ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS

Global University Systems (GUS) is one of the world’s most dynamic, inclusive, and diverse education organisations. GUS is an international network of higher education institutions, brought together by a shared passion for accessible and industry-relevant qualifications. We deliver a wide variety of programmes, including bachelor’s degree programmes, master’s degree programmes, professional training, English Language training, and corporate & executive education. When someone chooses to study at one of our institutions, whether on campus in Europe, North America, Asia or even in their own home, they are joining a network of over 100,000 students worldwide. When you decide to work with GUS, you will be joining an industry leading, global organisation that has a reach in over 150 different countries Global University Systems (GUS) Canada is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Associate Director of Commercial Operations to lead and support the business growth and commercial activities of our Canadian universities. The Associate Director will play a critical role in managing, optimizing, and driving operational efficiency across key business functions, including student recruitment, sales, marketing, and business development. The ideal candidate will bring strong strategic planning skills, experience in commercial operations, and a deep understanding of higher education markets. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the Director of Commercial Operations to develop and implement long-term commercial strategies aimed at driving growth and achieving revenue targets across GUS Canada Universities. Operational Management: Oversee daily commercial operations to ensure alignment with strategic objectives, working closely with cross-functional teams such as admissions, marketing, sales, finance, and student services. Sales and Marketing Optimization: Lead efforts to streamline and enhance the effectiveness of sales, recruitment, and marketing processes. This includes ensuring the use of data-driven strategies to optimize lead generation, conversion rates, and student enrollment targets. Data Analysis & Reporting: Use data analytics to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), provide insights to senior leadership, and support the decision-making process. Prepare and present reports on commercial activities, financial performance, and market trends. Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and improve operational workflows, implementing best practices and technologies to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance student experiences. Stakeholder Management: Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including senior management, university partners, and other key collaborators. Foster positive relationships with academic partners and government agencies to support business operations and compliance. Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all commercial activities adhere to institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards, especially in areas related to recruitment, advertising, and contracts. Qualifications and Experience: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Operations, or a related field. An MBA or equivalent postgraduate degree is preferred. Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in commercial operations, preferably in the higher education sector. Experience working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment is highly valued. Leadership: Proven experience managing and leading high-performing teams, with a strong focus on operational excellence and business growth. Analytical Skills: Strong proficiency in using data to drive decision-making and optimize commercial performance. Experience with CRM systems, data analysis tools, and reporting software is essential. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas and data to senior stakeholders in a clear and concise manner. Business Acumen: A thorough understanding of the higher education landscape in Canada, including knowledge of student recruitment trends, regulatory requirements, and competitive dynamics. Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to identify operational inefficiencies and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges. Key Competencies: Results-oriented with a focus on achieving commercial targets Strong project management and organizational skills Collaborative leadership style, with a focus on teamwork and cross-departmental collaboration Adaptability and a willingness to embrace change in a dynamic environment High level of integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous improvement We acknowledge receipt of your resume for a position at Global University Systems and sincerely appreciate your interest in our company. We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose qualifications meet our requirements. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you if you are selected to continue for the next stage of the recruitment process. We wish you every success. GUS is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.