International Market Development Manager

AI summary

Navitas is hiring a commercially driven International Market Development Manager to lead University of Plymouth's student recruitment and market expansion across key African markets. The role focuses on building partnerships with agents, schools, universities, government bodies and scholarship sponsors, while managing recruitment campaigns, conversion strategies and a small team. Strong market knowledge, relationship-building skills and a track record in international student recruitment are required.

• Lead student recruitment and market development across African markets for University of Plymouth
• Build partnerships with agents, schools, universities, government and scholarship bodies
• Manage recruitment budgets, KPIs, ROI reporting and conversion campaigns
• Line manage Student Recruitment Co-ordinators and a Conversion Officer
• Requires strong market knowledge and proven international student recruitment experience

Original source description

Navitas is seeking a commercially driven and strategic International Market Development Manager to support the University of Plymouth's recruitment growth across key African markets. Working closely with University and regional partners, the successful candidate will lead market development initiatives, enhance the University's profile and reputation, support prospective students throughout the recruitment journey, and deliver ambitious recruitment targets. The role requires strong market knowledge, outstanding relationship-building skills, and a proven track record in partnership development, market growth, and international student recruitment. The role focuses on driving enrolment success, developing market expansion strategies, and building high-value partnerships with educational agents, schools, universities, government bodies, scholarship sponsors, alumni, and other key stakeholders. 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: 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. Identify opportunities for growth and diversification across existing and emerging markets. Identify and develop new academic partnership opportunities that support student recruitment growth. Stakeholder and Partnership Management: Act as the University's primary relationship manager, developing strategic partnerships to drive student recruitment growth and market opportunities. Build and maintain strong relationships with educational agents, recruitment partners, schools, universities, scholarship bodies, ministries, and key stakeholders across Africa. Ensure partnership compliance while maintaining stakeholder engagement, market intelligence, and recruitment opportunities through regular interactions and partner events. Team Leadership and Management: Set clear objectives, performance measures, and development plans while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer-focused service. Provide day-to-day leadership, line management, performance management, and development support to Student Recruitment Co-ordinators and the Conversion Officer. Manage resources and budgets effectively to maximise recruitment outcomes, operational efficiency, and compliance with University financial processes and procedures. Conversion and Enrolment Management: Monitor application pipelines, identify interventions to enhance conversion performance, and ensure high-quality applicant communication throughout the recruitment cycle. 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. Data Analysis and Reporting: 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. Analyse recruitment performance, market trends, and enrolment outcomes, producing reports, forecasts, and insights to support target achievement and strategic decision-making. Cross-University Collaboration: Support the development and implementation of the University's strategy. Contribute to institutional projects, policy development and strategic planning activities relating to international recruitment. Work collaboratively with academic faculties and schools, admissions and conversion, marketing, international partnerships and student support teams. Essential Criteria Qualifications: Degree or equivalent professional qualification. Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams and consistently achieve recruitment and business development targets. Experience: developing and delivering recruitment strategies, managing agents, recruitment partners, and stakeholder relationships. Proven success in international student recruitment within higher education, including recruitment across diverse African markets. Knowledge & 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. Strong understanding of African education: systems and student recruitment practices. Excellent relationship management, stakeholder engagement, communication, presentation, analytical, and reporting skills. Desirable Criteria: Established network of education: stakeholders across Africa, with the ability to develop partnerships, drive recruitment growth, and work independently in a regional role. 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. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply online Note Applicants must have full working rights in Nigeria, and be available to start immediately or on short notice. By applying, you agree to Navitas’ Privacy Policy. Early applications are encouraged, as we may appoint before the closing date. Application Deadline: 24th September, 2026. View all Jobs in Nigeria Lagos State