Area Manager - Port Harcourt at Navitas

Working closely with internal recruitment, marketing, admissions, and operations teams, the Area Manager will leverage market intelligence, commercial acumen, and strong relationship management skills to identify growth opportunities, enhance market engagement, and contribute to sustainable business growth. The successful candidate will act as a trusted market advisor, supporting the development and execution of strategies that advance Navitas' objectives and enhance the student experience.


Key Responsibilities:

Recruitment and Market Growth


Drive student recruitment growth by achieving enrolment targets, revenue objectives, and market expansion goals across the territory.
Develop and implement territory-specific recruitment and market development plans aligned with regional and global strategies.
Identify emerging market opportunities, monitor competitor activity and student demand, and provide market intelligence to support sustainable growth.
Lead the development of UniStart International Foundation Year partnerships, managing partner identification, qualification, site visits, and onboarding in collaboration with the Schools Engagement team and key stakeholders.


Agent and Partner Management


Build, maintain, and grow high-performing relationships with education agents and channel partners through regular engagement, training, business planning, and performance reviews.
Identify, onboard, and develop strategic recruitment partners while ensuring compliance with Navitas policies, quality standards, and best-practice recruitment processes.
Collaborate closely with the Global Student Services Centre (GSSC) to support application processing, address admissions and conversion-related matters, share market intelligence, and ensure agents and prospective students receive timely and consistent support


Stakeholder Engagement


Represent Navitas at recruitment fairs, seminars, school visits, industry events, and partner meetings.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with key schools, universities, counsellors, and other education stakeholders across the region through presentations, training, and engagement activities that strengthen the student recruitment pipeline and increase awareness of Navitas partner institutions.
Act as a brand ambassador, promoting Navitas programs and partnership institutions


Business Development and Student Success


Identify and pursue new business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and market expansion initiatives to drive student recruitment growth.
Contribute to strategic planning and innovative recruitment initiatives through market intelligence, business insights, and data-driven recommendations.
Champion a student-centred approach to improve student satisfaction, conversion, retention, and progression outcomes.
Collaborate with internal teams and the GSSC to ensure effective enquiry management and a seamless student experience


Data Analysis, Reporting and Compliance


Analyse recruitment performance, market intelligence, partner activity, and pipeline trends to identify opportunities, risks, and inform business decisions.
Utilise CRM systems and reporting tools to maintain accurate records, monitor recruitment activities, and deliver regular performance insights.
Ensure compliance with institutional, regulatory, and visa requirements while promoting ethical recruitment practices and industry standards.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market conditions, immigration policies, and education sector developments to support effective decision-making and quality outcomes.


Qualifications and Experience
Essential


Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Education, International Relations, or a related field, with a strong understanding of the international education sector.
Demonstrated experience in student recruitment, business development, sales, or partnership management.
Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, CRM, and reporting capabilities, with the ability to work independently, collaboratively, and travel within the assigned territory as required


Desirable


Experience within international higher education, pathway education, or student mobility sectors, with knowledge of visa requirements and international student recruitment processes.
Established networks within the education, counselling, or agent community in Nigeria, along with experience working in a matrix or multinational environment.