Country Director- QS Apply India

Role: Country Director- QS Apply India

Location: Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi

Job type: Full time, Permanent (Hybrid) 

This position offers a hybrid work model, allowing flexibility between working from home and our office.

Typically, employees are expected to work 3 days in the office per week.

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 flourishing 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), recognising the respect, trust and appreciation that drive our culture every day. And as a gold-accredited Investors in People organisation – putting us among the top 28% of workplaces globally – it’s official: QS is a place where everyone can thrive.

The role

India is one of the most dynamic study-abroad markets in the world – and at QS Apply, we are committed to deepening our impact across this region. As our Country Director for India (QS Apply), you will lead our growth agenda, driving student recruitment, partner engagement, and market presence across key Indian cities. This role is pivotal in delivering B2C and B2B success through QS Apply’s application platform and services, while building high-performing, ethical teams on the ground. It’s a rare opportunity to shape and scale a national strategy at the heart of QS Apply’s global mission – where digital innovation, local market expertise, and a student-first approach come together to help more Indian students achieve their international education goals.

Role responsibilities

• Monitor and drive key performance indicators related to QS Apply India’s applications, enrolments, revenue, and partner satisfaction. Provide reporting to the Apply leadership team to ensure transparency and visibility of outcomes.
• Lead QS Apply’s student recruitment and partner engagement strategy across India, ensuring the successful delivery of both B2C (direct-to-student) and B2B (agent/university) activities.
• Build, coach, and retain high-performing local teams including enrolment managers, student counsellors, and partnership managers specifically supporting QS Apply operations.
• Develop and implement market-entry and growth strategies in relevant Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities, tailored to QS Apply’s services and student acquisition goals.
• Represent QS Apply at key student-facing events, agent fairs, and partner meetings to enhance the brand’s visibility and recruitment presence across India.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with QS Apply’s strategic partners, including education agents, universities, schools, and pathway providers.
• Leverage student journey data, marketing performance, and conversion metrics to guide decision-making and optimize recruitment and partnership efforts.
• Work closely with QS Apply’s global functional teams - including Marketing, Product, Operations, and Insights - to align India market activity with the business unit’s priorities.
• Ensure compliance with all local regulatory requirements and uphold ethical standards in all of QS Apply’s operations in India.
• Perform any other responsibilities that fall within the scope and purpose of this QS Apply leadership role

Key skills and experience

• Proven leadership experience in the education, edtech, or recruitment sector – ideally within India’s international student mobility landscape.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering revenue and recruitment growth.
• Deep understanding of the Indian education ecosystem, student motivations, and regional differences.
• Experience in managing multicultural teams and delivering results in matrixed, fast-paced environments.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on attitude – able to toggle between big-picture planning and day-to-day execution.
• A passion for helping students and institutions succeed through access to global education.
• Fluency in English; other Indian languages are a plus.
• Familiarity with CRM, digital marketing, and data tools is an advantage

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.

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. 

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