Job Summary:
The Manager – Growth and Strategic Initiatives will play a key role in driving international expansion and long-term strategic development across the company’s global higher education operations. This role is responsible for identifying and evaluating high-potential markets, supporting the development of new campuses and institutional partnerships, and leading the implementation of expansion initiatives across Europe, Malaysia, the Middle East, Canada, and Africa. The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with group institutions, external stakeholders, and leadership to shape the company’s five-year growth roadmap.
Key Responsibilities:
· Conduct in-depth market research and feasibility studies to identify strategic international expansion opportunities.
· Evaluate regulatory, competitive, and economic landscapes in priority countries/regions (Europe, Malaysia, Middle East, Canada, Africa).
· Support the development of new campus proposals, including financial modeling, site selection, government approvals, and partnership engagement.
· Create and maintain a five-year expansion roadmap for new campus launches and joint ventures.
· Collaborate with institutional leaders and internal departments to align growth opportunities with operational readiness.
· Monitor and report on project milestones, risks, and implementation timelines for each growth initiative.
· Engage with investment agencies, academic regulators, and strategic consultants to support approvals and partnerships.
· Provide strategic insights and executive briefs to the leadership team for decision-making and board-level presentations.
Key Performance Areas (KPAs):
· Market Identification – Timely identification of new international markets with strong growth potential and strategic fit.
· Expansion Roadmap – Development and execution of a detailed five-year expansion plan across targeted regions.
· Partnership Development – Number and quality of new institutional, government, or infrastructure partners onboarded.
· Project Execution – On-time delivery of key campus project milestones (site finalization, regulatory approvals, MOU signings).
· Cross-Functional Coordination – Alignment with internal institutions on academic, financial, and operational feasibility.
· Strategic Reporting – Quality and clarity of board briefs, risk assessments, and business plans presented.
Candidate Profile:Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required; Master’s degree in Business Strategy, Education Management, International Development, or related field preferred.
Experience:
· 5+ years of experience in higher education development, market expansion, business strategy, or consulting.
· Experience in campus development, regulatory navigation, or international education partnerships is a strong asset.
· Demonstrated ability to deliver strategic research and planning outputs in a high-stakes, cross-functional environment.
· Exposure to working with government stakeholders, real estate/infrastructure teams, or academic regulators preferred.
Skills & Competencies:
· Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to build compelling business cases.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience in executive reporting.
· Strong project management skills with ability to lead and coordinate across regions and teams.
· Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple initiatives simultaneously.
· Comfortable with ambiguity and working in dynamic, multicultural environments.
· Willingness to travel to international markets as required.
Compensation & Benefits:
· Competitive salary based on experience and performance.
· Annual performance-based incentives.
· International travel support and professional development opportunities.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: AED12,000.00 - AED15,000.00 per month
