International Recruitment Manager supporting the University of Southampton, UK

We are looking for a talented, dedicated professional to be a Malaysia - based International Recruitment Manager supporting The University of Southampton, a world top 100 university and a member of the UK’s prestigious Russell Group via Grok Global Services’ Program Office.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to fully represent the University across key markets in Southeast Asia, driving student recruitment and strengthening partnerships in the region.

The post holder will represent the University of Southampton internationally, raising its global brand and profile while contributing to the achievement of the University’s ambitious targets for international student recruitment
and regional partnership development. This work will be delivered in line with the University Strategy and International Strategic Plan, ensuring that the University continues to grow its reputation and impact across Southeast Asia.

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.

University of Southampton

The University of Southampton is an exceptional place to work; its people achieve remarkable things. We are a world-leading research-intensive university, with a strong educational offering, renowned for our innovation and enterprise.

We are a place of opportunity and inspiration that attracts the most talented staff from around the world.

Whether you work on the front line with our students, at the cutting edge of research or within the network of professional services that supports the University and its academic agenda you can expect to be treated with honesty and respect; we will support you and your career and provide an environment that nurtures innovation and creative thinking.

Simply Better: Discover our Strategy

About the Role

The postholder’s primary focus will be to develop and implement regional and country marketing plans in Malaysia and the Southeast Asian cluster, managing and delivering in-country projects and activities working closely with the UK-based regional team, as well as a Malaysian-based colleague, supporting the International Student Recruitment leadership team in providing a resilient base of applications and enrolments to the University.

Responsible for planning and implementing the University’s recruitment activities in Malaysia and the Southeast Asian cluster, managing and delivering in-country projects and activities working closely with the UK-based regional team, as well as a Malaysian-based colleagues.

In addition, they will play a crucial part in working with maintaining and developing relationships with the University’s key stakeholders in the region including key schools, colleges and agents. Preparation and delivery of presentations and workshops to students, agents and school counsellors, representing the University of Southampton at education exhibitions and in-country events.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Work with the Regional Head of International Recruitment and Partnerships to manage, support and deliver in-country projects and activities;
• Foster a collaborative team culture that prioritizes teamwork and a growth mindset resulting and increase our Southeast Asia regional targets and KPIs and lead on the strategic planning and execution of student recruitment initiatives;
• Contribute to annual market recruitment plans for designated markets working closely with the regional team to provide high-quality market analysis and country-specific updates to inform future planning;
• Adopting an analysis-led approach, providing advice on issues relating to the market to inform engagement activities and adjust planning and forecasting;
• Continuous evaluation of recruitment initiatives to produce timely reports based on market intelligence, performance, competitor activities, market threats and opportunities;
• Promote and develop an understanding of the University’s programmes and USPs;
• Represent the University on the ground managing engagement with key partners and stakeholders, and alumni, and seeking out opportunities to develop new strategic relationships in the region;

• Develop and maintain long term sustainable relationships with a wide range of key influencers, for example:
  • international schools, colleges, universities
  • funding bodies (including government ministries, embassies, etc)
  • British Council
  • alumni
  • educational agents and edtech partners
  • partner institutions.

• Lead international conversion activity for the University, working in close collaboration with the marketing team
• Submit briefing reports to a range of audiences providing statistical and trend analysis, benchmarking activities, market research, horizon scanning and competitor analysis;
• Consult on and communicate intake targets at the start of each admissions cycle, review performance, make suggestions for improvement, and disseminate good practice;
• Contribute towards broader initiatives as a member of of the University of Southampton’s Global Recruitment & Admissions department to ensure and implement an excellent applicant and student experience;
• To update and maintain internal and external guidance on the equivalencies of local qualifications and to assist schools and admissions staff in applying this information consistently;
• Manage marketing campaigns and contribute to the design of student- or partner-focused materials; and
• Support recruitment to our International Branch Campuses (Malaysia and Delhi) where applicable.

Person Specification 

• A minimum of 2+ years of experience in increasingly responsible roles related to international student recruitment.
• Track record of designing and implementing data-led regional student recruitment strategies achieving a sustainable recruitment pipeline.
• Strong marketing and communications skills
• Experience of creating and measuring the effectiveness of in-country social media strategies.
• Project management experience
• Previous experience of managing budgets, and other resources.
• Bachelor’s degree with good to strong academic performance. A master’s degree is advantageous.
• Proficiency in IT software, including the Microsoft Office suite and Power Bi and Dynamics.
• Demonstrable experience of establishing and developing institutional partnerships
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present effectively to diverse audiences in an engaging way.
• Ability to mentor and guide junior colleagues, fostering professional growth and knowledge sharing.

• Advise, organise and support inward visits of faculty and university colleagues, ensuring smooth logistics, scheduling and coordination of in-country activities.

• Ability to respond positively and creatively to unforeseen events whilst at home and abroad.
• Ability to travel extensively (40% of time) and at short notice.

To learn more about Grok, please visit us at our website: https://grokglobal.com/ and by following us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grokglobal/