Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager

Lord Search & Selection; Liverpool City Region; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization is seeking a Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager to oversee UK-China travel operations. The ideal candidate will have experience in international education and speak fluent Mandarin. This role involves managing partnerships, ensuring participant safety, and designing enriching travel programmes. Candidates must be tech-savvy and possess strong business acumen.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in operational/administrative roles within travel or education.
• Fluent Mandarin and English, with deep understanding of the Chinese market.
• Experience managing complex international travel or exchange programmes.
• Proven leadership capabilities in managing remote teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee UK-China student exchanges and ensure participant satisfaction.
• Design and execute culturally rich and safe itineraries.
• Identify and manage partnerships with schools and DMCs.
• Lead the China-based operations team and ensure compliance.

Skills

Fluent Mandarin

Business Development

Stakeholder Engagement

Cross-Cultural Communication

Project Management

Logistics Management

Tools

Microsoft 365

HubSpot

WeChat

Job description

If you are a Education Programme Professional, and speak fluent Mandarin who is willing to join a top organisation that facilitates 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 Liverpool. This role seeks 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: Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager
Location: Liverpool (with travel to China required)
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
Reporting To: Director of Operations / CEO

Key Responsibilities:

1. Programme Leadership & Excellence:
   • 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.
2. 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.
3. Growth & Partnerships:
   • Identify, onboard, and manage new partner schools, universities, DMCs, and suppliers in the UK and China.
   • Represent and showcase 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.
4. Team Leadership:
   • 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.
5. 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.
6. Systems & Continuous Improvement:
   • Maintain meticulous records (itineraries, contracts, feedback, risks).
   • Utilise digital tools (HubSpot, (url removed), 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., (url removed), 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.