Head of Business Development- Schools

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/F Country/Location: Pakistan Department: English and Exams Contract Type: Indefinite Contract-Local Closing Date: 23rd October 2026 Role Purpose: The Head of Schools is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of sales strategy and managing a discrete team to achieve annual business targets and individual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). They may also be responsible for managing key accounts and leading on high-value opportunities. Main accountabilities: The role will provide strategic and operational leadership, driving business growth, strengthening customer relationships and delivering ambitious commercial targets. The Head of Schools will contribute to the development and implementation of the Schools sales and commercial strategy, working closely with country and regional marketing teams to ensure marketing activity supports business objectives and revenue growth. The role will lead the Schools sales capability, overseeing Business Development, Account Management and Account Support teams, with responsibility for performance, resourcing, customer acquisition, retention and overall customer success. The role will provide strong people leadership, coaching and mentoring to develop a high-performing team and ensure effective onboarding, training and professional development. It will also lead business development activity, identifying new opportunities, building a strong sales pipeline and managing key accounts through opportunity, delivery and renewal. Strong commercial and negotiation skills will be required to manage opportunities and contracts within agreed parameters, while building trusted relationships with key customers and internal stakeholders. The role will work collaboratively across the British Council to develop solutions, resolve challenges and identify opportunities for growth. A data-driven approach will be central to the role, using CRM and reporting tools to monitor sales effectiveness, KPIs and business performance, identify opportunities for improvement and provide insight into sales, delivery and retention. The role will also ensure adherence to global sales processes, CRM workflows and data governance requirements. The successful candidate will have a strong track record in sales, business development, account management and people leadership, supported by excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and project management skills. Strong communication, influencing and relationship-building capabilities are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Experience in the education, English language teaching, examinations or a related sector would be advantageous. This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the growth of the British Council’s Schools business in Pakistan while working with a global organisation focused on creating opportunities through education, English and cultural exchange. Role specific knowledge, skills and experience: * 4 year aprox. B2B sales and account management * University degree or equivalent in a relevant subject or discipline * Familiarity with Salesforce or use of similar CRM * English level at C1 speaking and writing * Sales or Marketing qualifications Desirable * Solution-sales experience in large sectors (e.g. financial services, media, pharmaceuticals tourism, government sector etc) * B2B Marketing experience * Local language at C2 level for speaking and writing Condition of Employment: Language: Strong English proficiency is crucial for this role, requiring fluency in both written and spoken communication to effectively navigate British Council systems and international operations. Please note: Interviews will be conducted primarily in English. The successful candidate must be able to speak and write well in English, as this is essential for the role. Locally recruited: Applications are welcomed from candidates currently in this location with a natural right to work. Relocation support is 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