Job Overview
Department Global Partnerships | Location: Joseph Priestley Building | Salary: £44,131 to £51,182 per annum | Permanent | Full time | Release Date: 18 March 2026 | Closing Date: 08 April 2026, 23:59 BST | Reference: G126001
We have an exciting opportunity to join the Global Partnerships team at Birmingham City University (BCU). This newly established department reflects the strategic importance of international partnership development to the University’s long‑term ambitions. Global Partnerships is responsible for identifying, developing and securing sustainable, high‑quality international collaborations that expand BCU’s global reach. With a strong emphasis on transnational education (TNE), the team works closely with School Academic Leads to deliver a coordinated, institution‑wide approach to international growth. Led by the Director of Global Partnerships, the team drives the expansion and strengthening of global academic partnerships aligned to the University’s strategic priorities.
Role
As Global Partnerships Development Manager, you will identify, develop and scale new international partnerships that grow programme portfolios, increase student enrolment and deliver sustainable income. You will be accountable for partnership income and recruitment targets, leading the development of financially robust, strategically aligned collaborations in priority global markets. You will manage the full partnership lifecycle, from early market scoping and opportunity development through due diligence, negotiation, business case approval and contract, before handover for delivery. Working closely with academic schools, senior leaders and professional services, you will ensure all opportunities align with the Global Partnerships Strategy and institutional priorities.
Key Responsibilities
* Identify, develop and scale new international partnerships that grow programme portfolios, increase student enrolment and deliver sustainable income.
* Accountable for partnership income and recruitment targets.
* Lead the development of financially robust, strategically aligned collaborations in priority global markets.
* Manage the full partnership lifecycle: early market scoping, opportunity development, due diligence, negotiation, business case approval, contract and handover for delivery.
* Ensure opportunities align with the Global Partnerships Strategy and institutional priorities.
* Work closely with academic schools, senior leaders and professional services.
Qualifications & Experience
* Substantial experience in developing large‑scale international academic or commercial partnerships, with a strong track record of delivering income growth through negotiated agreements.
* Degree in a relevant field (or equivalent professional experience).
* Proven experience negotiating complex contractual arrangements and delivering against financial targets.
* Ability to prepare detailed business cases and robust financial models.
* Strong understanding of international education markets and partnership models.
* Experience working collaboratively with academic colleagues and senior stakeholders.
* Excellent relationship‑building, stakeholder engagement and cross‑cultural communication skills.
* Ability to manage multiple complex projects effectively within a fast‑paced environment.
Benefits
* Generous pension scheme.
* Annual leave entitlement (40 days including statutory holidays).
* Family‑friendly policies.
* State‑of‑the‑art campus facilities.
* Hybrid working model (three days on site). Remote working is allowed where appropriate.
Additional Information
Informal queries regarding this role are very welcome and can be directed to Lucy Stubbs at Lucy.stubbs@bcu.ac.uk.
Interviews are planned to take place on the 22nd of April 2026.
Employment Information
The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to enter the LGPS scheme will be able to do so and will be employed by Birmingham City University directly.
Equality & Inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.
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