Director of Business Development and Counselling Services

Director of Business Development and Counselling Services

Role: Director of Business Development and Counselling Services

Location: Chengdu

Working arrangement: In office

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), 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:

The Director of Business Development and Counselling Services (QS Teli) will be responsible for leading QS Teli business growth strategy and driving revenue generation. This role will be the key person in managing the full lifecycle of QS Teli business operations including lead generation strategy, channel operations and management, sales and service operations and team management.

Based in Chengdu, this role is central to increasing QS Teli market presence, executing effective business development strategies, enhancing sales conversion, ensuring client satisfaction by delivering high quality of service and driving operational continuous improvement. This role is responsible for providing site leadership, at the same time, acting as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for governance & reporting

About QS Teli

QS Teli, a subsidiary company of QS in China, specializes in providing customized study abroad planning and application counselling services for Chinese students pursuing international education. Leveraging extensive knowledge and experience, the QS Teli counselling team assists hundreds of students from international schools and universities annually. We offer end-to-end support, including academic planning, internship and research recommendations, application essay guidance, and visa assistance, through to securing admissions into prestigious undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs. Over the past several years, we have successfully guided students to gain admission to top global institutions, including Oxbridge (UK), Ivy League universities (US), and leading universities in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Beyond study-abroad counselling, we are closely engaged in building and managing articulation programs for local Chinese universities. These initiatives create seamless pathways for our local partner institutions’ students to access high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities worldwide.

Role responsibilities:

The core responsibilities of this role are as follows:

• Business Development – Lead Generation and Channel Management
• Identify and build relationships with key partner channels (international schools, language training institutions, financial institutions, etc). Establish new partnerships to expand the company’s market reach and influence.
• Maintain ongoing partnerships with key channel partners, ensuring smooth collaboration and progress in partnership projects. Develop and execute strategic plans to drive successful outcomes.
• Lead business development team and align sales & service operations with strategic growth objectives, delivering seamless client experience from inquiry to post-service follow-up.
• Analyze market trends and customer needs to identify new business opportunities and product/service offerings.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to design and implement effective campaigns to promote counselling services

(B) Sales and Service Operations Management

• Oversee the sales process from lead generation to closing, ensuring the team effectively communicates the value of services and meets sales targets.
• Develop and implement training programs for the sales team and servicing team to enhance their skills in client engagement, needs assessment, and service presentation.
• Establish performance metrics and standards for both sales and service operations, conducting regular evaluations to assess team performance and client outcomes; implement continuous improvement strategies as needed.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of sales and service strategies, adjust tactics accordingly, and identify opportunities for revenue enhancement.
• Ensure service operations are streamlined and efficient, guiding staff in best practices for client interaction, case management and follow-up procedures to optimize the overall counselling experience.

(C) Governance and Reporting

• Ensure adherence to organizational governance standards and ethical practices, promoting transparency and accountability throughout the firm.
• Responsible to prepare and present regular reports to the wider leadership team on business development outcomes, risk assessments, and compliance with governance frameworks.
• Assist in the development and refinement of internal policies and procedures to align with best practices in governance and risk management.
• Facilitate training and awareness programs for staff regarding governance standards, compliance issues, and risk management strategies.
• Serve as a point of contact for regulatory bodies and participate in audits related to governance and risk oversight.

(D) Site Leadership

• Serve as the site leader overseeing the overall operations of the office, protecting QS brand and reputation, also to ensure the delivery of high-quality content, services and customer satisfaction.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse team of counsellors and support staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence in service delivery.
• Analyze customer feedback and service metrics to identify areas for improvement and innovation in service offerings, ensuring that client needs are met promptly and effectively.
• Manage the site budget, ensuring financial sustainability while optimizing resource allocation and controlling costs related to sales and service operations.
• Facilitate regular team meetings to review performance, discuss challenges, share best practices, and celebrate successes, fostering a cohesive team environment.

Key skills and experience:

Educational Background:

• We welcome candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher, with international academic experience considered a strong asset. Proficiency in English is required (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent). We’re looking for individuals with a strategic mindset, a sound understanding of the international education sector and proven experience in business development and management.
• Relevant experience in business development, marketing, and sales is essential. Prior experience in the international education sector or in similar roles involving business development and sales management would be an advantage.

Core Competencies & Personal Attributes:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across teams and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong business negotiation skills and the ability to think strategically to identify market opportunities.
• Ability to analyze and react to market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback, proposing and implementing innovative solutions
• Strong organizational and time management skills, able to manage multiple priorities, and work collaboratively across different divisions of the company
• Excellent team management skills and have a growth mindset for self-development and team development in the higher education sector

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.

• 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 PD event
• Support for volunteering and study leave
• Free subscription to LinkedIn learning – with over 5000 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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