Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager

Role Summary

We are seeking a bilingual Commercial Partnerships & Operations Manager to lead the growth, delivery, and management of our UK-China travel programmes. Based in Liverpool’s historic Georgian Quarter, this strategic and hands-on role combines responsibility for programme operations, commercial partnerships, and people management.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of all UK-China travel programmes, ensuring operational excellence, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Design and manage high-quality, culturally immersive itineraries for student exchanges, teacher delegations, and leadership visits.
• Coordinate all logistics including travel, visas, accommodation, in-country transport, and hosting arrangements.
• Ensure safety, educational value, and cultural relevance are prioritised across all itineraries.
• Liaise with DMCs and suppliers to ensure accurate, timely, and budget-conscious delivery.

Travel Department Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership to the travel operations function across the UK and China.
• Set and maintain delivery standards, timelines, and cost controls across all programmes.
• Monitor the full sales-to-delivery lifecycle, ensuring smooth transitions, clear accountability, and scalable processes.

Commercial Partnerships & Business Development

• Identify and onboard new partner schools, DMCs, education institutions, and suppliers across the UK and China.
• Represent GSA to prospective clients and partners, showcasing our travel offerings and organisational mission.
• Negotiate commercial terms, contracts, and supplier agreements to secure quality and profitability.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of active leads through outreach, events, and digital channels.
• Align business development activities with marketing and operational capacity planning.

Team Leadership & People Management

• Line-manage the Chinese operations team and support UK-based operations staff.
• Provide performance management, mentoring, and structured feedback.
• Ensure cross-functional collaboration between teams for effective programme delivery.

Stakeholder Coordination & Relationship Management

• Build and manage trusted relationships with schools, government bodies, education authorities, and travel partners.
• Act as GSA’s primary liaison with major Chinese education organisations (e.g., New Oriental) via platforms like WeChat.
• Support long-term partnership building between UK and Chinese schools and educators.
• Ensure cultural sensitivity and compliance with regulatory frameworks in both countries.

Operational Support & Systems

• Maintain accurate records including itineraries, contracts, feedback reports, and risk assessments.
• Use digital tools such as HubSpot, , Microsoft 365, GSA’s platform, and others to manage workflows and reporting.
• Organise online events, group communications, virtual meetings, and delivery updates.
• Lead post-trip reviews and ensure continual service improvements based on feedback and KPIs.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in high-pressure operational and administrative roles in travel and / or hospitality industries.
• Fluent in Mandarin and English (written and spoken).
• Strong knowledge of the China market, including education, travel, and regulatory environments.
• Significant experience in travel, education, or international programme operations.
• Proven track record in people management, with experience leading cross-border or remote teams.
• Strong business development and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Skilled in contract negotiation and supplier relationship management.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Confident using tools like Microsoft 365, HubSpot, Zoom, , Xero, and WeChat.
• Intercultural awareness and the ability to navigate cultural sensitivities with professionalism.
• Legally able to work full-time in the UK (minimum 2 years remaining on visa if applicable).
• Willingness to travel between the UK and China.
• Able to pass an enhanced DBS check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous 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.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with annual reviews and performance incentives.
• Hybrid working flexibility after onboarding.
• International travel with student delegations and leadership groups.
• Team retreats, wellbeing benefits, and structured career development.
• A values-driven environment committed to global impact and educational equity.
• Regular 1-to-1s and professional coaching support.