Area Manager - Southern Africa

Area Manager About the role Navitas is looking for a strategic and growth-oriented Area Manager to lead student recruitment growth, market development, and strategic partnerships across Southern Africa. Based in Harare, this remote role will serve as the market expert and territory lead, driving enrolment targets, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and expanding Navitas' presence and market share across Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Zambia. Working closely with recruitment partners, educational institutions, government stakeholders, and internal teams, the Area Manager will deliver sustainable growth, enhance market engagement, and support an outstanding student experience. The successful candidate will bring strong commercial acumen, market intelligence, relationship management skills, and a deep understanding of the international education sector, acting as a trusted advisor who contributes to strategy development and the successful execution of regional growth initiatives. Key Responsibilities Recruitment & Market Growth Drive student recruitment targets, revenue growth, and market expansion across the territory. Develop and execute recruitment strategies aligned with regional and global objectives. Identify emerging opportunities, monitor market trends, and provide insights that support sustainable growth. Agent & Partner Management Build and strengthen relationships with education agents and recruitment partners. Conduct partner training, performance reviews, and business planning activities. Identify and develop high-performing partners while ensuring compliance with Navitas standards. Stakeholder Engagement Represent Navitas at recruitment fairs, school visits, industry events, and partner meetings. Develop strong relationships with schools, universities, counsellors, and key stakeholder networks. Act as a brand ambassador, promoting Navitas and its partner institutions. Business Development Identify and pursue new business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and market expansion initiatives. Contribute market intelligence and commercial insights to support strategic decision-making. Drive innovative recruitment and engagement initiatives that enhance market presence. Customer Experience and Student Outcomes Champion a student-first approach across all recruitment and engagement activities. Support initiatives that improve conversion, retention, progression, and student satisfaction. Ensure timely and effective management of prospective student enquiries. Data Analysis and Reporting Analyse recruitment performance, market trends, and partner activity to identify opportunities and risks. Prepare reports and insights to support informed business decisions. Maintain accurate recruitment records and pipeline data through CRM systems. Compliance & Quality Assurance Ensure adherence to regulatory, institutional, and visa requirements. Promote ethical recruitment practices and industry best practice standards. Stay informed on market developments, immigration policies, and international education trends. Qualifications and Experience Essential Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Education, International Relations, or a related field, with experience in student recruitment, business development, sales, or partnership management. Proven understanding of the international education sector, student recruitment lifecycle, and market dynamics. Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder relationship management skills. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and reporting capabilities, with experience using CRM and recruitment management systems. Self-motivated and results-driven, with the ability to work independently, collaborate effectively, and travel regularly across the territory. Desirable Experience within international higher education or pathway education sectors. Existing network within the education, counselling, or agent community across Southern Africa. Experience working within a matrix or multinational organisation. Knowledge of visa and international student mobility processes About Navitas Navitas is a leading global education provider supporting more than 60,000 students each year through innovative, life-changing learning opportunities around the world. You’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation where your work directly contributes to helping learners achieve their goals. How to Apply Lead, influence, and grow. Join Navitas as an Area Manager and help connect more students to world-class education opportunities while driving regional market success. Apply online via www.navitas.com /careers. Applications close on 04 October 2026. Early applications are encouraged, as we may appoint before the closing date. Applicants must have full working rights in Southern Africa and be available to start immediately or on short notice. By applying, you agree to Navitas’ Privacy Policy.