Deputy General Manager

About Suman

Suman Education International designs and delivers education and professional development programmes connecting the UK and China. Established in Manchester in 2004, we work with schools, universities, professional bodies and other partners to create practical learning experiences.

Our work includes continuing professional development (CPD) for education professionals and people in other fields; UK summer programmes for Chinese university students and school pupils; and visits and exchanges in China for UK education professionals and school pupils.

The role

We are looking for a Deputy General Manager to help lead Suman’s next stage of growth. Working closely with the General Manager, you will oversee day-to-day operations, develop partnerships and new programmes, support the team, and maintain high standards across our projects.

This is a senior role for someone who combines commercial judgement with hands-on management and an interest in international education. Fluent spoken Mandarin is essential because our partners in China communicate in Mandarin. You will also need excellent spoken and written English for work with UK partners.

Key responsibilities

• Help develop business plans and identify new education, CPD and international programme opportunities.
• Lead day-to-day operations, set priorities and coordinate colleagues across multiple projects.
• Build and maintain relationships with schools, universities, professional bodies, businesses and delivery partners in the UK and China.
• Oversee programme quality, budgets, resources, financial performance and risk.
• Support and develop team members, ensuring clear responsibilities and effective communication.
• Guide projects from proposal through delivery and evaluation.
• Improve operational systems and ways of working as the organisation grows.
• Travel within the UK and internationally when required.

What you will bring

• At least five years of relevant experience in management, operations, business development or project leadership.
• A record of managing people, budgets, projects and external partnerships.
• Strong commercial judgement, leadership and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to balance strategic priorities with the practical demands of programme delivery.
• Fluent spoken Mandarin and excellent spoken and written English.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience in education, business, management or a related field. Experience in UK–China education or business would be especially welcome.

What we offer

• The opportunity to shape education and professional development programmes with partners in the UK and China.
• A collaborative, multicultural team and scope to develop new partnerships and programmes.
• Paid annual leave and a workplace pension in line with company policy and UK requirements.
• Salary and other terms discussed according to experience and suitability.
• Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for eligible successful candidates, subject to applicable UKVI requirements.

How to apply

• Please email your CV and a brief covering letter to HR@suman.uk.com, explaining how your experience would help you lead and develop Suman’s programmes.