Executive, Program Management

(A) Positive Objective

ESSEC Asia-Pacific opened its doors in Singapore in 2005. The state-of-the-art campus located in the One-North innovation hub welcomes about 1,000 students and professionals globally each year. The campus offers undergraduate (Global BBA), graduate (Master in Management, Specialized Masters), and Executive Education (Executive MBA, Custom, Open Enrolment) programs. The campus has sustained growth in local talent of faculty, staff, students, and alumni, and serves as the Asia-Pacific regional hub, developing and expanding our network of academic and corporate partnerships in and around the region.

The successful candidate will be responsible for differentiating experience for participants by ensuring the smooth operation of our executive degree programs, maintaining accurate records and documentation. The candidate will work closely with the Leadership Team to achieve operational excellence and positive participant experience.

This is an entry-level position, and we welcome candidates who are looking to start their career in operations management in the education sector.

(B) Role Responsibilities

1. Program Operations Management

a) Plan and manage the day-to-day operations of our executive degree program.

b) Provide guidance and support to participants, addressing their needs and concerns.

c) Conduct evaluations and prepare comprehensive reports highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.

d) Elevate the participant's experience to maintain high survey ratings and net promoter score.

e) Facilitate the onboarding process for new residents and participants, including coordinating orientation and training sessions.

2. Effective Communication and Collaboration

a) Work closely with the Leadership Team to ensure excellent learning experience.

b) Collaborate with program leadership, faculty, vendors, and participants to plan and deliver the program.

c) Communicate program details, expectations, grades, and announcements to all relevant stakeholders through various channels.

3. Program Administration

a) Maintain the internal program website by updating course materials and essential documentation.

b) Manage logistics for local and overseas itineraries, in close coordination with teams in La Defense and foreign partners: source for vendors, accommodation, transportation, visa, book conference-spaces and other in-country information.

c) Assist in travel claims/reimbursement/payment.

d) Manage the budget for the program, ensuring cost-effective operations while maintaining high-quality experience for students.

e) Review and negotiate payment contracts with external vendors.

f) Ensure compliance with program requirements and regulatory standards, in consultation with university partners and ESSEC Group.

g) Maintain accurate student documentation and records.

This is a non-exhaustive list of responsibilities and can evolve with time or as assigned by the Reporting Line Manager.

(C) Position Requirements /People Specifications

a) Proactive & Adaptable: A self-starter capable of working independently or within a small team, with the ability to multi-task and prioritise in a fast-paced environment.

b) Strategic Communication: Proficiency in Mandarin (written and spoken) is essential for this role to serve as the primary point of contact for our key regional university partner in China. Ability to communicate in French would be an added advantage to support collaboration with our campuses in France and Morocco.

c) Relationship Management: Proven ability to navigate complex administrative and academic frameworks within both French and Chinese higher education systems.

d) Operational Excellence: Excellent organisational and project management skills with a strong hands-on attitude and meticulous attention to detail.

e) Service & Mindset: Proven ability to deliver a premium customer experience, supported by a growth mindset and the agility to respond positively to change.

f) Strategic Thinking: Analytical perspective with the ability to propose solutions and suggest process improvements to elevate service quality.

g) Interpersonal Impact: High level of professionalism and executive presence, with the ability to engage comfortably with diverse individuals in an international environment.

h) Technical Literacy: Tech-savvy with familiarity in Student Management Systems (SMS/LMS) proficiency in Google Workspace (including Google Sites) is highly preferred.

(D) Qualification and Work experiences

a) Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized University.

b) Operational Excellence: Proven track record in program delivery, high-touch operations, with preference for candidates from a higher education background.

c) Client Engagement: Experience in premium customer-facing role within the hospitality or airline industry, with a focus on service excellence.

d) Candidates with extensive relevant experience in b) and c) may be considered for appointment at the Senior Executive level.

Working Environment and Pace

a) The incumbent needs to be able to work independently in a dynamic work environment.

b) He/She is also expected to work well with different stakeholders and across cultures.

c) Some levels of flexibility and agility are required.

d) The incumbent must be able to travel overseas on a regular basis based on program needs.