Head of Business Development

51Talk; Pasig; On-site; PHP 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

51Talk is seeking a Head of BD to identify and acquire Third Party Center Partners across designated regions, lead end-to-end center launches, and drive sustainable growth. The role blends business development with operations, requiring strong financial literacy, stakeholder management, and a data-driven approach.

The ideal candidate will manage a portfolio of partner centers, guide them through setup and first 30–60 days, and collaborate across functions to ensure compliance, performance, and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in franchise acquisition or franchise operations.
• Experience managing multiple sites, territories, or partners.
• Strong financial literacy with ROI discussion ability.
• Willingness to travel 50–80% of the time, including regional/provincial areas.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Identify and acquire Third Party Center Partners across assigned regions.
• Launch and manage end-to-end center openings, ensuring readiness and quality.
• Consult partners on ROI, profitability, and operational requirements.
• Monitor center performance and ensure sustainability and compliance.
• Collaborate with BD, Recruitment, Training, Operations, and Quality teams to drive center success.

Skills

Franchise operations

Multi-site management

Territory sales

Data-driven decision making

Stakeholder management

Travel readiness

Job description

The Head of BD head is responsible for identifying, acquiring, launching, and managing Third Party Center Partners (TPCAP) across assigned territories. This role combines business development, operational execution, partner management, and performance ownership to ensure successful center launches and sustainable growth. The ideal candidate should be commercially strong while also being highly operational, data-driven, and capable of managing the complexities of partner ecosystems, center readiness, quality standards, and launch execution.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Development & Partner Acquisition
   • Identify, prospect, and convert high-potential Third Party Center Partners across assigned regions.
   • Scout strategic locations in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with stable internet infrastructure and strong teacher supply potential.
   • Conduct business opportunity seminars, field networking, and local partnership activities to generate leads.
   • Build strong relationships with prospective center operators, teachers, entrepreneurs, cafe owners, training centers, and small investors.
   • Develop and maintain a healthy lead pipeline to consistently achieve monthly center launch targets.
2. Partner Consultation & Business Advisory
   • Act as a business consultant to potential partners by presenting the TPCAP business model, expected ROI, profitability, and operational requirements.
   • Educate prospective partners on center operations, teacher supply, infrastructure standards, and financial viability.
   • Address partner concerns and overcome investment hesitation through data-driven and consultative selling.
3. Center Launch & Project Management
   • Manage the end-to-end launch process of new centers from onboarding to go‑live.
   • Guide new partners throughout the first 30‑60 days to ensure successful operational setup and readiness.
   • Conduct on‑site evaluations and audits covering:
   • Internet reliability and speed
   • Equipment and technical readiness
   • Noise control and environment suitability
   • Infrastructure compliance
   • Ensure centers are launched on time and meet required operational and quality standards.
4. Operations & Performance Ownership
   • Monitor center performance, activation, and sustainability after launch.
   • Ensure launched centers meet utilization, quality, infrastructure, and compliance expectations.
   • Identify operational risks and proactively intervene to improve partner performance and retention.
   • Collaborate cross‑functionally with Business Development, Recruitment, Training, Operations, and Quality teams to ensure center success.
5. Data & Reporting
   • Monitor key business metrics including:
   • Activation and onboarding progress
   • Partner productivity
   • Quality and compliance standards
   • Provide regular business updates, forecasts, and expansion recommendations.
6. The ideal candidate goes beyond traditional sales or expansion and can confidently balance:
   • Business Development & Partnership Management
   • Operational Execution & Problem Solving
   • Financial Consulting & ROI Discussions
   • Project Management & Launch Execution
   • Data-Driven Decision Making
   • Stakeholder & Partner Management

Qualifications:

• At least 5+ years of experience in:
  • Franchise acquisition or franchise operations
  • Multi-site operations
  • Institutional or territory sales
  • Retail, education, telecom, logistics, or regional expansion operations
  • Proven track record of launching, expanding, or managing multiple business sites, territories, or partners.
• Strong financial literacy and ability to discuss ROI, breakeven, and business sustainability with investors or partners.
• Comfortable with 50%-80% field travel, including provincial and remote areas.
• Strong operational mindset with attention to execution and quality.
• Highly data-sensitive and KPI-oriented.
• Technology and AI literate; able to leverage digital tools for productivity, reporting, and decision-making.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to speak local dialects (e.g., Bisaya, Ilocano) is an advantage.

The role will be measured on:

• Monthly launched centers
• Partner conversion rate
• Center activation speed
• Seat activation and utilization
• Partner retention and sustainability
• Compliance to infrastructure and quality standards
• Forecast accuracy and territory growth

51 Talk is a leading online English education company founded in 2011. In 2016, we became the first Chinese online education company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. For over 14 years, we've focused on providing personalized, high-quality English learning experiences. As a global leader in 1-on-1 online instruction with international teachers, we believe in combining language knowledge with practical communication skills.

Our courses are trusted by learners across 50+countries, helping students gain the confidence to connect with the world. With a team of over 3000 employees，more than 25000 foreign teachers, more than 15 branches worldwide, we are committed to delivering exceptional educational experiences. We have offices in many countries in thePhilippines, China, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Middle East. You will be essential in manage good talent and contributing to our company’s growth in thePhilippines