Lee McLuckie

Profile

Background and Experience:

I hold a First Class degree in Politics from Northumbria University, Newcastle, earned in 2011. Following my studies, I embarked on a transformative journey to China, where I immersed myself in the culture and language while working and traveling for two years.

In 2013, I commenced my career with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in Shanghai, focusing on immigration affairs. Transitioning to the British Embassy in Beijing in 2014, I received comprehensive training in handling various visa applications, including visitors, students, workers, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Career Progression:

Elevating my responsibilities, after a brief temporary promotion, I ascended to the operational management team permanently in 2016, overseeing large-scale recruitment, training, quality assurance, and supplier contract management. During this tenure, I played a key role in managing a high-impact operation that extended its influence across multiple departments within the FCO and globally. Noteworthy contributions include facilitating travel arrangements for senior members of the Chinese government and VVIPs during significant diplomatic events.

Venturing beyond Beijing, I supported colleagues in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, and Wuhan, culminating in a six-month secondment to Shanghai to manage the end-to-end operation and subsequent department closure. This experience enriched my expertise through collaborative ventures with regional and international counterparts, including stints at British diplomatic missions in the Philippines, Thailand, Abu Dhabi, and the High Commission in India.

In 2019, I assumed the role of Regional Business Manager for Asia Pacific, overseeing strategic business planning across seven locations and managing over 200 staff members. My focus was on maximizing impact, revenue, and influence to position the UK as a premier destination for tourism, education, and investment within the region. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 outbreak, I remained in China supporting the emergency response team, facilitating the safe departure of British Nationals and families from China and subsequently supporting the department response and reopening.

Transition to the University of Leeds, School of Design:

In May 2023, my family and I made the decision to return to the UK due to the impact of Covid-19 restrictions. Joining the School of Design in June 2023 as the Business and Resource Manager, I bring with me a mandate to enhance technical and testing services within the school and develop business within our Professional Academy for Creative Enterprise.