Chinese Operations and Commercial Manager

Debro Group Ltd. t/a ABL Recruitment; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational travel organization in Liverpool seeks a Chinese Operations and Commercial Manager to lead UK-China educational programmes. The role requires fluency in Mandarin and English, with a strong background in travel operations and business development. Responsibilities include managing logistics for student exchanges, ensuring programme quality, and engaging with educational partners in both countries. Competitive salary based on experience, with a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in demanding operational/administrative roles within travel, hospitality, or international education.
• Proficient in handling complex international travel or exchange programmes.
• Demonstrated success in people management, including remote teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of UK-China student exchanges and leadership programmes.
• Manage logistics: flights, visas, accommodation, and risk assessments.
• Build and nurture trusted relationships with educational and travel partners.

Skills

Fluent Mandarin

Fluent English

Organisational Skills

Cultural Intelligence

Business Development

Tools

HubSpot

Microsoft 365

Monday.com

Zoom

Xero

Job description

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Chinese Operations and Commercial Manager, Liverpool

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Client:

Debro Group Ltd. t/a ABL Recruitment

Location:

Liverpool, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

b97389468524

Job Views:

6

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

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Job Description:

If you are a Education Programme Profession, and speak fluent Mandarin who willing to join a top organisation that facilitator of 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 their Liverpool. This role is seek 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:

• 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 all logistics: flights, visas, accommodation, transport, hosting, and risk assessments.
• Ensure strict compliance and prioritise participant safety & satisfaction.
• Manage relationships and performance of DMCs and suppliers (UK & China), ensuring quality, timeliness, and budget adherence.
• Travel Operations Strategy:
  • Provide strategic direction for the travel function across both UK and China operations.
  • Set and enforce high delivery standards, timelines, and cost controls.
  • Streamline the sales-to-delivery lifecycle for efficiency and scalability.
• Growth & Partnerships:
  • Identify, onboard, and manage new partner schools, universities, DMCs, and suppliers in the UK and China.
  • Represent and showcasing our mission and travel offerings to prospective clients and partners.
  • Negotiate commercial terms, contracts, and supplier agreements to ensure quality and profitability.
  • Build a robust pipeline of leads through strategic outreach, events, and digital channels.
  • Align BD activities with marketing and operational capacity.
• Line-manage and mentor the China-based operations team, supporting UK operations staff.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on excellence.
• Provide performance management, feedback, and development opportunities.
• Stakeholder & Relationship Management:
  • Build and nurture trusted relationships with schools, government bodies (e.g., local authorities, DfE, MoE), and travel partners.
  • Act as primary liaison with major Chinese education partners (e.g., New Oriental) via platforms like WeChat.
  • Support long-term UK-China institutional partnership building.
  • Navigate cultural sensitivities and regulatory frameworks in both countries expertly.
• Maintain meticulous records (itineraries, contracts, feedback, risks).
• Utilise digital tools (HubSpot, Monday.com, Microsoft 365, GSA Platform, Zoom, Xero, WeChat) for workflow, communication, and reporting.
• Organise online events, meetings, and delivery updates.
• Lead post-programme reviews and drive service improvements based on feedback and KPIs.

About You (Essential Requirements):

• Proven Experience: Minimum 3 years in demanding operational/administrative roles within travel, hospitality, or international education.
• Language & Market Expertise: Fluent Mandarin and English (written and spoken). Deep understanding of the Chinese market (education, travel, regulations).
• Programme Management: Significant experience managing complex international travel or exchange programmes.
• Leadership: Demonstrated success in people management, including leading remote or cross-border teams.
• Business Acumen: Strong track record in business development, stakeholder engagement, contract negotiation, and supplier management.
• Organisational Skills: Exceptional planning, time-management, and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Tech Savvy: Proficient in Microsoft 365, CRM (e.g., HubSpot), project management tools (e.g., Monday.com), Zoom, WeChat, and financial software (e.g., Xero).
• Cultural Intelligence: High intercultural awareness and professionalism in navigating cultural nuances.
• Logistics & Compliance: Legally able to work full-time in the UK (minimum 2 years remaining visa validity if applicable). Willingness to travel frequently between the UK and China. Ability to pass an enhanced DBS check.

Highly Desirable (Preferred Qualifications):

• Direct experience in international education or cultural exchange programmes.
• Knowledge of Chinese and UK safeguarding policies, travel risk management, and compliance standards (e.g., BSA, ATOL, ABTA aspects).
• Existing relationships or experience working with Chinese educational institutions (schools, universities) or government bodies.