Japanese Speaking Academic Program Manager

JAC Recruitment; Essex; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization is seeking an Academic Programmes Manager to oversee Japanese student programmes. The role requires strong team management, strategic thinking, and familiarity with educational institutions. Candidates must be UK-based with relevant experience in cultural exchange or education. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is essential. This hybrid role will involve liaising with partner offices in Japan and managing a team of Group Coordinators across the UK.

Qualifications

• Must be UK-based and hold a clean UK driving licence.
• Experience working with Japanese clients or knowledge of Japanese culture/language.
• Background in education or cultural exchange preferable.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage all aspects of Japanese student programmes.
• Liaise daily with partner offices in Japan.
• Oversee a remote network of Group Coordinators across the UK.

Skills

Strong team management and leadership skills

Excellent communication

Ability to think strategically

Problem-solving abilities

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

MS Access

Job description

Educational Organization

Academic Programmes Manager

Salary; over 30K GBP

Location: Romford Hybrid

Academic Programmes Manager Main Responsibilities:

• Plan and manage all aspects of our Japanese student programmes, from initial brief to delivery
• Liaise daily with our partner offices in Japan to finalise programme content and respond to changing needs
• Oversee a remote network of Group Coordinators across the UK
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of host family details, delegating to support staff when needed
• Lead regular programme operations meetings and manage internal milestones and deadlines
• Greet visiting school groups and senior staff when required
• Collaborate with our Academic Planning Manager to align intercultural learning activities with English language goals
• Train and support new staff members as part of your team leadership responsibilities
• Provide regular reports and updates to the General Manager

Academic Programmes Manager Ideal Candidate:

• Strong team management and leadership skills
• Excellent communication - both written and face-to-face
• Ability to think strategically while staying on top of details
• Flexible, proactive, and comfortable with fast-changing plans
• Mature, professional, and confident dealing with senior stakeholders
• Must be UK-based, domestically settled, and hold a clean UK driving licence
• Background in education, cultural exchange, or EFL (English as a Foreign Language)
• Experience working with Japanese clients or knowledge of Japanese culture/language
• Familiarity with the UK school system and confidence in liaising with educational institutions
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint); database knowledge (e.g. MS Access) a plus
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and calm under pressure
• Ability to create and deliver presentations to diverse audiences