Director of Marketing

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. Role purpose Lead the development and delivery of the marketing and communications strategy for English and Exams (E&E) for the APAC and MENA regions, ensuring alignment with global marketing priorities and the British Council brand while partnering with the business to achieve commercial and strategic objectives. Marketing and Communications is a strategic function that drives awareness, engagement and growth through customer insight, data-driven marketing and impactful storytelling. The team strengthens the British Council's global reputation while supporting business performance and delivering meaningful impact through English and Exams. Main Accountabilities Strategy & Planning * Lead the development and delivery of the E&E marketing and communications strategy, aligned with global priorities, brand standards and business objectives. * Develop integrated, customer-centric campaigns across multiple routes to market, using audience segmentation, market intelligence and performance insights to maximise impact and ROI. * Drive marketing innovation, quality assurance and KPIs, contributing to global marketing strategy and transformation initiatives. Consultancy, Analysis & Problem Solving * Provide strategic marketing expertise to solve complex business challenges and influence senior stakeholders through data-driven insights and compelling business cases. * Use market intelligence and country insights to shape long-term marketing strategies aligned with E&E priorities. * Champion marketing best practice and innovation across the category. Functional Expertise * Act as the strategic marketing expert and trusted advisor for the category. * Coach and develop country marketing teams while representing the British Council with external stakeholders. Commercial & Financial Management * Manage regional marketing budgets, ensuring effective financial planning, governance and resource optimisation. * Monitor marketing performance, expenditure and ROI to inform strategic investment decisions. Relationship & Stakeholder Management * Build strong partnerships across E&E, Marketing and external stakeholders to deliver integrated marketing strategies. * Collaborate with the Marketing Community of Practice and global marketing leaders to share knowledge and drive continuous improvement. Leadership & Management * Lead and develop high-performing regional marketing teams, setting direction and delivering annual business plans. * Build stakeholder sponsorship and contribute to global marketing strategy and organisational change. Role Specific Skills * Insights: Obtains information about markets and Analyses information for insights * Integrated marketing communications: Develop and Deliver Integrated marketing communications * Partnership marketing: Develop and Deliver channel to market/partnership marketing plans * Monitoring and measuring effectiveness: Measures the effectiveness of marketing activities Qualifications and Work Experience Qualifications * Essential: Degree or professional qualification in marketing, communications or business or demonstrable level of equivalent experience * Desirable: Postgraduate degree in a relevant field, e.g. marketing and communications and business studies or demonstrable level of equivalent experience Work Experience Essentials * Considerable experience of leading a marketing function within a large and complex organisation * Deep understanding of marketing best practice and trends. * Demonstrable experience in managing and mitigating marketing risks and issues * Experience managing teams in either APAC or MENA Desirables * Strong knowledge of the markets the British Council operates in * Experience in leading a marketing function within a global organisation. * Managing teams in APAC and MENA Important Information * Language requirements: The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required * British Council Pay Band: 9/D * Department: English and Exam * Working location: Malaysia * Proof of Identity requirements/right to work in country: Candidates should ensure they have the pre-existing legal right to live and work in the country where the role is based. Visa and Relocation assistance is not provided. * Closing Date: 31st August 2026 (23.59 ICT) 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