Based in Manchester, you will be responsible for generating new business for our core cities (Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool and Coventry), together with other targeted cities across the Liberty Living portfolio.  As the number of Chinese students wishing to study in the UK expands, this role will focus on actively researching new opportunities in China as well as fostering our existing links in China. The post holder will liaise directly with universities and associated partners in order to promote Liberty Living in China and to gain new business. The role requires an intimate understanding of the requirements of the Chinese student market and works closely with relevant GMs to ensure that continual improvements are made in both marketing and service delivery. The job holder will increase the market share within the Chinese student group and encourage closer business relationships between relevant groups in the UK and China. This will be achieved through direct sales activity, active sourcing of new business opportunities and following up leads from marketing. Included in this will be business trips to China to promote Liberty Living at selected universities. The post holder will also present to student groups in China, the services provided by Liberty Living and introduce Chinese students to the culture of the UK.

The role will drive sales and marketing activities within core cities specifically to attract the Chinese student market. The post holder will work closely with site teams to ensure a greater understanding of this specific group is achieved to secure and generate new.

The role will report directly into the UK Head of Sales, and will develop a strong working relationship with the General Managers (GMs), Business Development Manager and selected site teams across the portfolio. S/he will assist in implementing a sales plan for the residences. S/he will increase and maintain residence occupancy levels in line with Company targets and be responsible for forecasting sales and delivering specific marketing plans on a local level in conjunction with the General Managers.

S/he will be responsible for working with the GMs and ROM to ensure a high standard of customer service is provided to maximise revenue generation. Sales planning and marketing will be an important part of the role, with responsibility for these aspects both locally and in China.

Development of a close working relationship with the ROM’s, BDM, GMs and HO staff will be an important part of the role, along with ability to assist in the coaching and development of members of the sales team. The ability to communicate effectively both in written and spoken English and Mandarin / Cantonese is essential as well as a detailed understanding of the Chinese educational system in relation to students studying in the UK.

The Chinese Business Development Specialist will be field based, working from a central Manchester location for which s/he has sales responsibility as well as time spent in the London Head Office. The post holder will be expected to travel significantly.

-   Demonstrable network of contacts within Chinese academic institutions and with Chinese agents responsible for accommodating Chinese students who wish to study in the UK

-   Strong experience of direct sales and understanding of marketing strategies and methods specific to the Chinese market

-   Experience in dealing directly with Chinese Agents

-   Experience of working closely with Chinese Universities in relation to students coming to study in the UK

-   Knowledge of student accommodation business cycle and management of residences

-   Strong understanding of business planning in terms of process and presentation

-   Proven track record working with the Chinese student market

-   Strong understanding of the Chinese Student journey

-   Good knowledge and experience of the Chinese student cycle in relation to international study

-   Strong ability to liaise with Chinese University international schools Heads of Department

-   Effective communication with Chinese agents and a detailed understanding of the role of this group in the sequence of Chinese students studying in the UK

-   Previous business development / sales / lettings experience in the student accommodation sector, particularly an understanding of the Chinese International study abroad market and sales experience within that market

-   A strong understanding of the Chinese markets in the UK major cities

-   Knowledge of the Chinese university processes in relation to students going on to study in the UK

-   Proactive and strong ability to problem solve, multi-task, plan and organise

-   Excellent communication and customer-facing skills and ability to deal with difficult situations

-   A good understanding of business coupled with a professional attitude

-   Ability to work without constant supervision and managed remotely

-   Microsoft Packages including: Word, Excel, Outlook

-   Good knowledge of Chinese search engines, e.g. Baidu, UC Browser (Alibaba), QQ Browser (Tencent)

-   Chinese social media platforms (e.g. Weibo, WeChat)

-   Ability and willingness to work flexible hours as determined by the needs of the business

-   Ability to work days, evenings and weekends including bank holidays as required during busy periods

-   Based in central Manchester but with significant UK travel, specifically to Liverpool, Newcastle, Coventry, London and Cardiff

-   Ability to travel to China and other overseas locations as required

-   £26,646 - £33,500 per annum  dependent on experience

-   40 hour working week

-   Discretionary bonus award

-   3% employer pension contribution

-   23 days annual leave (rising to 25 after two full years of service)

-   Private Medical Insurance

-   Health cash plan

-   Life assurance

-   Interest free season ticket loan

-   Childcare vouchers