International Market Development Manager at Navitas

Key Responsibilities:
Student Recruitment


Develop and deliver annual student recruitment plans and enrolment targets, driving undergraduate and postgraduate recruitment growth across African markets.
Lead recruitment campaigns, exhibitions, webinars, school engagement activities, and represent the University at fairs, partner events, government meetings, and sector conferences.
Monitor market trends, competitor activity, scholarships, policies, and external factors to identify opportunities and optimise recruitment performance.


Market Development


Identify opportunities for growth and diversification across existing and emerging markets.
Identify and develop new academic partnership opportunities that support student recruitment growth.
Provide support to the University Head of International Partnerships/TNE and the International Partnership team in developing TNE opportunities, including articulation and progression for the University of Plymouth.


Stakeholder and Partnership Management


Build and maintain strong relationships with educational agents, recruitment partners, schools, universities, scholarship bodies, ministries, and key stakeholders across Africa.
Act as the University's primary relationship manager, developing strategic partnerships to drive student recruitment growth and market opportunities.
Ensure partnership compliance while maintaining stakeholder engagement, market intelligence, and recruitment opportunities through regular interactions and partner events.


Team Leadership and Management


Provide day-to-day leadership, line management, performance management, and development support to Student Recruitment Co-ordinators and the Conversion Officer.
Set clear objectives, performance measures, and development plans while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer-focused service.
Manage resources and budgets effectively to maximise recruitment outcomes, operational efficiency, and compliance with University financial processes and procedures.


Conversion and Enrolment Management


Oversee the applicant conversion strategy for African markets and lead targeted conversion campaigns and yield activities for offer holders.
Collaborate with admissions, marketing, and academic colleagues to improve applicant conversion and enrolment rates.
Monitor application pipelines, identify interventions to enhance conversion performance, and ensure high-quality applicant communication throughout the recruitment cycle.


Data Analysis and Reporting


Analyse recruitment performance, market trends, and enrolment outcomes, producing reports, forecasts, and insights to support target achievement and strategic decision-making.
Monitor market intelligence and provide evidence-based recommendations to drive market development and recruitment growth initiatives.
Manage recruitment budgets, track ROI and KPIs, and ensure effective resource allocation and budget efficiency.


Cross-University Collaboration


Work collaboratively with academic faculties and schools, admissions and conversion, marketing, international partnerships and student support teams.
Support the development and implementation of the University's strategy.
Contribute to institutional projects, policy development and strategic planning activities relating to international recruitment.


Essential Criteria
Qualifications


Degree or equivalent professional qualification.


Experience


Proven success in international student recruitment within higher education, including recruitment across diverse African markets.
Experience developing and delivering recruitment strategies, managing agents, recruitment partners, and stakeholder relationships.
Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams and consistently achieve recruitment and business development targets.


Knowledge & Skills


Strong understanding of African education systems and student recruitment practices.
Excellent relationship management, stakeholder engagement, communication, presentation, analytical, and reporting skills.
Proficiency in CRM systems and recruitment technologies, with strong planning, organizational, project management, and multi-tasking abilities.
Willingness to travel regularly across target markets.


Desirable Criteria


International qualification and experience within a UK higher education environment, with a strong understanding of UKVI regulations and international admissions processes.
Proven experience building target-driven, customer-focused recruitment strategies and sales teams, supported by data-driven decision-making and budget management.
Established network of education stakeholders across Africa, with the ability to develop partnerships, drive recruitment growth, and work independently in a regional role.