Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage UK-China travel programmes, ensuring smooth operations and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on cultural exchange and international education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities for travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cross-cultural education while exploring the UK and China.
- Qualifications: Fluent in Mandarin and English with 5+ years in travel or hospitality.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture welcoming diverse candidates.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Mandarin speaking Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager – UK-China Travel Programmes (sponsorship available)
Permanent, full‑time position starting ASAP. Office‑based initially; hybrid working opportunities after probation. Reports directly to the Chief Operations Officer. Standard working hours 8:30 am‑5:00 pm with a one‑hour lunch break. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK and willing to travel frequently between the UK and China.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the delivery of all UK‑China travel programmes, ensuring operational excellence, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
- Design and manage high‑quality, culturally immersive itineraries for student exchanges, teacher delegations, and leadership visits.
- Coordinate all logistics including travel, visas, accommodation, in‑country transport, and hosting arrangements.
- Liaise with DMCs and suppliers to ensure accurate, timely, and budget‑conscious delivery.
- Provide strategic leadership to the travel operations function across the UK and China.
- Monitor the full sales‑to‑delivery lifecycle, ensuring smooth transitions, clear accountability, and scalable processes.
- Identify and onboard new partner schools, DMCs, education institutions, and suppliers across the UK and China.
- Negotiate commercial terms, contracts, and supplier agreements to secure quality and profitability.
- Build and manage trusted relationships with schools, government bodies, education authorities, and travel partners.
- Ensure cultural sensitivity and compliance with regulatory frameworks in both countries.
- Organise online events, group communications, virtual meetings, and delivery updates.
- Lead post‑trip reviews and ensure continual service improvements based on feedback and KPIs.
Key Qualifications
- Fluent in Mandarin and English (written and verbal).
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in high‑pressure operational and administrative roles in travel and/or hospitality industries.
- Strong knowledge of the China market, including education, travel, and regulatory environments.
- Significant experience in travel, education, or international programme operations.
- Proven track record in people management, with experience leading cross‑border or remote teams.
- Strong business development and stakeholder engagement experience.
- Skilled in contract negotiation and supplier relationship management.
- Confident using tools like Microsoft 365, HubSpot, Zoom, Monday, Xero, and WeChat.
- Intercultural awareness and the ability to navigate cultural sensitivities with professionalism.
- Willingness to travel between the UK and China.
- Able to pass an enhanced DBS check.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in international education or cultural exchange programmes.
- Knowledge of Chinese and UK safeguarding, travel risk, and compliance standards.
- Experience working with Chinese educational institutions or government bodies.
People First is committed to increasing diversity, and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, marital status or whether or not they have a disability.
Please send your CV as a Word document. Successful candidates will be contacted within 7 days. We regret we cannot provide individual CV feedback. We only consider candidates eligible to work in the UK and able to provide relevant supporting documentation.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Mandarin speaking Job-Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager – UK-China Travel Programmes[...] employer: People First Team Japan/ピープルファーストチームジャパン
Contact Detail:
People First Team Japan/ピープルファーストチームジャパン Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mandarin speaking Job-Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager – UK-China Travel Programmes[...]
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and practising common questions. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it helps you showcase your experience effectively. Remember, confidence is key!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance, demonstrate your skills in real-time. Whether it’s through a presentation or a practical task, we want to see how you handle challenges. Make sure to highlight your Mandarin skills and any relevant experience in travel operations!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Mandarin speaking Job-Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager – UK-China Travel Programmes[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in travel and education, especially any relevant roles that showcase your operational excellence and cultural sensitivity. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our UK-China programmes!
Show Off Your Mandarin Skills: Since this role requires fluency in Mandarin, don’t forget to showcase your language skills! Include any relevant experiences where you've used Mandarin in a professional setting. This will help us see how you can effectively communicate with our partners in China.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, so get to the point while still showcasing your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just upload your CV and let us know why you’d be a great fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at People First Team Japan/ピープルファーストチームジャパン
✨Know Your Itinerary
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the role, especially around designing and managing itineraries. Be ready to discuss how your past experiences align with creating culturally immersive travel programmes.
✨Showcase Your Mandarin Skills
Since fluency in Mandarin is crucial, prepare to demonstrate your language skills during the interview. You might be asked to switch between English and Mandarin, so practice common phrases related to travel and education to show your confidence.
✨Highlight Your Operational Experience
With a minimum of 5 years in high-pressure operational roles, come prepared with specific examples of how you've ensured operational excellence and customer satisfaction in previous positions. Use metrics or KPIs to illustrate your success.
✨Cultural Sensitivity Matters
Given the cross-cultural nature of the role, be ready to discuss how you've navigated cultural sensitivities in past experiences. Share examples of how you've built trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders, particularly in the UK and China.