Client Partnership Manager

Client Partnership Manager

Location: Bangalore, India

Job type: Full time, permanent

Working arrangement: Hybrid

Why QS?

At QS, we believe that work should empower you. That’s why we foster a flexible working environment that encourages every employee to own their career whilst thriving personally and professionally. Our company values underpin everything we do – we collaborate, respect and support each other.

It’s our mission to empower motivated people around the world to fulfil their potential through higher education, ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities that change lives.

Our diversity makes us stronger. By sharing our experiences, we learn from one another and achieve more together, driving progress across the sector.

At QS, you’ll be responsible for implementing real change in the international higher education landscape. You’ll take on meaningful challenges that see a positive impact across the business and the wider sector.

We’re confident you’ll feel right at home here. QS was named as one of Newsweek’s Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces® in the UK (October 2023) – recognition of the respect, trust and appreciation that drive our culture every day.

The role

We are seeking a dynamic and driven Client Partnership Manager to enhance our operational effectiveness and strategic decision-making across the Sales and Business Development teams within the AMESA region. This pivotal role reports directly to the Executive Director and serves as a key enabler in driving client engagement, supporting business growth, and strengthening strategic operations.

The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organised, and analytically strong, with the ability to balance strategic research, pipeline oversight, and high-touch client interactions.

This role will primarily focus on supporting the AMESA sales team in achieving its sales targets through strategic and operational support, while also independently managing sales of various QS services.

The potential candidate ideally should have experience in higher education and have high energy levels with a drive for personal and professional growth. A people’s person who doesn’t shy from striking a conversation and building relationships. Market research, analysis and various related responsibilities. Preparing creative presentations should be a back of the hand expertise of the candidate.

Role responsibilities

·       Sales Management: Independently manage end-to-end sales cycles for select services, from initial client engagement to deal closure, ensuring accuracy, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction.

·       Strategic Support & Business Insights: Partner closely with the Executive Director to provide actionable research and data insights that inform high-level strategic decisions and optimise team performance across the region.

·       Sales Target Enablement: Work hand-in-hand with the AMESA sales team to ensure smooth execution of sales activities, coordinate follow-ups, and maintain internal alignment to support the achievement of regional targets.

·       Creative Presentations & Visual Communication: Design and deliver compelling presentations and client-facing materials that effectively communicate value propositions, insights, and proposals. Demonstrate a high level of creativity and proficiency in transforming complex ideas into engaging, visually impactful formats.

·       Pipeline & Opportunity Management: Manage and streamline the regional opportunity pipeline, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and progress toward closing. Proactively engage internal teams and clients to maintain momentum and drive conversion.

·       Market Research & Lead Generation: Conduct in-depth market research to identify new opportunities and key stakeholders. Utilise diverse sources such as industry reports, publications, and digital platforms to generate qualified leads and relevant partnerships.

·       Proposal & Bid Coordination: Lead the preparation and submission of proposals, quotations, and booking forms—especially for government and institutional clients—ensuring alignment with client expectations and internal standards.

·       Client Relationship Management: Act as a dedicated point of contact for clients, ensuring a seamless handover post-contract, and maintaining regular communication to support ongoing success and satisfaction.

·       Competitive & Industry Intelligence: Track and analyse competitor activities, regulatory changes, and emerging trends within the education and consulting sectors. Share insights to inform positioning and business development strategies.

Key skills and experience

·       A graduate degree from an international university, with a strong academic background in business, communications, marketing, or a related field.

·       Proven experience in a similar role, ideally within a fast-paced sales, business development, or client-facing environment, with exposure to global or regional operations.

·       Demonstrated experience working with international and cross-functional teams, with the ability to navigate multicultural business environments effectively.

·       Exceptional organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise, multitask, and deliver results within tight deadlines.

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to build strong working relationships with internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders.

·       Strong proficiency in business writing, including the preparation of market reports, articles, newsletters, and client communications for B2B audiences.

·       Technologically adept, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and CRM platforms, and the ability to quickly adapt to new tools and technologies.

·       Demonstrated ability to create visually compelling and impactful presentations, with a creative flair and a knack for transforming complex ideas into engaging visual content.

·       A proactive, self-motivated attitude with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate needs and act decisively under pressure.

·       Willingness and flexibility to travel for business when required.

So, who are we and what do we do?

QS is the world leader in higher education services, analytics, insights and intelligence. From consultancy to student mobility, academic partnerships to branding solutions, our services power both institutional and individual success.

We’re behind the world’s most widely read university rankings (Meltwater 2023). Our QS World University Rankings® reach hundreds of millions, shaping decisions and guiding futures.

Since launching in 1990, our impact and influence have only grown. Today, we work with more than 2,000 of the world’s leading higher education institutions, over 12,000 employers, and governments seeking change and socioeconomic development through higher education.

Join QS and you’ll join an 800-strong community of problem-solvers, creators, collaborators and change-makers based in 40+ countries and 11 international offices, including Australia, Malaysia, India, Romania, Singapore, France, Germany, the USA and our headquarters in London.

With every talented new hire, business acquisition and bold initiative, we’re strengthening our reach and delivering even greater value to institutions and learners worldwide. Are you ready to shape the future of higher education?

We take investing in our people very seriously.

As standard you will have: 

• Competitive base salary  
• Access to an annual bonus scheme (for qualifying roles only) 
• 21 days annual leave – increasing to 23 days after 5 years’ service + 8 days casual leave 

• 14 days holiday for the year 2025 
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave  
• Access to Provident Fund and Pension Fund Scheme  
• Group Medical Insurance 
• A vibrant social environment and multicultural and multinational culture 

But that’s not all. Outside of these standard benefits we also offer resources to allow professional growth and wellness initiatives to nurture a healthy mindset:

• Free subscription to the Calm App – the #1 app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation
• A focus on welfare which is led by our global wellness team, with mental health first aiders globally
• Access to a variety of diversity and inclusion initiatives and groups
• Strong recognition and reward programs – including a peer-to-peer recognition platform, quarterly and annual QS Applaud Awards, Connect with your Career annual personal development event
• Support for volunteering and study leave
• Free subscription to LinkedIn learning – with over 5,000 courses and programmes at your fingertips
• Options to join our outstanding global Mentorship programme

Like what you’ve heard? Great, apply now!

As a candidate, we know the application and interview process can be daunting and so it’s important that you have a great experience with us. Our dedicated Talent Team will work hard to ensure you are fully informed at all stages and you are really excited by this opportunity to do meaningful work in the education space.

Equal opportunities

QS Quacquarelli Symonds is proud to be a fair and equal organisation where everyone has the same opportunity to achieve their full potential, irrespective of their background or personal attributes. We celebrate our diversity and believe through sharing our experiences we can learn from one another, be stronger together, and enable our business to thrive.