Business Development Specialist

Business Development Specialist

upGrad GSP Cebu, Central Visayas, Philippines (On-site)

Position Overview:

As a key member of the upGrad GSP team, the Business Development Manager (BDM) will be responsible for driving recruitment and business development efforts within the Philippines (Cebu) market. Reporting to the Country Manager, the BDM will develop and execute strategies to expand upGrad GSP's brand presence, increase student enrollments, and manage a portfolio of channel partners. The role is focused on achieving monthly student enrollment targets through the management of recruitment channels, which include education agents, travel agents, schools, and other identified entities. The BDM will also play an active role in marketing, training, and supporting these partners to meet upGrad GSP's high standards for recruitment and ethical practices.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Business Development:

Develop and implement plans to achieve business and revenue growth in Cebu, Philippines.

Identify new business opportunities and target markets for international student recruitment.

Research and analyze prospective accounts, developing tailored strategies to approach and engage them.

Set clear goals for business development, aiming for measurable recruitment outcomes.

Actively pursue leads and manage them through the sales cycle to secure enrollments, ensuring consistent progress toward monthly goals.

Channel Partner Management:

Build and manage a diverse portfolio of recruitment partners, including education agents, travel agents, schools, and universities.

Onboard, train, and support partners to enhance their marketing and recruitment capabilities,ensuring high-quality applications and ethical practices.

Regularly communicate with channel partners to ensure alignment with upGrad GSP's recruitment objectives and standards.

Monitor the performance of partners and work collaboratively to drive improvements in student enrollment numbers.

Ensure partner data, leads, and enrollment information are accurately entered and updated in the GSP system.

Sales and Recruitment Focus:

Lead recruitment activities for AU, CA, NZ, UK students, developing and executing strategies to target local agents, schools, and universities.

Identify and nurture relationships with key recruitment agents and agencies to drive student enrollments.

Participate in marketing and recruitment events, including direct student advisory and counselling activities.

Maintain a disciplined follow-up process to ensure ongoing engagement with partners and potential students.

Brand Management & Ethical Standards:

Ensure that all recruitment activities are aligned with upGrad GSP's brand values and reputation.

Monitor and maintain the ethical standards of recruitment practices, safeguarding the company's reputation in the market.

Represent upGrad GSP at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to expand the brand's visibility and network. Collaboration and Reporting:

Collaborate with the Country Manager and Regional Recruitment Director to align on strategy and goals.

Report on recruitment progress, lead generation, and partner performance to leadership regularly.

Continuously assess market trends and competitor activities to adapt recruitment strategies.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field.

Experience:

• Proven experience in B2B or B2C sales, ideally within the EdTech or education sector.

Strong understanding of sales pipeline management and the recruitment process.

Experience in building and managing relationships with student recruitment agents and international education markets.

Solid knowledge of international education systems, visa and enrollment requirements for destinations such as the AU, CA, NZ, UK

Skills:

Strong relationship management and strategic selling abilities.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Self-motivated and target-driven with a strong sales focus.

Proficient in using CRM systems and data management tools for tracking leads, activities, and results.

Ability to train and develop business development teams and partners to achieve high performance.

Other:

Knowledge of the Philippines education system, student counseling processes, and visa requirements for international students.

Personal Attributes:

Results-oriented with a strong drive to meet and exceed targets.

Highly organized and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive, solution-focused mindset.

Passion for education and helping students achieve their study abroad goals.