British University Vietnam - International Student Recruitment Manager, China

British University Vietnam

International Student Recruitment Manager, China

Department: International Student Recruitment & Business Development

China-based (remote), with travel to Vietnam

Reports to: Head, International Student Recruitment

Full-time | Remote – China | Higher Education | Mandarin required

About BUV

British University Vietnam (BUV) is the first and only international university in Vietnam to directly award British degrees from the prestigious University of London, University of Staffordshire, University of Stirling and Arts University Bournemouth. BUV is rated a 5 Star university of excellence by the world recognized QS organization and maintains a QAA IQR accreditation for its programs.

BUV has three main brand drivers

Offering accredited British and international higher education and training in Vietnam;

Providing 5-star university campuses, learning spaces, and services;

Including a compulsory personal and social growth program that prepares students for the future of life and work.

Established in 2009, BUV provides teaching for undergraduate and graduate programs. Employability rates for students are exceptionally high with 100% of graduates from BUV either employed or continuing higher education within 3 months after graduation.

With a wide network of more than 300 enterprise partners in various fields, and 12-week internship programs, BUV helps students gain professional knowledge and practical skills to meet employers' requirements as well as be ready to develop their careers immediately after graduation.

Students study at BUV's world class and state of the art campus in the Ecopark township. With its state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities and an iconic design, BUV is recognized as one of the best educational environments in Asia.

Position purpose

BUV established an International Student Recruitment (ISR) department in September 2024, strengthen BUV's brand outside of Vietnam and grow international enrolments. ISR is responsible for recruiting international students for full-degree pathway, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at BUV.

China is a priority strategic market for BUV's international growth. In the medium term, Business‑to‑Business (B2B) recruitment through trusted education agencies is the University's primary channel for student recruitment in China.

The postholder will serve as BUV's principal liaison and primary institutional representative in China, with overall responsibility for managing and developing a portfolio of contracted student recruitment agencies to achieve annual Chinese enrolment targets. The role will focus on building deep, long‑term partnerships with key existing agencies, while identifying and securing new business with market‑leading partners.

The postholder will have native‑level Chinese language proficiency and a minimum of five years' professional experience operating in the Chinese higher education sector.

This is a remote‑based role located in China, with regular (e.g. monthly) travel to BUV's campus in Vietnam. Frequent travel within China will also be required.

The postholder will provide partial supervision to one Chinese‑speaking International Student Recruitment Officer, who will support administrative and logistical activities, lead on B2C (direct‑to‑student) recruitment, and manage the conversion of Chinese agents' applications.

Areas of responsibility

Act as BUV's principal liaison and on-the-ground institutional representative in China, serving as the primary day-to-day point of contact

Lead the implementation of BUV's international student recruitment strategy in China

Develop a portfolio of market-leading Chinese recruitment agencies

Strengthen and grow BUV's existing key partnerships

Apply BUV's agency appointment, due diligence, and governance procedures to onboard new strategic partners

Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders (agency leadership)

Effectively market and promote BUV's portfolio to high-level external stakeholders and decision makers in China

Conduct frequent visits to agency offices, delivering staff training, promotional and conversion activities

Identify and leverage collaborative, cost-effective marketing opportunities with agencies (with a preference for scalable digital delivery where appropriate)

Accountable for BUV's China B2C activities and the conversion of agent generated prospects, with support from a Chinese speaking International Student Recruitment Officer

Undertake annual evaluation of agency performance and China market strategy and make evidence-based recommendations to Head, ISR and CMO

Support in the creation of marketing/communications content, relevant to the China market – including Chinese website and social media accounts

Represent BUV at international exhibitions and events, deliver webinars and digital outreach sessions

Prepare and deliver clear written and verbal reports on recruitment performance, market intelligence, and strategic progress

Person specification

Knowledge, skills & abilities — essential

Have lived and worked in China with a firm understanding of the business culture and a minimum of 5 years' experience in international student recruitment/business development in higher education in China

Strong experience managing B2B partnerships, including student recruitment agency accounts

Excellent B2C capabilities and consultative sales acumen

Demonstrable experience of building relationships with senior external stakeholders

Native or near‑native Mandarin proficiency with excellent professional written and spoken communication skills

Professional proficiency (minimum CEFR B2 level) in English

Proven ability to deliver recruitment targets, manage agency pipelines, and drive conversion performance

CRM and data‑driven approach to recruitment planning, forecasting, and performance management

Undergraduate degree (2nd class or above, or equivalent)

High level of computer literacy, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and digital communication platforms

Firm understanding & appreciation of the systems/authorities for recognising international degrees in China (CSCSE)

Knowledge, skills & abilities — desirable

Experience of representing an international university brand in China

Prior experience in recruiting Chinese students for UK universities

A reasonable understanding of the higher education sector and business culture in Vietnam

Behavioural competencies — essential

Results‑focused and target‑driven, with a strong service and partner‑relationship mindset

Ethical approach to business and relationship management

Confident, professional communicator capable of engaging senior external stakeholders

Strong cross‑cultural awareness, sensitivity, and ability to build trust in a Chinese business context

Excellent planning, organisation, and time‑management skills, including the ability to manage extensive travel

Analytical and solutions‑oriented, able to interpret data and respond to market environment

Behavioural competencies — desirable

Strategic mindset, able to assess market trends and contribute to medium‑ and long‑term planning for China

High level of autonomy, initiative, and accountability in a remote‑working context

Leads by example and supports colleagues at all levels

How to apply

Apply by uploading your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role. In your cover letter, please address the following:

Your commercial experience and track record in business development or student recruitment

Your experience in and passion for international education

The unique value you would bring to BUV and this role

Why this opportunity is right for you, right now

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Successful applicants will be contacted directly. All applications are handled in strict confidence.