Mandarin speaking Job-Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager – UK-China Travel Programmes[...]

First People Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Mandarin-speaking Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager to oversee UK-China travel programmes. The role requires fluency in Mandarin and English, management experience in international education, and the ability to frequently travel between the UK and China. A competitive salary of up to £55k is offered, with opportunities for flexible hybrid work after probation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in operational and administrative roles in travel and/or hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of the China market, including education and travel regulations.
• Proven track record in people management and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee UK-China travel programmes, ensuring operational excellence.
• Design and manage itineraries for student exchanges and visits.
• Coordinate logistics, including travel, visas, and accommodation.

Skills

Fluent in Mandarin

Fluent in English

Management experience

Business development

Travel industry experience

Tools

Microsoft 365

HubSpot

Zoom

Monday.com

Xero

WeChat

Job description

Please note that this job requires fluent Mandarin and English skills, management experience in international education or cultural exchange programs, and the ability to travel frequently between the UK and China.

Your New Job Title: Mandarin speaking Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager – UK-China Travel Programmes (sponsorship available)

The Skills You'll Need: Mandarin and English fluent, management experience in international education or cultural exchange programmes.

Your New Salary: Up to £55k (Negotiable depending on the experience). This is a permanent position, office-based initially, with flexible hybrid working opportunities once passed probation.

Start: ASAP. Reports to: Chief Operations Officer. Working hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (with 1 hour lunch break). Location: Liverpool.

To be successful in this role, our client has said it is essential that candidates:

• are fluent in both Mandarin and English
• have management experience in international education or cultural exchange programmes
• are happy to travel between the UK and China frequently
• have solid business development experiences within travel and / or hospitality industries

What You'll be Doing:

• Oversee the delivery of all UK-China travel programmes, ensuring operational excellence, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Design and manage high-quality, culturally immersive itineraries for student exchanges, teacher delegations, and leadership visits.
• Coordinate all logistics including travel, visas, accommodation, in-country transport, and hosting arrangements.
• Liaise with DMCs and suppliers to ensure accurate, timely, and budget-conscious delivery.
• Provide strategic leadership to the travel operations function across the UK and China.
• Monitor the full sales-to-delivery lifecycle, ensuring smooth transitions, clear accountability, and scalable processes.
• Identify and onboard new partner schools, DMCs, education institutions, and suppliers across the UK and China.
• Negotiate commercial terms, contracts, and supplier agreements to secure quality and profitability.
• Build and manage trusted relationships with schools, government bodies, education authorities, and travel partners.
• Ensure cultural sensitivity and compliance with regulatory frameworks in both countries.
• Organise online events, group communications, virtual meetings, and delivery updates.
• Lead post-trip reviews and ensure continual service improvements based on feedback and KPIs.

The Skills You'll Need to Succeed:

• Fluent in Mandarin and English (written and verbal).
• Minimum 5 years' experience in high-pressure operational and administrative roles in travel and / or hospitality industries.
• Strong knowledge of the China market, including education, travel, and regulatory environments.
• Significant experience in travel, education, or international programme operations.
• Proven track record in people management, with experience leading cross-border or remote teams.
• Strong business development and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Skilled in contract negotiation and supplier relationship management.
• Confident using tools like Microsoft 365, HubSpot, Zoom, Monday,com, Xero, and WeChat.
• Intercultural awareness and the ability to navigate cultural sensitivities with professionalism.
• Willingness to travel between the UK and China.
• Able to pass an enhanced DBS check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in international education or cultural exchange programmes.
• Knowledge of Chinese and UK safeguarding, travel risk, and compliance standards.
• Experience working with Chinese educational institutions or government bodies.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture.