At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage university partnerships and drive growth through data-driven strategies.
- Company: Join Explore, a dynamic brand under Manifest Global, connecting universities with K-12 students.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a global network and influence best-in-class partnerships.
- Why this job: Shape the future of international student recruitment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in university partnerships or related commercial roles, strong data storytelling skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Explore was formed in 2025 as our university-facing brand, bringing together the Cialfo and BridgeU platforms that sit under Manifest Global to connect universities with a global network of K-12 students and counsellors. Through these platforms, we support students and their counsellors throughout the university application journey, while helping universities engage earlier, understand performance more clearly, and make more informed decisions about their international undergraduate recruitment strategies.
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 in Warrington employer: Explore!
Explore is an exceptional employer that thrives on innovation and collaboration within the international education sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a dynamic work culture that encourages strategic thinking and data-driven decision-making, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in university partnerships. Join us in a vibrant environment where your contributions shape the future of global student mobility and recruitment strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land University Engagement Manager, Explore in Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the university sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a role. Attend industry events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to get your name out there. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to showcase your data storytelling skills! Prepare examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. When you land that interview, make sure to highlight your ability to turn metrics into actionable insights that can help universities improve their recruitment strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate how you can add value to potential university partners. Think about what makes you a great fit for the University Engagement Manager role and be ready to discuss your commercial acumen and strategic thinking during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Explore team and contributing to our mission of enhancing university engagement.
We think you need these skills to ace University Engagement Manager, Explore in Warrington
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 how it aligns with our mission at Explore. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data storytelling, don’t shy away from showcasing your ability to turn metrics into strategic insights. Share examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve outcomes in previous roles.
Be Authentic:We love seeing personality in applications! Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us your story. What drives you? Why are you passionate about international education? Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it reaches the right people. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Explore!
✨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. 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 challenges universities face in international recruitment. Think about how your experience aligns with their expectations and pressures, and prepare examples that showcase your ability to act as a strategic advisor.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
This position is commercially driven, so be prepared to discuss your experience with revenue conversations, upselling, and retention strategies. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your success in these areas.
✨Build Relationships
Relationship management is key in this role. Think about how you've built strong partnerships in the past and be ready to share your approach to maintaining long-term value with stakeholders. Highlight your ability to collaborate with internal teams for successful outcomes.
