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