Head of Market

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: Taguig City, Philippines

Department: Nurture

Contract Type: Indefinite

Closing Date: Sunday, 26 April 2026- 23:59 Philippine Time (GMT +8)

Role Description/Purpose

This role is responsible for setting strategic E&E plans to deliver products and services to the relevant market, identifying and converting revenue opportunities to drive significant growth and sustainability targets, and enhancing customer experience in line with global brand, product, and service standards. The role ensures that market plans align with organizational strategies, manages P&L accountability, and fosters cross-functional collaboration to achieve business and growth objectives.

Role Accountabilities

The British Council is seeking an experienced leader to take on a pivotal role within our English and Examinations Strategic Business Unit (E&E SBU). As one of two global SBUs, E&E plays a vital part in our mission to build trust in the UK worldwide by sharing our education systems, governance, and culture. Through English language learning and internationally recognised UK qualifications, we help people access life-changing opportunities while fostering communication across cultures. With an annual income of over £700 million, E&E is a commercially run business whose financial surpluses are critical to the sustainability of the British Council. Our vision is to be the world authority in high-quality English language teaching, learning, and assessment, as well as the international distributor of choice for professional and school qualifications.

In this role, you will be responsible for setting strategic market plans that align with global strategies while ensuring relevance to local contexts. You will take full accountability for the market P&L, driving revenue growth, sustainability targets, and customer experience in line with global brand and service standards. Success will depend on your ability to provide inspiring leadership, influence cross-functional teams, and foster collaboration across propositions, networks, and functions. You will represent the needs of the market, work with enabling functions to secure buy-in, and ensure operational excellence through effective resource allocation, compliance, and performance management.

This is a highly visible leadership position requiring strong commercial acumen, strategic foresight, and the ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders ranging from government bodies to global operations teams. You will lead the development and execution of business plans, identify new opportunities for growth, and ensure customer satisfaction, retention, and conversion targets are met. By embedding a culture of transparency, accountability, and high performance, you will play a central role in delivering the British Council’s global ambitions while making a tangible impact in your market.

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant degree in business, marketing, or a related field (desirable)

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience in leading cross-functional teams and matrix organizations.
• Proven experience in a commercial leadership role, with experience delivering business growth and managing P&L for a medium/large market.
• Solid financial acumen, with the ability to manage P&L, make investment decisions, and drive profitability while ensuring cost control.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships across internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders and government agencies.
• Strong track record in customer experience management, driving customer satisfaction and retention through effective service delivery.

Role specific skills

• Expertise in market analysis, revenue forecasting, and performance tracking, with a data-driven approach to decision-making and problem-solving.

Further Information

Language: The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.

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