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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 understanding.
- Qualifications: Fluent in Mandarin and English with 3+ years in travel or international education.
- 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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Chinese Operations and Commercial Manager, Liverpool
Location: Liverpool, United Kingdom
Job Category: Education
EU work permit required: Yes
Job Reference: BBBH9676_1754399843
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 will be a great opportunity for you. You will join a small and friendly team of 4 people in Liverpool. This role seeks 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:
Chinese Operations and Commercial 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 end-to-end delivery of all UK-China student exchanges, teacher delegations, and leadership programmes. Design culturally rich, safe, and educationally valuable itineraries. Manage logistics including flights, visas, accommodation, transport, hosting, and risk assessments. Ensure compliance and prioritize participant safety and satisfaction. Manage relationships with DMCs and suppliers in the UK and China, ensuring quality and budget adherence.
- Travel Operations Strategy: Provide strategic direction for travel functions in the UK and China. Set high standards, timelines, and cost controls. Streamline sales-to-delivery processes for efficiency and scalability.
- Growth & Partnerships: Identify and manage new partner schools, universities, DMCs, and suppliers. Represent the organization to prospective clients and partners. Negotiate contracts and build a pipeline of leads through outreach and events. Align business development with marketing and operations.
- Team Leadership: Manage and mentor the China-based operations team and UK staff. Foster a collaborative culture. Provide performance feedback and development opportunities.
- Stakeholder & Relationship Management: Build relationships with schools, government bodies, and travel partners. Act as a liaison with Chinese education partners via platforms like WeChat. Support institutional partnership building. Navigate cultural and regulatory frameworks in both countries.
- Systems & Continuous Improvement: Maintain records, utilize digital tools (HubSpot, Monday.com, Microsoft 365, GSA Platform, Zoom, Xero, WeChat), organize online events, and lead post-program reviews for service improvement.
About You (Essential Requirements):
- Minimum 3 years in operational/administrative roles within travel, hospitality, or international education.
- Fluent in Mandarin and English, with deep understanding of the Chinese market.
- Experience managing complex international travel or exchange programmes.
- Proven leadership in managing remote or cross-border teams.
- Strong business development, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation skills.
- Excellent planning and multitasking abilities.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365, CRM, project management tools, Zoom, WeChat, and financial software.
- High intercultural awareness and professionalism.
- Legal ability to work in the UK and willingness to travel frequently to China. Ability to pass an enhanced DBS check.
Highly Desirable (Preferred Qualifications):
- Experience in international education or cultural exchange programmes.
- Knowledge of safeguarding policies, travel risk management, and compliance standards.
- Existing relationships with Chinese educational institutions or government bodies.
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Chinese Operations and Commercial Manager employer: ABL Recruitment
Contact Detail:
ABL Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chinese Operations and Commercial 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, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in international education and travel, particularly between the UK and China. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the organisation's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your bilingual skills by engaging with Mandarin-speaking communities online. Participate in forums or social media groups related to education and travel, which can help you practice your language skills and stay updated on industry news.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in managing teams across different cultures. Highlight specific examples where you successfully navigated challenges in international settings, as this will be crucial for the role of Chinese Operations and Commercial Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Chinese Operations and Commercial 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 leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for educational and cultural exchanges between the UK and China. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage complex travel programmes and your understanding of the Chinese market.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in business development, stakeholder engagement, and negotiation. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past.
Showcase Cultural Awareness: Demonstrate your intercultural awareness and professionalism in your application. Discuss any previous experiences working with diverse teams or navigating cultural frameworks, particularly in relation to China.
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 switch between English and Mandarin, so practice common phrases and industry-specific vocabulary to impress your interviewers.
✨Highlight Your Experience in International Education
Discuss your previous roles in operational or administrative positions within travel, hospitality, or international education. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to managing complex travel programmes, as this will show your suitability for the position.
✨Prepare for Cultural Sensitivity Questions
Given the nature of the role, expect questions about intercultural awareness and how you would navigate cultural differences. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed cross-cultural interactions or resolved misunderstandings.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Team Management Skills
As a potential leader of a small team, be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you have mentored or managed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you foster collaboration and provide feedback to ensure team success.
