Job Description

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Ref 23109

Job Title - Mandarin Speaking Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager – UK-China Travel Programmes (Sponsorship Available)

The Skills You'll Need:

• Fluent in Mandarin and English, both written and verbal.
• Management experience in international education or cultural exchange programmes.

Your New Salary:

Up to £55k (Negotiable depending on experience)

Employment Type:

Permanent

Location:

Initially office-based in Liverpool, with flexible hybrid working options after passing probation.

Start Date:

ASAP

Reports to:

Chief Operations Officer

Working Hours:

8:30am-5:00pm (with 1-hour lunch break)

What You'll be Doing:

• Oversee delivery of UK-China travel programmes, ensuring operational excellence, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Design and manage culturally immersive itineraries for student exchanges, teacher delegations, and leadership visits.
• Coordinate logistics including travel, visas, accommodation, transport, and hosting arrangements.
• Liaise with DMCs and suppliers to ensure timely, accurate, and budget-conscious delivery.
• Provide strategic leadership to travel operations across the UK and China.
• Monitor sales-to-delivery lifecycle, ensuring smooth transitions and scalable processes.
• Identify and onboard new partner schools, DMCs, education institutions, and suppliers.
• Negotiate contracts and supplier agreements to secure quality and profitability.
• Build and manage relationships with schools, government bodies, and travel partners.
• Ensure cultural sensitivity and compliance with regulatory frameworks in both countries.
• Organise online events, virtual meetings, and delivery updates.
• Lead post-trip reviews and implement service improvements based on feedback and KPIs.

The Skills You'll Need to Succeed:

• Fluent in Mandarin and English (written and verbal).
• Minimum 5 years' experience in high-pressure operational roles in travel and/or hospitality industries.
• Strong knowledge of the China market, including education, travel, and regulations.
• Experience in travel, education, or international programme operations.
• Proven leadership in managing cross-border or remote teams.
• Business development and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Contract negotiation and supplier relationship management experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, HubSpot, Zoom, Monday.com, Xero, and WeChat.
• Intercultural awareness and professionalism in navigating cultural sensitivities.
• Willingness to travel between the UK and China.
• Ability to pass an enhanced DBS check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in international education or cultural exchange programmes.
• Knowledge of Chinese and UK safeguarding, travel risk, and compliance standards.
• Experience working with Chinese educational institutions or government bodies.

Please view all our Team China jobs at people-first-recruitment.

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Applicants are encouraged to send their CV as a Word document. Successful candidates will be contacted within 7 days. Due to high application volume, individual feedback cannot be provided.

Only candidates eligible to work in the UK and able to provide relevant documentation will be considered.

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