International Market Development Manager - Lagos

International Market Development Manager - Nigeria

About the role
Navitas is seeking a commercially driven and strategic International Market Development Manager to support the University of Plymouth's recruitment growth across key African markets. The role focuses on driving enrolment success, developing market expansion strategies, and building high-value partnerships with educational agents, schools, universities, government bodies, scholarship sponsors, alumni, and other key stakeholders.

Working closely with University and regional partners, the successful candidate will lead market development initiatives, enhance the University's profile and reputation, support prospective students throughout the recruitment journey, and deliver ambitious recruitment targets. The role requires strong market knowledge, outstanding relationship-building skills, and a proven track record in partnership development, market growth, and international student recruitment.

Key Responsibilities:
Student Recruitment

• Develop and deliver annual student recruitment plans and enrolment targets, driving undergraduate and postgraduate recruitment growth across African markets.
• Lead recruitment campaigns, exhibitions, webinars, school engagement activities, and represent the University at fairs, partner events, government meetings, and sector conferences.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, scholarships, policies, and external factors to identify opportunities and optimise recruitment performance.

Market Development

• Identify opportunities for growth and diversification across existing and emerging markets.
• Identify and develop new academic partnership opportunities that support student recruitment growth.
• Provide support to the University Head of International Partnerships/TNE and the International Partnership team in developing TNE opportunities, including articulation and progression for the University of Plymouth.

Stakeholder and Partnership Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with educational agents, recruitment partners, schools, universities, scholarship bodies, ministries, and key stakeholders across Africa.
• Act as the University's primary relationship manager, developing strategic partnerships to drive student recruitment growth and market opportunities.
• Ensure partnership compliance while maintaining stakeholder engagement, market intelligence, and recruitment opportunities through regular interactions and partner events.

Team Leadership and Management

• Provide day-to-day leadership, line management, performance management, and development support to Student Recruitment Co-ordinators and the Conversion Officer.
• Set clear objectives, performance measures, and development plans while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer-focused service.
• Manage resources and budgets effectively to maximise recruitment outcomes, operational efficiency, and compliance with University financial processes and procedures.

Conversion and Enrolment Management

• Oversee the applicant conversion strategy for African markets and lead targeted conversion campaigns and yield activities for offer holders.
• Collaborate with admissions, marketing, and academic colleagues to improve applicant conversion and enrolment rates.
• Monitor application pipelines, identify interventions to enhance conversion performance, and ensure high-quality applicant communication throughout the recruitment cycle.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Analyse recruitment performance, market trends, and enrolment outcomes, producing reports, forecasts, and insights to support target achievement and strategic decision-making.
• Monitor market intelligence and provide evidence-based recommendations to drive market development and recruitment growth initiatives.
• Manage recruitment budgets, track ROI and KPIs, and ensure effective resource allocation and budget efficiency.

Cross-University Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with academic faculties and schools, admissions and conversion, marketing, international partnerships and student support teams.
• Support the development and implementation of the University's strategy.
• Contribute to institutional projects, policy development and strategic planning activities relating to international recruitment.

Essential Criteria
Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.

Experience

• Proven success in international student recruitment within higher education, including recruitment across diverse African markets.
• Experience developing and delivering recruitment strategies, managing agents, recruitment partners, and stakeholder relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams and consistently achieve recruitment and business development targets.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of African education systems and student recruitment practices.
• Excellent relationship management, stakeholder engagement, communication, presentation, analytical, and reporting skills.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and recruitment technologies, with strong planning, organizational, project management, and multi-tasking abilities.
• Willingness to travel regularly across target markets.

Desirable Criteria

• International qualification and experience within a UK higher education environment, with a strong understanding of UKVI regulations and international admissions processes.
• Proven experience building target-driven, customer-focused recruitment strategies and sales teams, supported by data-driven decision-making and budget management.
• Established network of education stakeholders across Africa, with the ability to develop partnerships, drive recruitment growth, and work independently in a regional role.

About Navitas
Navitas is a leading global education provider supporting more than 60,000 students each year through innovative, life-changing learning opportunities around the world. You'll be part of a purpose-driven organisation where your work directly contributes to helping learners achieve their goals

How to Apply
Join a team passionate about transforming futures through education. Lead high-impact recruitment initiatives, unlock new market opportunities, and help connect talented students with world-class educational experiences.

Apply online via www.navitas.com/careers.

Applications close on 24 September 2026. Early applications are encouraged, as we may appoint before the closing date.

Applicants must have full working rights in Nigeria, and be available to start immediately or on short notice. By applying, you agree to Navitas' Privacy Policy.