Regional Business Development Lead - #1097523

Position Objective

The Regional Business Development Lead plays a key role in expanding partnerships, driving business growth, and increasing student recruitment across key identified markets. As part of a dynamic and results-driven team, you will engage with diverse industries, develop market-specific strategies, and build strong relationships both locally and globally. Your efforts will directly contribute to the success of our schools, leveraging market insights, operational expertise, and best-practice strategies to develop sustainable growth initiatives.

This role focuses on cultivating long-term relationships with corporate clients, relocation agents and other key partners, overseeing agent management, and driving regional business development efforts. The ideal candidate will have a strategic mindset, exceptional communication skills, ability to translate relationships into results, and the ability to navigate complex business environments with confidence.

Key duties and responsibilities:

·       Develop and implement business development strategies for multiple territories assigned, ensuring alignment with regional and global objectives.

·       Research and analyze market trends, competitor insights, and internal school data to inform business expansion strategies.

·       Build a strategic approach and operational framework for corporate partnerships to attract and retain parents through their employers.

·       Establish and maintain strategic relationships with corporate clients in the region, ensuring long-term engagement.

·       Develop a partnership strategy with relocation and real estate agencies, attracting prospective families through relocation channels and coordinating school operational collaborations.

·       Identify and develop key partnerships across the ecosystem, e.g., feeder schools, language or test prep centres, edtech platform companies, community and lifestyle partnerships, expat associations and clubs, cultural centres or embassies, to name a few)

·       Establish, in collaboration with schools, a strategic approach to agent management, including commercial tactics and required operational structures on behalf of Cognita.

·       Oversee day-to-day operations of regional business development managers (e.g., North Asia), steering growth and operational excellence in alignment with the business plan.

·      Manage relationships and support growth with existing partners to maximize student recruitment and retention.

·       Report to Cognita Asia Holdings (“CAH”) on performance against targets, agent network development, emerging opportunities, and identified risks.

·       Work closely with the marketing teams to design and execute targeted outreach campaigns, incorporating market insights and engagement strategies.

·       Collaborate on pre-event engagement strategies, ensuring branding, messaging, and collaterals are aligned with business objectives.

·       Attend industry conferences, education fairs, and networking events to enhance brand positioning and visibility.

·       Ensure all recruitment activities comply with Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (“ICA”) and SkillFuture Singapore (“SSG”) guidelines, including Student Pass and Dependent Pass processes.

·       Work closely with academic leaders, marketing, and admissions teams to align business development efforts with institutional goals.

·       This role is the line manager of the Business Development Territory Managers and the Partnerships and Business Development Manager - Singapore

Position Requirements

·       Proven track record and experience in business development, sales, or strategic partnerships, preferably in the international education sector, relocation services, or a similar consultative sector.

·       Strong relationship management and negotiation skills with external partners.

·       Experience with data-driven decision making to maximize ROI in events, promotions, and business partnerships.

·       Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

·       Experience working in international and multicultural environments.

·       Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) in English.

·       Ability to use a variety of software, with preference for candidates experienced in Microsoft Dynamics and Canva. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

·       High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.

·       Experience in performance managing business development teams.

Qualifications

·       Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Education, Marketing, or a related field (preferred).

·       Professional training or certification in Sales or CRM

·       International marketing (e.g., CIM, AMI) certification is advantageous.

·       Experience with K12 schools, higher education institutions, and / or other education companies is beneficial.

Contacts

·       Regional Admissions Lead

·       Regional Marketing Lead

·       Other members of the regional office and schools

·       External parties, consultants and specialists.

Working Conditions

·       Office & School environment

·       Ability to travel when required

·       Flexible hours where required for event attendance

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

For interested applicants, please submit your applications via https://cognitapeople.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/1209?c=cognitapeople&source=Jobstreet