At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage university partnerships and drive strategic growth through data-driven insights.
- Company: Join Explore, a dynamic brand within Manifest Global, shaping international student recruitment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Work in a fast-paced environment with a global network and impactful projects.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming how universities engage with global students.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in university partnerships or related commercial roles, strong data storytelling skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
This role is for Explore, established in 2025 as the university-facing brand within Manifest Global, bringing together the capabilities of Cialfo and BridgeU. We connect universities to a global network of K-12 students and counsellors, enabling earlier engagement, clearer performance visibility, and more informed international recruitment strategies. This role sits at the centre of those partnerships.
Role Overview
This is a strategic, commercially-driven partnership role, not traditional account management. You will own relationships with a portfolio of universities, acting as a trusted advisor and growth partner — helping institutions:
- Understand performance through data
- Make better recruitment decisions
- Unlock greater value from their investment with Explore
You will combine commercial ownership, data storytelling, and strategic thinking to drive both partner success and revenue growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Relationship Management & Commercial Growth
- Own senior relationships with university partners, driving retention, expansion, and long-term value
- Lead commercial conversations, including renewals, upsells, and multi-year agreements
- Build and manage a robust pipeline, with clear forecasting and revenue accountability
- Develop tailored international recruitment strategies aligned to institutional goals
- University Success & Platform Engagement
- Translate platform data into clear, actionable insights and ROI narratives
- Conduct data-led performance reviews and strategic planning sessions
- Identify engagement gaps and drive improvement across the partner lifecycle
- Act as a strategic advisor, not just a delivery partner
- Campaign & Activity Delivery
- Oversee execution of campaign activity across your portfolio
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure high-quality, measurable outcomes
- Manage multiple priorities with strong ownership and accountability
- Voice of the Customer
- Feed structured insights into product and marketing teams
- Shape product evolution based on real partner needs
- Build compelling case studies and success narratives demonstrating ROI
- Partner with marketing to communicate value in language universities understand
- Commercial Discipline
- Maintain accurate pipeline visibility in CRM
- Track performance, risks, and opportunities across your portfolio
- Collaborate with the broader commercial team on high-priority accounts and strategy
What Success Looks Like
First 90 Days
- Complete a full portfolio audit (usage, contracts, goals, risks)
- Establish structured quarterly business reviews (QBRs)
- Build strong working relationships with key stakeholders
By 6 Months
- Positive trends in engagement, retention, and value delivery
- Early upsell and expansion opportunities identified and progressing
- Strong credibility with both operational and senior stakeholders
- Clear, actionable feedback loop established with product teams
About You
- 5+ years experience in:
- University partnerships / account management
- International education / student recruitment
- Or related commercial roles in higher education
- Strong understanding of:
- Undergraduate admissions and recruitment dynamics
- University stakeholder expectations and pressures
- Highly comfortable with data and storytelling:
- Able to turn metrics into strategic narratives and decisions
- Commercially driven with the ability to:
- Own revenue conversations
- Drive expansion and retention
- Thrives in ambiguous, evolving environments:
- Can help define “what great looks like,” not just execute
Why Join Explore
Explore sits at the centre of a rapidly evolving international student mobility landscape. As part of Manifest Global’s ecosystem — including Cialfo, BridgeU, and Kaaiser — you will work with:
- A global network across 150+ countries
- Deep access to K-12 and university ecosystems
- A platform combining data, distribution, and engagement
This is a moment of real momentum, with the opportunity to shape:
- How universities engage globally
- How data informs recruitment strategy
- What best‑in‑class partnerships look like
University Engagement Manager, Explore United Kingdom employer: Cialfo Group
Explore is an exceptional employer that thrives on innovation and collaboration within the dynamic landscape of international education. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities to shape strategic partnerships with universities while leveraging data-driven insights to drive success. Our inclusive work culture fosters creativity and encourages team members to take ownership of their roles, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about transforming global student engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land University Engagement Manager, Explore United Kingdom
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with university professionals on LinkedIn or at industry events. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your data storytelling skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. It’s all about demonstrating your strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by researching the universities you'll be working with. Understand their goals and challenges so you can tailor your conversation to show how you can help them succeed.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace University Engagement Manager, Explore United Kingdom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the University Engagement Manager role. Highlight your experience in university partnerships and data storytelling, as these are key aspects of what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:We want to see how you’ve driven revenue growth and managed relationships in previous roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to own revenue conversations and drive expansion.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to include instances where you've turned metrics into actionable insights. We love candidates who can tell a story with data!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cialfo Group
✨Know Your Data
Since this role involves a lot of data storytelling, make sure you brush up on relevant metrics and how they impact university recruitment strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive decisions and improve outcomes.
✨Understand University Needs
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges universities face in recruitment and engagement. Show that you can empathise with their pressures and articulate how your experience can help them navigate these challenges effectively.
✨Prepare for Commercial Conversations
This isn't just about account management; it's about driving revenue growth. Think of examples where you've successfully led commercial discussions, upsold services, or negotiated contracts. Be prepared to share these stories during your interview.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've established trust and credibility in previous roles, especially with senior partners. This will show that you're not just a delivery partner but a strategic advisor.
