COTS and Business Apps Manager

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 Role:

The COTS and Business Apps Service Manager supports the COTS and Business Apps Lead working with the Service Provider to deliver the service lifecycle roadmap and Applications Strategy for the British Council COTS and Business Applications, aligned to the Digital Engagement Strategy and the needs of the British Council. The roadmap defines the activities of the service from launch through service delivery and improvement and finally service sunset. The Service roadmap is delivered through a combination of suppliers and Digital and Technology staff.

Accountabilities:  

Leadership & management

• Support the Principal – COTS and Business Applications in managing delivery by third party suppliers to achieve the service levels agreed with the organisation and continual improvement on these service levels.

Strategy and/or Planning

• Support the Service Provider to develop and deliver the service lifecycle roadmap for the services managed through consultation with key business stakeholders; engagement with third-party suppliers and industry expertise.
• Ensures the service provider adheres to policies and standards relating to the service managed and ensures business and third-party compliance with these and our ways of working.

Relationship and Stakeholder management

• Manage stakeholder relationships to ensure assurance, effectiveness, and organisational reliability.
• Collaborate with service providers and SMEs to drive improvements and validate application requests in line with Applications Strategy and other relevant policies (including the Information Security Policy)

Professional services expertise

• Manage the COTS portfolio and ensure it remains appropriate for the British Council’s needs.
• Support British Council developed Line of Business Applications

Consultancy, analysis and problem solving

• Support crisis management for high‑priority incidents by working closely with the managed services provider and engaging business teams when required. Collaborate with IS Service teams and broader stakeholders to assess change needs, analyse business and procurement impacts, and ensure informed decision‑making.
• Guide business units and D&T teams in working effectively with the managed services partner, ensuring alignment with contracts, governance requirements, and organisational standards.

Role specific knowledge and experience: 

Essential:

• Experience of Managing Supplier Service Delivery
• Experience of managing COTS and Business Applications services in an outsourced, international, complex environment

Desirable:

• Budget management

Role specific skills:

• IT Service Management / ITIL Process delivery
• Supplier Management
• Project management

Education/ Professional Qualification and Certification

Minimum / Essential

• Degree qualified or equivalent experience.

Desirable

• An advanced degree such as a Master's in Business Administration or Information Technology

Professional Qualification and Certification

Minimum / Essential

• Qualification or high level of demonstrable capability with relevant COTS and Business Applications. Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty
• Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals

Desirable

• ITIL V4 Expert
• PRINCE 2 Practitioner
• AgileSHIFT

Closing Date:   Applications will close at 23:59 IST/18:29 UK Time on Wednesday, 21 January 2026

You must have the legal right to work in India at the time of application.

Important Information:

Pay Band: 8

Country/Location: Noida, India

Contract Type: Indefinite Contract (Permanent)

Requirements:
Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in India.

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.

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