Role Title: Regional Recruitment Manager – Europe, North America & Study Abroad
Grade and Salary: Grade 8, £47,389 - £58,225 per annum
FTE and working pattern: Full-time (35hrs per week) Open Ended
Reward and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.
Why Heriot-Watt Stands Out Across Key International Markets
Global University, Scottish Heritage
- Founded in 1821, Heriot-Watt is one of Scotland's oldest and most respected universities.
- Students benefit from studying in Scotland. Edinburgh, one of Europe's most attractive student cities is a world-leading centre for innovation, finance, technology and culture.
Strong Graduate Outcomes
- Renowned for producing highly employable graduates through industry-relevant programmes and strong employer partnerships.
- Significant strengths in STEM, business, actuarial mathematics, data science, artificial intelligence, engineering, energy, built environment, and design.
Unique Global Campus Network
- One of the few universities offering seamless study opportunities across campuses in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
- Students can undertake global mobility experiences while remaining within a single institution and degree framework.
Strong Appeal to North American Students
- Three and four-year degree structures comparable with many North American programmes.
- Safe, English-speaking environment with excellent student support.
- Increasing demand for international experiences and global career preparation through UK higher education.
Distinctive Study Abroad Opportunity
- Offers North American and European students an immersive international experience within a highly ranked university.
- Flexible semester and year-long study opportunities across a wide range of disciplines.
- Access to Scotland's rich cultural heritage, international business community and innovation ecosystem.
International Reputation
- Diverse student body representing more than 140 nationalities.
- Long-standing commitment to internationalisation, global engagement and partnership development.
Purpose of Role
The Regional Recruitment Manager: Europe, Americas & Study Abroad is responsible for leading Heriot-Watt University's recruitment, partnership development and Study Abroad activity across Europe and the Americas.
The postholder will develop and deliver regional growth strategies that increase student enrolment, strengthen institutional partnerships and generate sustainable fee income across undergraduate, postgraduate and non-graduating student populations. The role provides leadership for recruitment planning, market development, partner engagement and team performance while contributing to the University's broader internationalisation objectives.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Recruitment Leadership
- Develop and implement recruitment strategies across Europe, North America and Study Abroad markets.
- Deliver student recruitment, conversion and enrolment growth targets.
- Identify emerging market opportunities and diversification strategies.
- Contribute to institutional recruitment planning and forecasting processes.
- Provide market intelligence and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Partnership Development
- Establish and manage strategic relationships with universities, Study Abroad providers, recruitment agencies, scholarship organisations and government bodies.
- Negotiate and oversee partnership agreements and recruitment contracts.
- Evaluate partnership performance and identify opportunities for growth.
- Develop sustainable recruitment pathways and collaborative initiatives.
Study Abroad Leadership
- Lead the University's Study Abroad recruitment strategy.
- Increase non-graduating student enrolments and associated fee income.
- Develop relationships with North American and European university partners.
- Expand opportunities for semester, year-abroad and exchange activity.
Market Development and Analysis
- Monitor international recruitment trends, competitor activity and policy developments.
- Analyse application, conversion and enrolment data.
- Produce market reports, recruitment forecasts and performance evaluations.
- Use evidence-based insights to inform decision-making and investment priorities.
Student Recruitment and Conversion
- Lead recruitment events, virtual engagement activities, institution visits and partner meetings.
- Work collaboratively with Academic Schools, Admissions and Marketing to maximise conversion.
- Support prospective students and advisers throughout the recruitment cycle.
- Ensure an excellent customer experience for applicants and partners.
Team Leadership
- Lead, motivate and develop a regional recruitment team.
- Set objectives, monitor performance and conduct annual performance reviews.
- Coach and mentor staff to achieve individual and team objectives.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
Key Relationships
Internal
- Director of Student Recruitment
- Assistant Executive Deans (Internationalisation)
- Academic Schools
- Admissions
- Marketing and Communications
- Finance
- Legal and Governance
- Compliance and Student Services teams
External
- University partners
- Study Abroad providers
- Recruitment agencies
- Government and scholarship bodies
- School counsellors and advisers
- Prospective students and families
- Alumni and professional networks
Person Specification
These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be made.
Essential Experience
- Significant experience in international student recruitment, partnership development or international education.
- Experience of delivering recruitment, enrolment or income targets.
- Experience of managing and developing staff.
- Proven ability to build and manage strategic relationships with senior stakeholders.
- Experience of analysing data and translating insights into action.
- Experience of operating within a complex and customer-focused environment.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
- Strong understanding of international higher education and student recruitment.
- Knowledge of European and North American education systems.
- Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking capability.
- Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Excellent planning, organisational and project management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent professional experience.
Additional Requirements
- Ability to travel extensively across Europe and North America, including regular international and long-haul travel.
- Ability to work independently and represent the University externally at a senior level.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and excellent customer service.
- Willingness to maintain professional knowledge of international recruitment trends, visa developments, market intelligence and sector best practice.
How to Apply
Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV
Applications can be submitted until 23:55 on Sunday 11th October 2026.
About Heriot-Watt University
At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.
Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.
Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.
