British Council

Role Title: Director, Business Strategy & Operations Location: London, UK About the Role The British Council is seeking an exceptional Director, CE Business Strategy & Operations to provide strategic leadership across Cultural Engagement . This role will drive financial sustainability and growth through specialist commercial expertise, robust business development governance, and deep knowledge of the philanthropic and donor sector. The Director will leverage extensive networks and multistakeholder partnerships across these sectors to identify opportunities, strengthen collaboration, and position Cultural Engagement for long-term impact and relevance in the UK and globally. They will also set and enable an effective and efficient operating environment to deliver the CE integrated global plan. This is a critical leadership role, providing direction and oversight for the CE Business Strategy & Operations team and its associated networks. The postholder will champion market data-informed decision-making, partnership development, and organisational excellence, with a focus on: Overall commercial sustainability and growth, integrating market insight and external funding intelligence into CE annual planning, including the integrated income generation plan Providing a Centre of Excellence for business development, contracting, project and programme management, and embedding evaluation, EDI, and gender mainstreaming across programmes Strengthening business analysis through insight-driven, proportionate reporting, assurance, and standards aligned with sector best practice Leading CE workforce and pipeline planning, informed by evolving needs and opportunities within the UK cultural, arts, and education funding landscape Providing specialist practitioner leadership in Evidence, Evaluation and Learning (EEL), business development, contract management, and EDI and gender mainstreaming Key Responsibilities Strategy and/or Planning: Write the CE business plan, as part of the corporate plan, working with the Cultural Engagement Executive Team and other key stakeholders. As part of the annual planning process, to lead on the development of a single CE integrated income generation plan. Lead the global CE business planning process (contributing to the corporate planning annual timetable) including managing the preparation of business reviews, reviewing overall progress against financial and non-financial targets and driving continual improvement. Leadership & management: Represent CE Business Strategy & Operations as part of the Cultural Engagement Executive Team and Grant In Aid board (or similar). Chair the CE contract and programmes approvals board and CE global leadership group regular meeting. Lead a direct team of approximately 65 colleagues globally within the CE Business Strategy and Operations team and provide indirect leadership of the wider CE operations and business development network globally Provide strategic leadership and input to key priorities for the CE Business Strategy & Operations team within its areas of specialism. These include commercial sustainability and growth, business development, contract management, CE Workforce Planning, assurance and global standards, EEL, and EDI and gender mainstreaming in programmes. Commercial & Financial Management: Own the global CE P&L, ensuring financial sustainability and delivery of income targets. Ensure commercial viability and effective management of the global contracts and partnerships portfolio. Lead business governance and approvals to ensure alignment with CE strategy and risk appetite . Business Development & Growth: Oversee the global opportunity pipeline and approvals process. Work with sector and regional leaders to grow, diversify and strengthen income streams. Lead Key Account Management (KAM) across Cultural Engagement. Stakeholder & External Relations: Represent CE with major funders and partners including FCDO, EU and multilaterals. Build strong relationships across CE and corporate functions to ensure aligned planning, data, technology and delivery. Enhance the visibility, reputation and influence of the British Council globally About You: Strong commercial and business acumen, with the ability to operate in complex internal and external environments, underpinned by strong knowledge of the UK cultural, arts, and education sectors Proven experience setting and delivering business strategy at a senior level Track record of leading large-scale global initiatives, programmes or contracts with an established network of strategic partners and funders across the UK and internationally, demonstrated success in winning new business, partnerships or donor-funded opportunities, Experience leading complex donor or commercial negotiations Strong record of managing senior relationships with external clients, funders, governments and partners, and the ability to build and sustain influential partnerships across the UK cultural and education landscape Significant experience leading diverse, geographically dispersed teams in an international organization Strategic leadership of multi-disciplinary teams across business, operations and delivery Experience leading and embedding change at a global level Solid knowledge of programme and project management, assurance frameworks, workforce planning and business continuity Strong understanding of operating within a matrix organisation (people, process, platforms and performance) Desirable: Experience leading a professional services or specialist function Knowledge of international education and/or arts and culture, including geopolitical context Additional language capability Salary Package: base salary up to 106K GBP + attractive benefits package . About the British Council The British Council connects people and organizations around the world through arts, culture, education, and the English language. With a presence in over 100 countries, the Council reaches millions every year, making a positive global impact. This role sits at the heart of Cultural Engagement, shaping how the organisation grows its income, manages its commercial activity and delivers its global priorities through strong governance and effective operating models. How to apply: Applications should be completed- before Monday, 6th of April 21.59 UK time , directly to our career site via the button below.