E+ Deputy National Agency Director & Director Operations

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.

The Department for Education has announced that the British Council is set to take on the role of National Agency for Erasmus+. 

In December the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014-20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK's cultural relations activities, funding 8,091 projects, engaging 583,757 UK participants, and awarding around €1.1 billion to UK organisations.

Job Title: E+ Deputy National Agency Director & Director Operations

Pay Band: LMFG
Contract Duration: 2 Year Fixed Term Contract with possibility of extension  
Location: London, United Kingdom  
Right to Work Requirements: Current right to work in the UK. The British Council is not able to support or sponsor work visa applications.
Closing Date: Applications will close on Tuesday 14 July at 22:59 UK Time

We are operating on the basis that any offer is made pending client confirmation of funds.  

Role Purpose

This role will lead the operational delivery, systems, and performance of the UK Erasmus+ National Agency, acting as Deputy to the Director National Agency and ensuring the programme is delivered efficiently, compliantly, and at scale.

Working as part of the National Agency senior leadership team, the role is accountable for:

• Translating the strategic direction set by the Director NA into operational delivery
• Leading the end-to-end programme operations
• Ensuring robust systems, controls, and processes that meet European Commission (EC) and Department for Education (DfE) requirements
• Providing operational assurance and performance insight to support national-level accountability

This role is critical in ensuring the NA Director can discharge their overall responsibility for national delivery, compliance, and reputation. 

Main accountabilities but not limited to the following:

Operational delivery leadership

• Ensure alignment and integration across all operational functions (programme management, finance, risk, compliance, data, contracts, and customer experience), resolving interdependencies and driving a coherent end-to-end delivery model
• Lead the delivery of the Erasmus+ programme lifecycle, including:
• Calls, application handling, and eligibility checks
• Evaluation and grant award processes
• Contracting, payments, and financial monitoring
• Project monitoring, compliance checks, and closure
• Ensure a high-quality, user-centred customer experience for applicants and beneficiaries across all stages of the programme lifecycle
• Ensure delivery meets quality, timeliness, and compliance standards set by EC and DfE
• Drive continuous improvement in operational performance and customer experience

Systems, processes, and internal control

• Lead the design, implementation, and optimisation of:
• Financial and contract management processes
• Data reporting and audit systems
• Internal control frameworks
• Ensure full compliance with EC internal control standards and audit requirements
• Maintain operational readiness for ex-ante and ongoing assurance processes

Performance, reporting, and delivery assurance

• Lead monitoring of operational KPIs, delivery milestones, and service standards
• Provide regular performance insight and risk analysis to the Director NA
• Ensure accurate and timely operational data, reporting, and evidence to support:
• EC and DfE reporting
• Evaluation and impact assessment
• Drive evidence-based improvement and operational innovation

People leadership and organisational capability

• Lead a large, multidisciplinary workforce including:
• Operations, compliance, finance, and delivery teams
• Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, and onboarding at scale
• Oversee operational financial management of the programme, ensuring robust forecasting, grant disbursement control, and alignment with financial compliance requirements
• Build capability in:
• Programme delivery
• Compliance, audit, and risk management
• Stakeholder and customer service delivery
• Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and delivery-focused culture

Stakeholder and service integration (operational)

• Lead relationships with internal corporate services (Finance, HR, Digital, Procurement, Risk, Estates)
• Ensure delivery of service level agreements to support programme operations
• Manage operational engagement with:
• Delivery partners and suppliers
• Expert assessors and support pools
• Support the Director NA in government and EC engagement, providing operational insight and briefings

Risk, compliance, and assurance

• Lead operational risk management and mitigation planning
• Ensure a robust operational control environment across all functions, with clear ownership of risk, compliance, fraud prevention, and data integrity
• Ensure adherence to:
• EC regulations and programme rules
• UK public financial and governance standards
• Support and prepare for:
• EC audits and inspections
• Ex-ante and ongoing assurance processes
• Escalate risks to Director NA with clear mitigation strategies

