Operations Compliance Manager

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 Role: The purpose of this role is in to support the implementation and continuous improvement of quality standards and process-level compliance across Learning and/or Assessment operations. This includes monitoring compliance against operational control frameworks, third-party risk, and venue staff risk screening. The role enables consistent compliance practices, supports incident response and mitigations, and drives integrity across all activities in defined regions or countries. Accountabilities: Consultancy, Analysis & Problem-Solving * Manage the quality assurance process across all products for Examinations in specific geographies, ensuring reviews are documented and action plans are implemented. * Advise centres on risk mitigation measures, new standards, and best practices, and monitor incident investigations in liaison with team specialists. * Facilitate global Quality Compliance Assessments (QCAs) and develop risk mitigation strategies for identified gaps. * Develop tailored reports and summaries of non-compliance for key stakeholders, ensuring risks are escalated in a timely manner. Relationship & Stakeholder Management * Effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders to enable the implementation of policy changes and the management of major incidents. * Collaborate with global and network operations leads to embed control requirements and act as a British Council representative in partner or awarding body groups. Risk, Compliance & Service Improvement * Support teams in relevant geographies to manage risks within agreed appetites and provide assurance that controls are effective. * Identify opportunities for process improvements and technical enhancements to improve the efficiency of the Governance and Compliance function. * Actively champion staff compliance with corporate and regulatory policies, investigating reasons for non-compliance and agreeing on mitigations. Leadership, Management & Safeguarding * Promote a culture of audit readiness and accountability across teams through coaching and the delivery of training on topics like test security and compliance. * Ensure that safeguarding implementation standards are followed to promote safety for children and adults, escalating concerns appropriately. * Ensure safe recruitment processes are sustained for venue staff and third parties in focal geographies. Role Specific Knowledge and Experience: Essential: * Experience in audits or investigations in an operational, regulatory or delivery context * Knowledge of risk controls, SOPs, and assurance frameworks * Understanding of E&E teaching/exams delivery lifecycle * Experience of working with or managing a geographically dispersed team (e.g. across a region or large country) * Successful demonstration of adhering to and promoting compliance to corporate and external compliance frameworks * Demonstrable experience of the deployment of strategic business assurance, compliance and/or risk mitigation approaches across a regional or global business Language Requirements: The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required. Education: Degree in Compliance, Quality Assurance, or a related field (or relevant experience) Professional Qualification and Certification: Training or qualifications in safeguarding, compliance, or operational policy (Desirable) Closing Date: Applications will close at 23:59 UK time/ 18:59 Toronto Canada time on Tuesday, 21 July 2026 You must have the legal right to work in Canada at the time of application. Notes: * Regular travel, especially within main country/geography of focus * Occasional evening and weekend working will be needed, for example when travelling or carrying out exams’ reviews, spot checks or audits. Important Information Business Unit: English and Exams Pay Band: 7 / F Country/Location: Canada Contract Type: Indefinite Contract This role is primarily based in Toronto and follows a hybrid working model. We welcome applications from candidates across Canada. For candidates located outside the Toronto area, remote working arrangements will be considered, subject to business needs and role requirements. Requirements: Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in Canada. 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. 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