Director of South Asia Operations

Role/Title: Head of Country – South AsiaLocation: Acumen Office, Delhi (Regional leadership across South Asia; extensive travel ~3 months/year)Reports to: Director, International Recruitment and AdmissionsDirect Reports: Regional Manager (South Asia), International Admissions and GS ManagerAbout AcumenFounded in 2008 under Sannam S4 Group, Acumen is a global partner for higher education institutions, supporting universities and organizations with international expansion. With offices across Asia and North America, we provide tailored solutions for student recruitment, partnership development, and institutional growth.Mission & ApproachWe deliver data-driven, customized support to help institutions establish and grow their international presence, providing guidance at every stage.Global ReachOperating across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and North America, our services include in-country representation, school engagement, agent management, enrollment support, and strategic consulting.Team & ValuesOur team of 300+ professionals works in a collaborative and supportive environment. Core values—Collaboration, Agility, Impact, Empowerment, Integrity—guide everything we do.Why Join AcumenWe offer practitioner-led expertise focused on helping institutions succeed internationally.Role OverviewThe Head of South Asia leads activities for Swinburne University of Technology (SUT) in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Reporting to the Director of International Recruitment and Admissions, the role oversees regional student recruitment, admissions, Genuine Student processes, and business development.Key ResponsibilitiesRegional Leadership & StrategyLead marketing, recruitment, partnerships, and business development across South Asia.Oversee growth in international student enrolments while upholding university standards.Develop a 5-year regional recruitment strategy aligned with university goals.Student Recruitment & Business DevelopmentIdentify and establish recruitment partnerships and channels.Conduct seminars, roadshows, and open days.Engage schools and institutions to support student outreach.Collaborate with SUT Australia for regional campaigns and events.Admissions & Genuine Student ManagementOversee GS framework and admissions operations in South Asia.Develop regional GS and funding profiles.Monitor trends and adjust strategies using market insights.Ensure compliance with SUT policies and relevant regulations.Team LeadershipLead and mentor international student recruitment and admissions teams.Set KPIs, monitor performance, and conduct professional development.Manage workload, performance reviews, and staff development.Stakeholder EngagementManage relationships with education agents, schools, alumni, and partners.Coordinate internal stakeholders to achieve recruitment goals.Provide expert advice on international education and market trends.Projects & Continuous ImprovementLead initiatives to improve recruitment performance and operational efficiency.Oversee audits, campaigns, and partnership quality assurance.Additional ResponsibilitiesUndertake other tasks as required by the Director of International Recruitment and Admissions.Qualifications & ExperiencePostgraduate degree (or degree + professional marketing qualification) with ≥8 years relevant experience, OR equivalent combination of education/experience in international higher education.Experience in marketing, student recruitment, and admissions (Australian context preferred).Understanding of student visa regulations and GS frameworks.Familiarity with SUT programs, courses, policies, and CRM platforms.Strong skills in sales, strategy, stakeholder management, and partnerships.Proven ability to meet targets and lead remote teams.Excellent English and Hindi; additional South Asian language preferred.Valid passport and willingness to travel.AttributesCollaborative, motivating, and adaptable leadership style.Strong networking and relationship-building skills.Detail-oriented and self-motivated.Flexible to work outside office hours as required.