Strategic contribution and deputising

• Contribute to development and delivery of the NA strategy and annual plans
• Provide operational insight to inform strategic decisions and planning cycles
• Deputise for the Director NA as required in:
• Internal governance and decision-making forums
• Operational performance discussions
• Ensure strong alignment between strategy, planning, and delivery execution

Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)

• Embed EDI across:
• Operational delivery models
• Grant processes and accessibility
• Workforce culture and leadership practices
• Support delivery of inclusive programme participation and outcomes

Requirements of the role

Role Specific Skills:

• Operational leadership and delivery at scale
• Ability to lead complex, high-volume programme operations, ensuring quality, consistency, and performance across multiple delivery areas
• Systems thinking and process optimisation
• Ability to design, integrate, and continuously improve end-to-end operational processes and systems
• Performance management and data-driven decision making
• Strong capability to define, monitor, and act on KPIs and operational data to drive improvement
• Risk and compliance management
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks while maintaining strong control and compliance in regulated environments
• Financial and commercial acumen
• Understanding of budgets, cost drivers, and financial controls within large-scale delivery programmes
• Stakeholder influence and cross-functional collaboration
• Ability to work effectively across senior stakeholders and corporate functions to deliver integrated solutions
• Planning, prioritisation, and delivery focus
• Ability to manage competing demands, maintain delivery momentum, and align operations to strategic priorities
• Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
• Strong judgement and ability to resolve complex operational challenges quickly and effectively
• Change implementation and continuous improvement
• Ability to lead change, embed new processes, and drive ongoing operational enhancement
• Clear communication of operational performance and issues
• Ability to translate complex operational data, risks, and issues into clear insight for senior audiences
  
  

Role Specific Knowledge and Experience:

Minimum/essential

• Significant experience leading large-scale operational delivery of complex programmes or funding schemes, with accountability for delivery outcomes
• Proven experience managing end-to-end delivery systems, including full programme lifecycle processes (application, assessment, award, monitoring, closure)
• Demonstrable experience operating in highly regulated and compliance-driven environments, including audit, assurance, and internal control frameworks
• Strong track record of leading large, multidisciplinary teams, building capability and sustaining high performance at scale
• Experience of operational performance management, including use of KPIs, service standards, and data to drive improvement
• Experience of working with and influencing senior stakeholders, both internally and externally
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with corporate/professional services (Finance, HR, Digital, Procurement, Risk) to deliver integrated operational solutions
• Demonstrable experience embedding processes, standards, and governance frameworks within a delivery organisation
• Strong understanding of financial management in delivery contexts, including budget oversight and financial controls
• Experience managing delivery through suppliers, partners, or outsourced models, ensuring performance and accountability
• Proven ability to operate effectively in complex, ambiguous, and fast-paced environments
• Experience of identifying and managing operational risks, including escalation and mitigation
• Ability to translate strategic direction into executable operational plans

Desirable

• Experience of Erasmus+ or similar EU / international programmes, with understanding of programme structures and delivery models
• Knowledge of European Commission regulatory frameworks, including requirements for National Agencies
• Experience working with UK Government (e.g. DfE) or similar public sector funding bodies
• Experience delivering within a multi-sector environment (e.g. education, youth, skills, sport)
• Experience of programme mobilisation, transition, or scale-up phases
• Experience of digital-enabled delivery, including implementation or optimisation of grant or case management systems
• Experience contributing to monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) or impact measurement frameworks
• Experience supporting external audits, inspections, or formal assurance reviews
• Experience of international collaboration or partnership working, including cross-border or multi-agency environments 

Language Requirements

• The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in national languages and additional EU languages an asset.

Education

• Degree or equivalent work experience.

Professional Qualification and Certification

• Project Management qualification such as Association of Project Management (or equivalent) certification 

Requirements:

Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the listed locations at the time of application.

This is a hybrid role – primarily working from the office (3 days a week) with home working flexibility.

Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.

British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service.  This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.

#LI-Hybrid

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