Business Development Specialist (ASEAN Business)

About SagePaths Group

SagePaths Group is a leading international student placement services and management organisation dedicated to bridging international educational opportunities across Asia. Our Channel Business Division focuses on expanding our global reach, developing strong institutional partnerships, and driving student recruitment through an extensive network of local recruitment agencies and partner international schools.

Job Summary

We are seeking an energetic, results-driven Business Development Specialist (ASEAN Business) to join our Channel Business Division. In this role, you will lead regional student recruitment initiatives across ASEAN markets with a primary focus on cultivating strategic partnerships with local student recruitment agencies and partner international schools. You will be instrumental in expanding SagePaths brand presence, driving student enrolment targets, and managing end-to-end channel operations.

Key Responsibilities

Channel Partner & Agency Management

• Identify, onboard, and maintain strong relationships with student recruitment agencies, educational consultants, and international school partners across key ASEAN markets.
• Develop collaborative recruitment agreements and agent incentive frameworks to maximise yield and conversion rates.
• Conduct regular agent briefings, product knowledge training, and programme workshops to ensure partner agencies are well-equipped to promote programmes effectively.

Institutional & School Partnerships

• Research and establish strategic institutional partnerships with international schools, colleges, and high schools across the ASEAN region.
• Organise and participate in targeted education fairs, roadshows, agent networking events, open days, and school-to-school recruitment activities.

Recruitment & Conversion Management

• Drive end-to-end student recruitment efforts to achieve and exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual enrolment targets.
• Handle agency-referred inquiries, conduct high-touch course counselling, and guide prospective students and parents through admission requirements.
• Manage student lead pipelines, ensure prompt follow-ups via phone, social media, and face-to-face sessions, and oversee application document submission to Singapore.

Market Intelligence & Operations

• Monitor ASEAN market trends, competitor strategies, and regulatory updates to refine channel strategy and sales initiatives.
• Prepare regular channel performance, enrolment pipeline, and market feedback reports for senior management.
• Ensure strict adherence to internal policies, quality standards, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Perform ad-hoc duties and assist with cross-divisional initiatives as assigned by management.

Job Requirements & Preferred Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Business Administration, Marketing, International Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum 2-3 years of proven sales or business development experience within the private education sector, with a strong focus on agency/channel management.
• Prior experience working in or managing student recruitment networks within ASEAN markets (e.g., Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, etc.) is highly preferred. Entry-level candidates with strong regional mobility and passion for education sales are also welcome to apply.

Competencies & Skills

• Industry Knowledge: Good working knowledge of the Singapore education ecosystem and international student recruitment pathways.
• Communication & Languages: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and at least one ASEAN local language (to effectively liaise with regional partner agencies, parents, and prospective students).
• Relationship Building: Strong negotiation, consultative selling, and interpersonal skills with a proven track record of nurturing multi-tiered partnerships.
• Operational Agility: Mature, self-motivated, and capable of working independently under target-driven pressure while maintaining high attention to detail.
• Mobility: Willingness and ability to travel regionally as and when required for recruitment trips and partner visits.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary with attractive commission and performance-based incentive structures.
• Dynamic, international work environment with clear career progression paths within a fast-growing education group.
• Regional travel opportunities and exposure to global education networks.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their updated resume detailing relevant experience and key achievements.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. By submitting your application, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal data for recruitment purposes in accordance with our data privacy policies.