Head of Student Recruitment(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About UCL

UCL is recognised globally as a leader in research, innovation and education. Home to a diverse community of over 50,000 students and 17,000 staff drawn from more than 150 nations, the university thrives on creativity, collaboration and its commitment to driving positive global change. As one of the world’s top-ranked universities, UCL’s mission blends academic excellence with an inclusive culture that supports everyone to achieve their potential.

Role Overview

The Head of Student Recruitment (East Asia) plays a strategic leadership role within UCL’s Student Recruitment and Admissions division. You will shape UCL’s engagement across key East Asian markets—including China—and lead a dedicated team responsible for delivering high-impact recruitment initiatives.

In this senior role, you will develop UCL’s market strategies, strengthen relationships with international schools and partners, and collaborate closely with colleagues across Global Engagement, Alumni Relations, Admissions, and senior leadership teams. Your insights and expertise will inform institutional decision-making, ensuring UCL remains competitive and visible in fast-evolving international markets.

The position also involves representing UCL at both UK-based and overseas events, and coordinating visits, missions and regional activity. You will contribute to the wider leadership of the division and help embed a culture of innovation, excellence, and global awareness across recruitment operations.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead and support two Liaison and Recruitment Managers and their teams.
• Set performance expectations, motivate staff and guide professional development.
• Contribute to strategic planning and senior-level decision-making across the division.

Market Strategy & Development

• Produce and implement country strategies for East Asian markets.
• Analyse trends, competitor movements and demographic changes to guide UCL’s approach.
• Identify new opportunities to build partnerships with schools, counsellors and regional stakeholders.

Institutional Collaboration

• Work with colleagues across Admissions, Global Engagement, Faculties and the Office of the President & Provost to align priorities.
• Offer expert advice on market intelligence and recruitment trends.
• Support university-wide policy development and operational planning related to international recruitment.

Representation & Engagement

• Act as a senior representative for UCL at international events, conferences, and recruitment activities.
• Support planning for international travel, delegations and campaigns.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, alumni and agents.

About You

This role is suited to someone with a deep understanding of international higher education, particularly within East Asia’s complex and competitive landscape. You will bring:

Essential attributes:

• Extensive experience in international student recruitment, marketing or global engagement.
• Expertise in East Asian markets, particularly China.
• Strategic judgement with the ability to design and deliver data-driven recruitment plans.
• Strong people-management skills and proven success leading teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation capabilities.
• Ability to influence stakeholders, build partnerships, and collaborate across functions.
• Commitment to UCL’s values around inclusion, fairness and continuous improvement.

Desirable attributes:

• Experience working with recruitment agents, regional partners or transnational education institutions.
• Budget management experience.
• Mandarin language skills.
• This position meets eligibility for a Skilled Worker or Global Talent visa, and UCL welcomes international applicants.
• For queries about the recruitment process.

Rewards and Benefits

The role comes with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 41 days of annual leave (including closure days and bank holidays)
• Opportunity to purchase an additional 5 days’ leave
• CARE defined benefit pension scheme
• Season-ticket loans and cycle-to-work scheme
• Immigration loan and employee relocation support (where eligible)
• On-site nursery and fitness facilities
• Enhanced parental leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to discounted medical insurance

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL is committed to being an inclusive, fair and respectful community where diversity is valued and celebrated. As a global university, we recognise that varied backgrounds and perspectives fuel innovation and creativity.

We especially encourage applications from groups underrepresented within UCL’s senior workforce, including:

• Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates
• Disabled applicants
• Women applying for senior roles (Grades 9 and 10)
• Applicants should familiarise themselves with UCL’s policies on bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct and personal relationships.