Japanese Speaking Academic Program Manager

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

Job summary

An educational organization in the UK is seeking an Academic Programmes Manager to manage Japanese student programmes. The role involves liaising with partner offices in Japan and overseeing a network of coordinators across the UK. Ideal candidates will have strong team management skills, excellent communication abilities, and a background in education or cultural exchange. Familiarity with the UK school system and knowledge of Japanese culture is highly desirable. This position offers a hybrid working environment with a competitive salary of over £30K.

Qualifications

• Must be UK-based and hold a clean UK driving licence.
• Experience with Japanese clients is a plus.
• Familiarity with the UK school system.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage Japanese student programmes from start to finish.
• Liaise with partner offices in Japan for programme content.
• Oversee Group Coordinators across the UK.

Skills

Team management

Excellent communication

Strategic thinking

Proactive and flexible

Problem-solving

Presentation skills

Education

Background in education or cultural exchange

Knowledge of Japanese culture/language

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

MS Access

Job description

Educational Organization
Academic Programmes Manager
Salary: over 30K GBP
Location: Romford Hybrid

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

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