International Recruitment Manager China supporting Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

We are looking for a talented, dedicated professional to be a China-based International Recruitment Manager supporting Auckland University of Technology, via Grok Global Services’ Program Office. The role will be based in Guangzhou and will be fully dedicated to representing the institution.

The role’s primary focus is to support AUT’s recruitment activities across China. This includes representing the university at student recruitment events, driving conversion strategies, and building strong partnerships with education agents, government bodies, schools, and other institutional stakeholders.

The role plays a critical leadership function in the development and execution of AUT’s regional marketing and recruitment strategy for China. It requires a strong understanding of the local market, including cultural context, regulatory environment, and education systems, alongside the ability to translate market intelligence into actionable insights and opportunities.

Reporting to the Associate Director – International Student Recruitment, the role works closely with AUT’s International Office, particularly the North Asia recruitment team, to ensure alignment and delivery against strategic objectives. The position involves frequent travel across China and occasionally internationally, including activity outside standard business hours and on weekends.

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.

About Auckland University of Technology

As one of the world's top 50 young universities, AUT attracts students from around the world to study in Auckland, New Zealand. It has more than 27,000 students and over 4,000 staff, based primarily at its three Auckland campuses. Its campuses provide a dynamic environment for transformative learning, integrating digital technology with classrooms and workplace experiences. As New Zealand’s only university of technology, AUT stands out in its commitment to pushing boundaries, staying ahead of the curve, and delivering for a better future. AUT takes immense pride in the global recognition of its quality and diversity. As a university consistently ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide, AUT is dedicated to maintaining remarkable quality and excellence in education and research – with many highly ranked subject areas.

Key responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and implementation of innovative and sustainable recruitment strategies to achieve student enrolment targets across all Auckland University of Technology (AUT) programmes and pathways.
• Act as AUT’s in-market recruitment expert for assigned regions, providing informed recommendations on admissions requirements, qualification equivalencies, recruitment channels, and institutional partnerships.
• Represent AUT at student recruitment events across China, strengthening brand visibility and engagement with prospective students and stakeholders.
• Drive conversion activity by following up with offer holders and implementing targeted in-market conversion strategies and engagement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain strong cultural and market intelligence, ensuring AUT’s approach is informed by up-to-date knowledge of China’s education landscape, government context, and market dynamics.
• Gather, analyse, and share market insights, trends, and opportunities to inform and strengthen regional recruitment planning and decision-making.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including education agents, government bodies, schools, industry partners, alumni, and other institutions across China.
• Contribute to the development and ongoing refinement of the regional Marketing and Recruitment Plan, ensuring responsiveness to emerging trends and market changes.
• Identify, assess, and progress business development leads and partnership opportunities in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Support Transnational Education (TNE) initiatives, institutional partnerships, alumni engagement, and research-related activities as required.
• Provide accurate and timely market intelligence and contextual insights to internal and external stakeholders to support institutional understanding of China.
• Collect, analyse, and report on recruitment data across key channels, including competitor activity, market performance, and pathway trends.
• Ensure strong collaboration and coordination with internal teams, including the Regional Manager and International Market Manager – North Asia.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with education agents through ongoing training, engagement, and responsive communication.
• Provide on-the-ground marketing intelligence and support the delivery of in-market marketing activities.
• Achieve agreed student recruitment targets and performance KPIs.
• Undertake other duties as required by senior management to support international recruitment priorities.

Experience

• Five or more years of experience or equivalent in a role related to education or international education, with an emphasis on recruitment and relationship management.
• Able to write functional emails and reports in English. Able to discuss plans and tactics with native English speakers.
• Work or study abroad overseas, preferably in Australia or New Zealand.
• Voluntary or other life experience that demonstrates creativity, hard work, persistence, or drive to succeed.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree with good academic performance.

Personal attribute

• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strong customer focus, guided by a clear sense of professional integrity and responsibility.
• Demonstrates high levels of honesty, professionalism, and personal integrity in all interactions.
• Strong attention to detail, balanced with the ability to see the broader strategic context.
• Innovative and resourceful problem solver, with intellectual curiosity and adaptability.
• Emotionally mature, confident, and able to operate effectively in complex cross-cultural environments.
• Results-driven, with a strong focus on achieving targets and delivering outcomes.
• Proactive and self-directed, with a strong sense of initiative and accountability.
• Resilient, persistent, and able to maintain performance under pressure.
• Collaborative team player, while also capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to structure and prioritise work effectively.