Head of International Student Recruitment (Marketing)

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively and individually make a real difference.

The role

This is a senior leadership role at the heart of the University’s international growth agenda. As Head of International Student Recruitment (Marketing), you will shape and deliver a globally integrated marketing and conversion strategy that drives high-quality international student enrolments and strengthens Surrey’s position in a competitive and fast-changing market.

The role will lead a fast-paced international marketing team, working in close partnership with digital, CRM and admissions colleagues to deliver insight-led, commercially focused campaigns that drive measurable impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Setting the international marketing strategy aligned to recruitment targets, market diversification and institutional priorities
• Leading global campaigns across digital, CRM, content and in-market activity, ensuring strong alignment between brand and conversion
• Driving enquiry-to-enrolment performance, embedding a data-led, customer-focused approach to maximise conversion outcomes
• Using insight and analytics to inform investment decisions, optimise performance and demonstrate return on investment
• Leading and developing a high-performing team, creating a culture of accountability, pace and continuous improvement
• Managing external agencies and partners, ensuring quality, value for money and delivery against KPIs
• Working closely with internal stakeholders across International Recruitment, Faculties and Marketing & Communications to deliver a joined-up, impactful approach
• Acting as a senior adviser on international market trends, demand and positioning, influencing decision-making at the highest levels

This is a role for someone who can combine strategic thinking with delivery and is motivated to achieve ambitious growth targets in a complex global environment.

About you

• Significant experience in international marketing and student recruitment, with a track record of delivering measurable growth
• Strong expertise in multi-channel marketing, digital strategy and CRM-led conversion
• Proven ability to use data and insight to drive decisions and improve performance
• Experience in leading and developing high-performing teams in a complex, fast-paced environment
• Demonstrable success in managing budgets and delivering return on investment
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at a senior level
• Commercial acumen and the ability to balance ambition with risk and delivery
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the credibility to operate at a senior level

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, which will include a presentation task based on delivering an international marketing strategy aligned to a new University brand launch.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, you are welcome to contact Becca Hill, Director of International Student Recruitment, via her PA, Monia Lenzi, at m.lenzi@surrey.ac.uk.

Further details

Job Description