Partnerships Director, S.E. Asia

Studyportals

Partnerships Director expanding the APAC team at Studyportals, driving business development and strategic partnerships in Southeast Asia.

Posted 4/27/2026full-timeRemote • 🇲🇾 MalaysiaLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Developing and executing a B2B go-to-market BD strategy, driving key account practices, managing high-value partnerships, connecting with top universities to help them to diversify and grow their international student body
Multi-level business development with a focus on connecting and building trust with the board and DMU of top institutions resulting in multi-year partnerships
Working cross-functionally with Marketing and Sales delivery, you will bridge global strategy and local execution. You will also lead commercial negotiations and performance reporting, embedding consistent systems and standards
Advising and liaising with both new and existing clients – build and nurture existing partnerships and ensuring our clients are happy with their performance
Represent Studyportals at key conferences and events
Involvement in the optimization of the complete commercial cycle: from lead generation, negotiation sales, campaign implementation to reporting and evaluation
Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President, APAC

Requirements

What you’ll need

Commercially driven leader with extensive experience (10+ years) in business development or sales leadership in a large, matrixed organisation - ideally in higher education, EdTech, or adjacent sectors such as government. You should bring proven experience managing strategic partnerships and navigating change while consistently delivering on commercial targets.
Fluent in an Asian language/s and English (C1), both written and spoken, is required.
Familiarity with CRM systems such as Microsoft is preferred, along with experience in solution-sales, regional market growth, or account strategy.
A strong network of key decision makers (c-Suite, Director, Government) within the HE industry.
Client and market share focused; committed to create client value in the long term.
Assertive, and optimistic. Energetic and persistent, with an entrepreneurial approach you drive for results and are 110% committed to success.
Open team player – independent yet supportive – thriving in an entrepreneurial atmosphere.
Eagerness to learn and grow alongside a dynamic company, with the ambition to quickly grow in role and responsibilities.
Candidates must have the right to live and work in Asia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Benefits

Comp & perks

The opportunity to be a key driver of a fast growing company in the region
A full-time position, a competitive salary including an excellent bonus scheme
Ambitious, informal, entrepreneurial and flexible atmosphere where self-initiative is highly appreciated
A company environment that is serious about having fun with everything we do
The opportunity to make our world a little better

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

business developmentsales leadershipstrategic partnershipssolution-salesaccount strategylead generationnegotiationperformance reportingcommercial cycle optimizationregional market growth

Soft Skills

commercially drivenassertiveoptimisticenergeticpersistententrepreneurialclient-focusedteam playereagerness to learnadaptability