Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to drive growth and sustainability in Cultural Engagement.
- Company: Join the British Council, a global leader in arts, culture, and education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £106K plus an attractive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cultural engagement and global partnerships.
- Qualifications: Strong business acumen and experience in leading large-scale initiatives.
- Other info: Work with diverse teams across the globe and enhance your leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 84000 - 126000 £ per year.
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, lead on the development of a single CE integrated income generation plan.
- Lead the global CE business planning process 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Experience leading complex donor or commercial negotiations
- Strong record of managing senior relationships with external clients, funders, governments and partners
- 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
- Experience leading a professional services or specialist function
- Knowledge of international education and/or arts and culture, including geopolitical context
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.
Director Business Strategy & Operations in London employer: British Council
Contact Detail:
British Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Business Strategy & Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the cultural, arts, and education sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the role and the British Council's work.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the Director, Business Strategy & Operations role. Highlight your leadership skills and any successful partnerships you've built in the past. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get that application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Director Business Strategy & Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in business strategy and operations. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about strategic leadership, so be sure to emphasise your experience leading teams and managing complex projects. We love seeing examples of how you've driven growth and sustainability in previous roles.
Be Data-Driven: Since the role involves market data-informed decision-making, include any experience you have with data analysis or reporting. We’re keen to know how you’ve used insights to shape strategies and improve outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the British Council's mission and values. Understand their approach to cultural engagement and how they drive financial sustainability. This will help you align your experience with their goals and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've led diverse teams and managed large-scale initiatives. Highlight your experience in strategic planning and business development, especially in complex environments. This is crucial for a leadership role like Director of Business Strategy & Operations.
✨Network Like a Pro
Since this role involves leveraging extensive networks, be ready to discuss your connections within the cultural, arts, and education sectors. Share how you've built and maintained influential partnerships, and be prepared to talk about any successful collaborations you've led.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current challenges in business development or how they measure success in cultural engagement. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.