Partnerships Manager

About IDP

IDP is the global leader in international education services, delivering global success to students, test takers and our partners, through trusted human relationships, digital technology and customer research. An Australian-listed company, we operate in more than 50 countries around the world.

Our team is comprised of over 7,000 people of various nationalities, ages and cultural backgrounds. Proudly customer-first, our expert people are powered by global technology. Together, we offer unmatched services, helping local dreams become realities, all over the world.

Learn more at www.careers.idp.com

Role purpose

The Partnerships Manager will leverage IDP Connect’s market-leading solutions to build, implement, and deliver successful programmes of work with partner institutions across the UK and Ireland.

The role is responsible for driving revenue outcomes through digital marketing, student recruitment, and intelligence services, while serving as the primary point of contact for partner institutions.

The Partnerships Manager will support partners in achieving their strategic international student recruitment objectives through commercial negotiations, digital marketing partnerships, and tailored recruitment solutions.

Key accountabilities

• Act as the lead point of contact for partner institutions across all IDP products and services.

• Negotiate large, multi-year commercial contracts and market-leading commission terms.

• Build and maintain trusted, senior-level client relationships.

• Meet regularly with partner institutions (both virtual and in-person).

• Develop and deliver client presentations using IDP data and insights to create compelling narratives.

• Maintain strong knowledge of the international student recruitment landscape, including policy and sector developments.

• Manage individual commercial pipeline and forecasting performance.

• Collaborate cross-functionally (Client Directors, Client Success, Finance, Delivery teams) to ensure smooth project execution.

• Provide performance reporting and ROI analysis to partners.

• Provide strategic feedback and recommendations to internal teams to enhance client outcomes.

• Attend relevant sector conferences and events

Required experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within the education sector (preferred).

• Strong understanding of international student recruitment markets and strategies.

• Experience in negotiating large, multi-year commercial contracts.

• Proven ability to build and grow senior leadership client relationships.

• Strong analytical capability with experience using data to inform strategic decisions.

• Detail-oriented with experience preparing sophisticated business proposals and campaign reports.

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.

• Ability to review university recruitment objectives and align student placement performance accordingly.

• Experience recommending tactical plans and influencing internal stakeholders.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.