Business Development Manager – Placement Network

Education Centre of Australia (ECA) is a dynamic and diverse education group that stands at the forefront of Australia’s higher education sector, boasting campuses in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and most recently in Adelaide, as well as overseas locations in the UK and India. With a rich history spanning over almost two decades, ECA delivers high-quality education encompassing English language courses, bachelor’s and postgraduate degrees, and targeted internships. ECA is a successful Australian-based education organisation offering a comprehensive range of face-to-face and online courses for both international and domestic students. Collaborating with esteemed higher education providers like Victoria University, Charles Sturt University, University of Canberra, University of Tasmania, University of the Sunshine Coast and London Metropolitan University, ECA is committed to delivering a world-class educational experience.

We have got an exciting opportunity for Business Development Manager – Placement Network to be part of our team at Victoria University Sydney and Brisbane in our Sydney campus. 

About Victoria University Sydney and Brisbane (https://www.vu.edu.au/vu-sydney) 

VU is a world-class university, ranking in the top 3% of universities worldwide. Operated in partnership with the Education Centre of Australia, VU Sydney offers globally- recognised, industry-relevant courses to international students at a modern and accessible campus in the heart of one of the world’s most liveable cities. With great places to study, relax or seek advice from our supportive staff, students are equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed at university 

About the role

The Business Development Manager – Placement Network is responsible for driving strategic growth through the identification, development, acquisition, and management of high-value partnerships across a broad network of industry and placement partners.

The position directly reports to the Associate Director of Academics (VU Sydney) with dotted line reporting to Associate Director of Operations, ECA – VU.

The role is accountable for expanding VU Sydney’s industry footprint by securing sustainable partnerships that generate student placement opportunities, strengthen work-integrated learning pathways, and contribute directly to enrolment growth.

This position plays a critical commercial role in building a strong pipeline of partner organisations, leveraging relationships to deliver measurable business outcomes including placement capacity, student conversion, and graduate employability.

The role requires a strong understanding of the international and higher education sectors, combined with the ability to identify market opportunities, influence senior stakeholders, and align partnership strategies with institutional growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with placement partners, provider networks and industry stakeholders.
• Identify and secure new partnerships to increase student placement capacity and enrolments.
• Develop and manage a strong pipeline of prospective industry partners.
• Generate new business opportunities through proactive industry engagement, outreach and networking.
• Manage key partner relationships to ensure strong engagement, satisfaction and ongoing retention.
• Work with academic, placement, admissions and marketing teams to convert partnership opportunities into student outcomes.
• Develop initiatives to increase partner referrals, placement uptake and student conversion.
• Identify opportunities to support graduate employment pathways through industry partners.
• Monitor partnership activity and performance, maintaining accurate CRM records and reporting on key outcomes.
• Represent ECA/VU at relevant industry events, meetings and networking opportunities.

 As the successful candidate you will ideally have

• Qualification: A relevant qualification in Business, Marketing, Communications or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education/training.
• Experience: Proven experience in business development, partnership management, account management or a similar role, with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong B2B relationships.
• Knowledge:
• Knowledge of the Australian higher education sector and international student environment.
• Understanding of the student placement, work-integrated learning and industry partnership landscape.
• Skills:
• Strong business development and relationship-building skills, with the ability to identify and engage new partners.
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
• Ability to identify market opportunities and develop strategies to convert them into partnership outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong networking and influencing skills, including the ability to engage with senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills, including experience using CRM systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively across academic, admissions, marketing and operations teams.

In return we will offer you: 

• Company-paid parental leave (14 weeks at 100% of current pay or 28 weeks at 50% of current pay)
• Employee assistance program with Uprise (6 session per year for staff and direct family members)
• Support through 25% on the full fees for courses offered by ECA as Staff Education Assistance
• Professional development programs
• Travel insurance discount
• Wellbeing brands discounts
• Free access to LinkedIn Learning

EEO Statement

At ECA, we champion our organisational values which includes ‘Celebrate diversity and inclusion’, thus we strive to be a place of growth where everyone can continually thrive.

We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds including but not limited to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, people living with a disability, women, people who identify as LGBTIQA+, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

This position is open to all Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents and applicants who hold a current and valid Visa with full working rights in Australia.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. Due to the expected high volume of responses only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

For further information on this role, to gain insight into our team or if you need assistance due to a disability, please contact Khaled Kourouche (Khaled.Kourouche@vusydney.edu.au)

Thank you for your interest in the position with the ECA Group!