About IUC
Innovative University College (IUC) provides high-quality, industry-relevant education to both local and international students. All programmes are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), offering clear pathways for academic and career progression. IUC integrates Work Experiential Learning (WEL) into its programmes, combining classroom learning with practical industry experience through internships, projects, and employer collaboration. This ensures students graduate with job-ready skills and real-world exposure. The institution is committed to delivering education aligned with global standards, while strengthening employability through strategic partnerships with universities, industry, and training providers.
Role Overview
The Director, Business Development is responsible for driving IUC's revenue growth, strategic partnerships, and market expansion initiatives across academic, professional, and TVET segments. This role leads the end-to-end business development lifecycle—from opportunity identification and pipeline development to deal structuring and partnership execution—aligned with IUC's institutional growth strategy. The incumbent will work closely with academic leadership, corporate partners, and government stakeholders to position IUC as a preferred provider of industry-relevant education, including ODL, executive education, and workforce development programmes. This is a contract-based position, requiring full-time on-site presence in Kuala Lumpur.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Growth & Market Expansion
- Develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy aligned with IUC's growth targets (student enrolment, programme revenue, and partnerships).
- Identify and penetrate new market segments (corporates, government-linked entities, international partners, and lifelong learning markets).
- Drive expansion of ODL, micro-credentials, executive education, and TVET offerings.
2. Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement
- Establish and manage strategic partnerships with industry, government agencies, and international institutions.
- Lead engagement with key stakeholders (e.g., corporates, regulators, industry bodies) to co-develop programmes and initiatives.
- Represent IUC in external engagements, industry forums, and strategic negotiations.
3. Revenue Generation & Deal Structuring
- Build and manage a robust business pipeline, ensuring consistent conversion to revenue.
- Lead commercial negotiations, including MoUs, MoAs, and service agreements, ensuring alignment with institutional objectives.
- Design commercial models and pricing strategies for new programmes and partnerships.
4. Account Management & Retention
- Oversee key institutional and corporate accounts to ensure long-term value creation and retention.
- Drive upselling and cross-selling opportunities across IUC's programme portfolio.
- Monitor client satisfaction and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
5. Business Planning & Performance Management
- Lead annual and mid-term business planning cycles, including forecasting and budgeting.
- Track and report on KPIs (pipeline value, conversion rates, revenue targets, partnership outcomes).
- Provide data-driven insights to senior management for strategic decision-making.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in business development, revenue generation, and strategic partnerships, preferably within higher education, training, or professional services.
- Proven track record in developing and executing organisational-level growth strategies with measurable outcomes.
- Strong capability in lead generation, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management across diverse sectors.
- Advanced expertise in contract negotiation, commercial structuring, and partnership governance.
- Demonstrated experience managing high-value accounts and long-term strategic partnerships.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and negotiate with C-level stakeholders.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, target-driven, and collaborative environment.
- Strong understanding of the Malaysian higher education ecosystem (e.g., MQA, MOHE, industry linkage) is highly advantageous.
- Master's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Education, or a related field is preferred.
