Head of Sales and Account Management

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.

Pay Band: 7

Country/Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Department: English and Exams - Country/Cluster Commercial

Contract Type: Indefinite

Closing Date: Tuesday, 22 September 2026- 23:59 Philippine Time (GMT +8)

Role Description/Purpose

The Head of Sales and Account Management for Sri Lanka is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of the sales strategy and managing a team of Account Managers to achieve annual B2O (Business-to-Organisation) targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). They may also be responsible for managing key accounts and leading high-value opportunities within Sri Lanka.

Role Accountabilities

The British Council is seeking an experienced and commercially focused Head of Sales and Account Management to lead and grow our Business-to-Organisation (B2O) portfolio in Sri Lanka. As part of our English and Examinations Strategic Business Unit, this role will support the delivery of the British Council's vision to be the world authority in English language teaching, learning and assessment, while expanding partnerships with education institutions, governments, and corporate organisations. The successful candidate will play a key role in implementing sales and account management strategies, driving sustainable business growth, and ensuring the achievement of ambitious revenue and customer engagement targets across our portfolio of English language training, assessments, and examinations services.

This is a leadership role that combines strategic responsibility with hands-on business development and account management. The postholder will lead and develop a team of Account Managers, ensuring high performance, excellent customer experience, and strong customer retention. They will oversee sales pipelines, identify and secure new business opportunities, negotiate commercial agreements, build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, and support the delivery of data-driven insights to improve sales effectiveness and business performance. Working closely with senior leaders and cross-functional teams, the Head of Sales and Account Management will help strengthen the British Council's position as a trusted long-term partner while ensuring compliance with global sales processes, CRM standards, and data governance requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: University degree or equivalent in a relevant subject or discipline
• Certification and Professional Qualifications: Sales or Marketing qualifications
• Four years of sales experience to include some experience of B2B sales
• Familiarity with Salesforce or use of similar CRM
• Experience of managing a team

Further Information

Language: English level at C1 speaking and writing

Benefits:

• 21 days of Annual Leave per calendar year, subject to policy
• Guarantee Bonus of one (1) month basic salary for every completed year of service
• Group medical insurance with an inpatient cover of LKR 850,000 per family unit 
• Free library membership
• Professional development - Ongoing learning and career growth opportunities to support your development.

Right to Work: Locally recruited

Applications are welcomed from candidates currently in this location with a natural right to work.  

Applications are also welcomed from candidates currently based in other British Council country offices. However, please note candidates must have a natural right to work in the country, on a permanent basis, as immigration clearance and/or on-going visa support is not provided by the British Council for this role.  Relocation support is also not provided. 

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org