The Manager, International Recruitment is responsible for leading the University's international student recruitment strategy and activities across priority global markets. The role will drive growth in international enrolments through strategic market development, agent management, partnership engagement, conversion initiatives, and data-driven recruitment planning.
As part of the Marketing, Recruitment, Admissions and Communications (MRAC) Department, the post-holder will provide dedicated leadership and oversight of international student recruitment activities to support Heriot-Watt University Malaysia's strategic goal of increasing international student population.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. International Recruitment Strategy & Market Development
Develop and implement international student recruitment strategies aligned with university enrolment objectives.
Identify, evaluate and develop emerging international recruitment markets to diversify student intake.
Establish annual recruitment plans and market-specific growth strategies for priority territories.
Monitor competitor activities, market trends, visa developments and geopolitical factors affecting international recruitment.
Represent the University at international exhibitions, partner events, recruitment fairs, school visits and virtual engagement activities.
2. International Partnerships & Agent Management
Lead the appointment, development and performance management of international recruitment agents and representatives.
Build strategic partnerships with overseas schools, colleges, pathway providers and government-sponsored organisations.
Conduct regular agent training, performance reviews and business planning sessions.
Expand and strengthen the University's global recruitment network to maximise market reach and conversion.
3. International Student Recruitment Operations
Lead and monitor international recruitment performance against agreed enrolment targets.
Manage enquiry, application and conversion activities for international students.
Utilise CRM systems to track leads, applications, conversion rates and recruitment effectiveness.
Produce regular market intelligence and performance reports for senior management.
Ensure recruitment activities comply with University policies and international student regulatory requirements.
4. Marketing & Conversion
Work closely with the Marketing & Campaigns team to develop targeted international marketing campaigns.
Support the creation of market-specific promotional materials and digital engagement strategies.
Develop conversion initiatives to improve application-to-enrolment outcomes.
Leverage digital channels, webinars, social media and recruitment technology to engage prospective students.
5. International Student Experience & Stakeholder Engagement
Collaborate with Admissions, Student Services and Academic Schools to ensure a seamless student journey from enquiry to enrolment.
Support initiatives that enhance the international student experience and strengthen student conversion.
Act as a key liaison between external recruitment partners and internal stakeholders.
6. Team Leadership & Performance Management
Lead, coach and develop the International Recruitment team.
Set performance objectives and KPIs aligned with enrolment targets.
Foster a high-performance, customer-focused and results-oriented culture.
Manage recruitment budgets and ensure effective utilisation of resources.
All HWUM staff endeavours will embody our shared values of: Inspire, Collaborate, Belong, and Celebrate.
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post and its general responsibilities. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.
Person Specification
This section details the attributes e.g. skills, knowledge/qualifications and competencies which are required in order to undertake the full remit of the role.
Education & Qualifications
Essential
Must have a degree – preferably in marketing, communications, business, administration or relevant professional qualifications
Experience
Essential
A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a student recruitment environment.
Proven success in delivering international student recruitment targets.
Experience managing international recruitment agents and overseas partnerships.
Experience developing market-entry and market-growth strategies across multiple countries.
Experience analysing recruitment data and developing action plans based on market performance.
Desirable
Strong record of success in goal-driven roles
CRM experience/training to manage sales pipeline.
Proficient in data analysis, performance reporting, and executing strategic initiative
Familiarity with international student markets and regional recruitment trends.
Competencies, Skills & Knowledge
Essential
Strong Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrable and well-developed interpersonal skills; comfortable engaging directly with suppliers, agents, and prospective students. Proven track record in building productive relationships with clients, partners, and suppliers.
Excellent Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, with a professional tone suitable for handling complex enquiries. Specifically: A very high standard of written English, with demonstrable ability to prepare clear, concise, and professional reports.
Organisational and Team Management Skills: Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage self and others effectively to deliver high-quality, efficient professional services. Able to make independent decisions affecting day-to-day operations while involving relevant stakeholders as needed. Experienced in managing and motivating teams to achieve recruitment objectives.
Proactive and Adaptable: Flexible, proactive, detail-oriented, and self-motivated. Able to maintain high performance under pressure and meet tight deadlines, employing appropriate coping strategies to sustain personal wellbeing.
Professional Presentation: Able to present a professional image and communicate confidently with a broad range of individuals, from prospective students and parents to senior managers and external stakeholders.
Analytical and Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical skills, capable of interpreting data, evaluating reports, presenting findings, and generating actionable insights to inform recruitment strategies.
Collaborative Approach: Proactively builds relationships and networks across teams, both within the HWUM campus and across the HWU Group, to drive shared objectives.
Result-Oriented: Takes prompt, proactive action to accomplish objectives and deliver outcomes efficiently.
Desirable
Strong Selling and Counselling capabilities.
Strong Customer Service experience.
Familiar with Sales Tools, Processes and Technological development and management.
Familiar with Higher Education products customer profiling and competitor profiling.
COMPETENCIES (BEHAVIOURAL) Strong AMP:
Attitude: Value-driven with strong work ethics.
Motivation: Highly self-motivated with a focus on achieving results.
Passion: Committed to the broader purpose of higher education and its impact on society.
Sales Driven: Results-oriented with a passion for delivering outcomes through effective sales methodologies and a culture of excellence.
Excellent Communication & Presentation: Skilled in communication, presentation, counselling, and people management.
Team Player: Collaborative, with experience working across levels in complex organisations to achieve shared goals.
Conflict Management: Capable of identifying and resolving conflicts fairly and efficiently
Project Management: Strong planning and monitoring skills to lead and deliver successful projects.
Willing to work beyond normal working hours and during weekends.
Essential Criteria – these are attributes without which a candidate would not be able to undertake the full remit of the role. Applicants who do not clearly demonstrate in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be eliminated at the short-listing stage.
Desirable Criteria – these are attributes which would be useful for the candidate to hold. When shortlisting, these criteria will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential criteria.
Other Relevant Information
We aim to hold interviews at the Malaysia Campus in Putrajaya on the week of 21 September 2026.
For more information about Malaysia Campus, please visit http://www.hw.edu.my
For information about Purpose-Driven Education, please see our website: https://www.hw.ac.uk/malaysia/about/purpose-driven-education.htm
Application Process
Applications should be submitted to Careers system.
Applications must be submitted by 19 September 2026 If you are not contacted by the selection committee by 25 September 2026, then please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.
The University is committed to equality of opportunity.
