Head of New Business Development

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 The Head of New Business Development is responsible for defining and delivering the regional new business development strategy for Business to Organisation (B2O) clients across education, government and corporate sectors. Working closely with the Regional Business Development Director and B2O geography directors, you will lead the development of the regional pipeline strategy, establish business development priorities and oversee the implementation of go-to-market plans that drive sustainable growth and achievement of new business targets. As both a strategic leader and individual contributor, you will lead a team of Business Development Managers while actively pursuing high-value opportunities, building relationships with prospective clients, and supporting conversion of opportunities into sustainable partnerships. The role plays a critical part in expanding the British Council’s English and Examinations (E&E) business portfolio, strengthening market presence and delivering growth through strategic sales, lead generation and tender opportunities. Role Accountabilities You will define and oversee the implementation of regional business development strategies, ensuring alignment with commercial priorities and business growth objectives. You will work closely with sales, account management and marketing teams to identify target markets, develop lead generation plans, manage sales pipelines and drive conversion of new opportunities. The role is responsible for identifying and engaging prospective clients, qualifying opportunities, supporting tender responses and nurturing prospects through the sales cycle to successful conversion. You will also ensure that marketing activity, sales campaigns and business development initiatives are aligned to agreed growth targets and deliver measurable results. You will lead and develop a geographically dispersed team of Business Development Managers, setting performance expectations, monitoring KPIs, providing coaching and supporting professional development. You will oversee CRM governance, reporting and business intelligence activities to ensure the effective use of customer and pipeline data, while maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders across regional, global and market teams. The role also requires promoting compliance with agreed sales processes, supporting the implementation of the global sales operating model and driving continuous improvement in lead generation, prospect engagement and opportunity conversion. Requirements Essential: * University degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline. * Established and proven sales experience, including experience in outbound B2O sales. * Experience leading and managing business development or sales teams. * Experience managing geographically dispersed or remote teams. * Strong business development, prospecting and negotiation skills. * Experience developing and implementing sales or lead generation strategies. * Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM and prospecting tools. * Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills. * Experience using sales and pipeline reporting to drive performance and business growth. * Ability to analyse market and customer data to identify opportunities and improve conversion rates. * Written and verbal proficiency in English at C1 level.Local language proficiency at C2 level, written and spoken. Desirable: * Sales, Business Development qualification. * B2O sales development experience within education and government sectors. * Solution-selling experience within large sectors such as financial services, media, pharmaceuticals, tourism or government. * B2O marketing experience. * Experience managing tender-based business opportunities and procurement processes. Important Information * Contract Duration: Indefinite * Location: UK (London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast) * Pay band: 8/E, £40,179 - £47,410 (Plus an additional £3,300 per annum - London Market Allowance if you are based in the London area only) * Benefits for the UK include, but are not limited to: * * 32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidays * 3 days volunteering leave * Career average defined benefit pension scheme * An unrivalled opportunity for you to get to use all the experience you’ve built up working in and/or leading global organisations to support us in building trust across the world. * Working Model: Hybrid * Proof of Identity requirements & right to work in the country: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the stated location. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are not provided for this role. * Deadline for applications: 4th November 2026 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