Job Description
If you are a Education Programme Profession, and speak fluent Mandarin who willing to join a top organisation that facilitator of transformative educational and cultural exchanges between the UK and China. This will be a great opportunity for you. You will join a small and friendly team of 4 people in their Liverpool.
This role is seek a dynamic, bilingual leader to spearhead our UK-China travel operations. You will be the driving force behind designing, delivering, and expanding the portfolio of high-impact travel programmes, ensuring excellence, safety, and cultural immersion for all participants\n\nJob Title:Chinese Operations and Commercial Manager\n Location: Liverpool (with travel to China required)\n Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience\n Reporting To: Director of Operations / CEO\n\nKey Responsibilities:\n\nProgramme Leadership & Excellence:\nOversee end-to-end delivery of all UK-China student exchanges, teacher delegations, and leadership programmes.\nDesign culturally rich, safe, and educationally valuable itineraries.\nManage all logistics: flights, visas, accommodation, transport, hosting, and risk assessments.\nEnsure strict compliance and prioritise participant safety & satisfaction.\nManage relationships and performance of DMCs and suppliers (UK & China), ensuring quality, timeliness, and budget adherence.\nTravel Operations Strategy:\nProvide strategic direction for the travel function across both UK and China operations.\nSet and enforce high delivery standards, timelines, and cost controls.\nStreamline the sales-to-delivery lifecycle for efficiency and scalability.\nGrowth & Partnerships:\nIdentify, onboard, and manage new partner schools, universities, DMCs, and suppliers in the UK and China.\nRepresent and showcasing our mission and travel offerings to prospective clients and partners.\nNegotiate commercial terms, contracts, and supplier agreements to ensure quality and profitability.\nBuild a robust pipeline of leads through strategic outreach, events, and digital channels.\nAlign BD activities with marketing and operational capacity.\nTeam Leadership:\nLine-manage and mentor the China-based operations team, supporting UK operations staff.\nFoster a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on excellence.\nProvide performance management, feedback, and development opportunities.\nStakeholder & Relationship Management:\nBuild and nurture trusted relationships with schools, government bodies (e.g., local authorities, DfE, MoE), and travel partners.\nAct as primary liaison with major Chinese education partners (e.g., New Oriental) via platforms like WeChat.\nSupport long-term UK-China institutional partnership building.\nNavigate cultural sensitivities and regulatory frameworks in both countries expertly.\nSystems & Continuous Improvement:\nMaintain meticulous records (itineraries, contracts, feedback, risks).\nUtilise digital tools (HubSpot, (url removed), Microsoft 365, GSA Platform, Zoom, Xero, WeChat) for workflow, communication, and reporting.\nOrganise online events, meetings, and delivery updates.\nLead post-programme reviews and drive service improvements based on feedback and KPIs.About You (Essential Requirements):\n\nProven Experience: Minimum 3 years in demanding operational/administrative roles within travel, hospitality, or international education.\nLanguage & Market Expertise: Fluent Mandarin and English (written and spoken). Deep understanding of the Chinese market (education, travel, regulations).\nProgramme Management: Significant experience managing complex international travel or exchange programmes.\nLeadership: Demonstrated success in people management, including leading remote or cross-border teams.\nBusiness Acumen: Strong track record in business development, stakeholder engagement, contract negotiation, and supplier management.\nOrganisational Skills: Exceptional planning, time-management, and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment.\nTech Savvy: Proficient in Microsoft 365, CRM (e.g., HubSpot), project management tools (e.g., (url removed)), Zoom, WeChat, and financial software (e.g., Xero).\nCultural Intelligence: High intercultural awareness and professionalism in navigating cultural nuances.\nLogistics & Compliance: Legally able to work full-time in the UK (minimum 2 years remaining visa validity if applicable).
Willingness to travel frequently between the UK and China. Ability to pass an enhanced DBS check.Highly Desirable (Preferred Qualifications):\n\nDirect experience in international education or cultural exchange programmes.\nKnowledge of Chinese and UK safeguarding policies, travel risk management, and compliance standards (e.g., BSA, ATOL, ABTA aspects).\nExisting relationships or experience working with Chinese educational institutions (schools, universities) or government bodies