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- Tasks: Lead UK-China educational travel programmes, ensuring safety and cultural immersion.
- Company: Join a top organisation facilitating transformative exchanges between the UK and China.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic team environment, and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while exploring cultural connections and enhancing global partnerships.
- Qualifications: Fluent Mandarin and English, with 3+ years in travel or international education roles.
- Other info: Must be willing to travel frequently to China and pass an enhanced DBS check.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager, Liverpool
Location: Liverpool, United Kingdom
Job Category: Education
EU work permit required: Yes
Job Reference:
BBBH9676_1754399079
Job Views:
4
Posted:
05.08.2025
Expiry Date:
19.09.2025
Job Description:
If you are an Education Programme Professional and speak fluent Mandarin, and are willing to join a top organization that facilitates transformative educational and cultural exchanges between the UK and China, this is a great opportunity for you. You will join a small, friendly team of 4 in Liverpool. This role seeks a dynamic, bilingual leader to spearhead UK-China travel operations. You will design, deliver, and expand 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:
- Programme Leadership & Excellence:
- Oversee delivery of UK-China student exchanges, teacher delegations, and leadership programmes.
- Design culturally rich, safe, and educational itineraries.
- Manage logistics: flights, visas, accommodation, transport, hosting, risk assessments.
- Ensure compliance and prioritize participant safety & satisfaction.
- Manage relationships with DMCs and suppliers in the UK & China.
- Travel Operations Strategy:
- Provide strategic direction for travel operations in both UK & China.
- Set standards, timelines, and cost controls.
- Streamline sales-to-delivery processes for efficiency and scalability.
- Growth & Partnerships:
- Identify and manage new partners, schools, universities, DMCs, and suppliers.
- Represent the organization to prospective clients and partners.
- Negotiate contracts and agreements.
- Build a pipeline of leads through outreach, events, and digital channels.
- Team Leadership:
- Manage and mentor the China-based operations team and UK staff.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture.
- Provide performance feedback and development opportunities.
- Stakeholder & Relationship Management:
- Build relationships with schools, government bodies, and travel partners.
- Act as liaison with Chinese education partners via WeChat.
- Support UK-China institutional partnerships.
- Navigate cultural sensitivities and regulations.
- Systems & Continuous Improvement:
- Maintain records and utilise digital tools (HubSpot, Monday.com, Microsoft 365, GSA, Zoom, Xero, WeChat).
- Organise online events and meetings.
- Lead post-program reviews and drive improvements based on KPIs.
About You (Essential Requirements):
- Minimum 3 years in operational/administrative roles within travel, hospitality, or international education.
- Fluent Mandarin and English, with deep understanding of Chinese market.
- Experience managing international travel or exchange programmes.
- Proven leadership in managing remote or cross-border teams.
- Strong business development, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation skills.
- Exceptional planning and multitasking abilities.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365, CRM, project management tools, Zoom, WeChat, and financial software.
- High intercultural awareness and professionalism.
- Legally able to work full-time in the UK and willing to travel frequently to China. Ability to pass an enhanced DBS check.
Highly Desirable (Preferred Qualifications):
- Experience in international education or cultural exchange programs.
- Knowledge of safeguarding policies, travel risk management, and compliance standards.
- Existing relationships with Chinese educational institutions or government bodies.
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Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager employer: ABL Recruitment
Contact Detail:
ABL Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education and travel sectors, especially those who have experience with UK-China exchanges. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and partners.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in international education and travel operations. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your Mandarin language skills by engaging in conversations with native speakers or participating in language exchange groups. This will not only improve your fluency but also show your commitment to cultural immersion.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's current partnerships and initiatives related to UK-China educational exchanges. Being informed about our work will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to our goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operational roles within travel, hospitality, or international education. Emphasise your fluency in Mandarin and any previous work with UK-China exchanges.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for educational and cultural exchanges. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage cross-border teams.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your business development, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed logistics and ensured participant safety in past roles.
Showcase Cultural Awareness: Demonstrate your intercultural awareness and professionalism in your application. Discuss any experiences you have had working with Chinese institutions or navigating cultural sensitivities in a professional context.
How to prepare for a job interview at ABL Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Bilingual Skills
Since fluency in Mandarin is essential for this role, be prepared to demonstrate your language skills during the interview. You might be asked to converse in Mandarin or discuss your experiences working in bilingual environments.
✨Highlight Your Experience in International Education
Make sure to discuss your previous roles in operational or administrative positions within travel or international education. Share specific examples of programmes you have managed and how they contributed to participant satisfaction and safety.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Awareness
Given the focus on UK-China exchanges, it's crucial to show your understanding of cultural sensitivities. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated cultural differences in past roles and how you plan to foster positive relationships with Chinese partners.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
This role requires strategic direction for travel operations. Be prepared to discuss your approach to setting standards, managing logistics, and streamlining processes. Think about how you can contribute to the growth and efficiency of the organisation.
