarding policies, travel risk management, and compliance standards (e.g., BSA, ATOL, ABTA aspects).
• Existing relationships or experience working with Chinese educational institutions (schools, universities) or government bodies.