China Country Lead supporting Aston University

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.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Regional Manager (East Asia) within the Global Sales and Recruitment team, the China Country Lead will deliver Aston University's recruitment and marketing activities in China. The role focuses on executing recruitment strategies, managing agent and partner networks, and driving enrolment outcomes.

The postholder will operate within the strategic frameworks of Aston 2030 strategy, contributing market intelligence, executing in-market plans, and ensuring operational alignment with the University's global recruitment and engagement strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Student Recruitment & Pipeline Execution

• Manage the China recruitment pipeline to achieve enrolment targets, aligned with the global multi-year recruitment plan.
• Provide accurate and timely advice to prospective students, parents, and counsellors about Aston University programmes.
• Support applicant conversion activities in collaboration with Admissions and Conversion teams.

Agent & Partner Engagement 

• Execute Aston's global account management framework at the China level, proactively managing agents, schools, and feeder institutions.
• Deliver agent training, events, and updates to ensure accurate knowledge of Aston University programmes.
• Monitor and report on agent performance, ensuring compliance with due diligence and regulatory standards as directed by Global Operations.

Marketing & Events Execution

• Plan and deliver student recruitment activities such as agent engagement activities, school visits, and workshops.
• Work with the University's Marketing team to deliver China-specific campaigns and promotional materials.
• Leverage Chinese digital and social media platforms (WeChat, Weibo, RED, etc.) to raise Aston's brand profile in line with global market strategy.

Market Intelligence & Reporting

• Gather and analyse market data on trends, competitors, and student preferences.
• Provide structured and timely intelligence to the Regional Manager to inform global market strategy.
• Contribute to University-wide processes for consistent data capture and reporting on market conditions.

Alignment with Global Sales Framework

• Ensure that in-market activity supports the global B2B channel strategy, delivering service excellence to agents and partners.
• Contribute to ROI-driven recruitment outcomes by adhering to budgets and providing accurate sales forecasts.
• Implement centrally defined recruitment levers (e.g., scholarship schemes, product launches) within the China market.
• Work collaboratively with academic colleges, under guidance from the Regional Manager, to identify opportunities for programme promotion in China.

Requirement

Education & Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.

Experience

• 3+ years' experience in student recruitment, sales, or marketing.
• Proven record of managing agent networks and delivering recruitment events.
• Evidence of consistently meeting or achieving targets.
• Experience of delivering growth across a range of stakeholders in China

Skills & Attributes

• Fluency in English and Mandarin, with excellent communication skills.
• Strong relationship management skills across stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritise tasks, work independently, and manage travel.
• Customer-focused, proactive, and results-driven.
• Pro-active, driven and self-motivated.
• Have a good network of contacts for developing business opportunities.

Other Requirements

• Flexibility to travel extensively within China and occasionally within the Northeast Asia region.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and during traditional holiday periods as required.
• Ability to represent Aston University professionally while working independently.

Reporting Line

Reports to: Regional Manager (East Asia), International Recruitment

Strategic Framework: Head of Sales (Global Markets)