Employer Engagement Manager supporting University of Southampton, UK

As Employer Engagement Manager (China), you will lead the development of employer partnerships in China to create internship, work experience and graduate opportunities for students and graduates of the University of Southampton.

This is a senior, externally focused role combining business development, relationship management and programme leadership. You will work closely with careers colleagues in China and the UK, employers, alumni and industry bodies to strengthen graduate outcomes and employer engagement.

This role is ideal for someone with strong commercial awareness, networks in China, and a passion for connecting talent with opportunity.

About Grok Global Services

Founded in 2005, Grok Global Services is a best-in-class provider of international engagement services for higher education institutions. By joining our team, you will be working in a supportive environment full of like-minded professionals, each committed to advancing the internationalization of higher education institutions from around the world.

A pioneer of in-country staffing in the international education sector, Grok remains at the forefront of this model and currently delivers this service across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. The company also boasts industry-leading divisions in digital marketing and strategic consulting.

Key Responsibilities

Employer Engagement & Opportunity Development

• Design and deliver a China-focused employer engagement strategy aligned with institutional priorities
• Build and manage relationships with employers across sectors, including multinational firms, local enterprises, start-ups and third-sector organisations
• Secure and grow internship, placement and graduate opportunities for returning graduates
• Identify new and innovative ways for employers to engage with students, including careers fairs, employer talks, panels, mentoring and projects

Partnership & Programme Delivery

• Work closely with careers, alumni, recruitment and academic teams to maximise employer collaboration
• Support employers throughout recruitment processes, ensuring a positive and professional experience
• Liaise with external organisations and networks such as chambers of commerce and industry bodies
• Share labour market insights and employer feedback with internal stakeholders

Data, Reporting & Quality

• Track employer engagement, opportunity creation and outcomes against agreed targets
• Monitor budgets, income generation (where applicable) and resource use
• Ensure appropriate due diligence and risk management processes are followed
• Evaluate activities and use insights to inform future planning

Person Specification

Essential

• Fluent Mandarin and strong professional English
• Proven experience in employer engagement, recruitment, partnerships or business development
• Strong external relationship-management skills

• Understanding of graduate recruitment and employment trends in China
• Self-motivated, organised and comfortable working independently

Desirable

• Experience working with universities or international education organisations
• Experience managing projects, budgets or teams
• Established employer or industry networks

Additional Information

• Based in China with regular local travel
• Evening or weekend work may be required during peak employer engagement periods
• The ability to maintain a responsible and confidential approach to sensitive information.

Why Join Us

• Lead a high-profile employer engagement portfolio
• Shape real career opportunities for international graduates
• Work with a globally recognised university
• Be part of a collaborative, international organisation with long-term growth opportunities