Head of Education Wales

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

Role

Purpose:

Lead the strategy, growth and delivery of the British Council’s Education and Tertiary Education portfolio in Wales. You will shape programmes spanning student mobility and internationalisation, tertiary education and science partnerships, non-formal education and client-funded programmes, delivering meaningful impact while contributing to income and business development targets.

As a senior sector leader, you will build influential relationships across government, education, research and partner networks, representing the British Council and the UK with credibility and expertise. You will bring insight into the Welsh education landscape, identify new opportunities and strengthen connections between Wales and the wider international education community, with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion embedded throughout.

Role Accountabilities:

Strategy and Planning Lead the development and implementation of the Wales Education/Tertiary Education strategy and annual plan, aligned with global Education strategy and the Cultural Engagement plan for Wales.

Ensure the strategy responds to the priorities of Welsh Government, HMG and local stakeholders and partners.

Build strong internal relationships across Cultural Engagement and the wider British Council to ensure strategic alignment and delivery.

Identify how digital products, services and channels can strengthen the impact, reach and sustainability of the portfolio.

Leadership and Management Lead the Wales Education/Tertiary Education portfolio, ensuring high-quality delivery in line with British Council programme standards, including planning, reporting, evaluation and EDI.Provide technical expertise to programme and contract design, ensuring quality, impact and effective management of risks and issues.

Use digital platforms and technology to improve programme design and delivery.

Lead effective financial, operational and portfolio management, delivering against budgets, profitability, timelines, quality and impact targets.

Provide leadership and line management where applicable, including matrix management support to sector programme teams.

Act as Senior Responsible Officer for smaller projects/programmes where required.

Ensure robust monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), reporting and continuous improvement across the portfolio.

Lead by example, demonstrating the British Council’s policies, values and behaviours in all interactions.

Business Development Lead business development and income generation for Education/Tertiary Education, working with the Country Director and global business development team.

Build networks with potential funders, clients and partners and identify opportunities aligned with Wales and global business development priorities.

Lead the development of evidence-based commercial proposals and contribute to high-quality bids, ensuring EDI and gender equality, disability and social inclusion are embedded.

Work with global business support teams to ensure proposals are appropriately costed and priced.

Manage a network of associate advisers, consultants and partners to support business development and contract delivery.

Contribute to contract negotiations and ensure effective risk mitigation.

Ensure timely reporting and communication across externally and grant-funded contracts and initiatives.

Stakeholder Management and Market Positioning Build and manage mutually…