British Council
E+ Deputy National Agency Director & Director Operations
London
Posted 3 days ago
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E+ Deputy National Agency Director & Director Operations
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:
- Must have current right to work in the UK.
- The British Council does not support or sponsor work visa applications.
Closing Date: 14 July 2025 (22:59 UK Time)
Note: Any offer made pending confirmation of client funds.
About the Role
Role Purpose
The Deputy National Agency Director & Director of Operations will lead the operational delivery, systems, and performance of the UK Erasmus+ National Agency, ensuring the programme is delivered efficiently, compliantly, and at scale.
Working alongside the Director NA, this role is accountable for:
- Translating strategic direction into operational delivery.
- Overseeing end-to-end programme operations.
- Ensuring robust systems, controls, and policies align with European Commission (EC) and Department for Education (DfE) requirements.
- Supporting national-level accountability through operational assurance and insight.
Key Accountabilities
1. Operational Delivery Leadership
- Ensure coordination of all operational functions—programme management, finance, risk, compliance, data, contracts, and customer experience—while resolving interdependencies to deliver a coherent end-to-end model.
- Lead Erasmus+ programme lifecycle, including:
- Handling calls, applications, and eligibility checks.
- Overseeing evaluation, grant award, contracting, and financial monitoring.
- Managing project monitoring, compliance, and closure.
- Deliver a high-quality, user-centred experience for applicants and stakeholders at every stage.
- Meet EC and DfE quality, timeliness, and compliance standards.
- Drive continuous improvement in operational performance and customer experience.
2. Systems, Processes & Internal Control
- Lead the design, implementation, and optimisation of:
- Financial and contract management processes.
- Reporting and data systems.
- Operational control frameworks.
- Ensure full compliance with EC internal self-assessment standards and audits.
- Maintain operational readiness for ex-ante and ongoing EU assurance processes.
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3. Performance, Reporting & Delivery Assurance
- Monitor operational KPIs, delivery milestones, and service standards.
- Provide regional insights and risk analysis to the Director NA.
- Ensure accurate and timely operational data for:
- EC and DfE reporting.
- Evaluation and impact assessments.
- Foster data-driven improvement and operational innovation.
4. People Leadership & Workforce Capability
- Lead large, multidisciplinary teams, including operations, compliance, finance, and delivery professionals.
- Steer workforce planning, recruitment, and onboarding at scale.
- Oversee operational financial management, including grant disbursement controls and compliance adherence.
- Build capabilities in:
- Programme delivery.
- Compliance, audit, and risk management.
- Stakeholder and customer service.
- Develop a high-performing, inclusive, delivery-focused culture.
5. Stakeholder & Service Integration (Operational)
- Coordinate relationships with internal corporate services (Finance, HR, Digital, Procurement, Risk).
- Deliver service-level agreements (SLAs) for programme operations.
- Manage operational engagement with:
- Delivery partners and suppliers.
- Assessors and specialist support teams.
- Support the Director NA in EC/government briefings.
6. Risk, Compliance & Assurance
- Lead operational risk management and mitigation.
- Ensure compliance with:
- EC regulations and European programme rules.
- UK public financial and governance standards.
- Prepare for EC audits or inspector visits.
- Escalate high-risk issues to the Director NA with mitigation strategies.
7. Strategic Contribution & Deputising
- Contribute to National Agency strategy and annual plans.
- Meet with the Deputy Director for high-level operational discussions.
- Deputise for the Director NA in:
- Governance and decision-making forums.
- Operational strategy alignment.
8. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
- Embed EDI into:
- Delivery models.
- Grant accessibility processes.
- Leadership and workplace culture.
- Champion inclusive participation and outcomes across the programme.
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Key Knowledge & Experience
Essential Requirements
- Significant experience leading large-scale operations of complex funding schemes, ensuring accountable outcomes.
- Proven track record managing full programme lifecycles: applications, assessment, awards, monitoring, and closure.
- Experience operating in highly regulated environments, including audit, compliance, and controls.
- Ability to scale high performance across diverse multisectoral teams.
- Knowledge of operational performance management using KPIs, data, and service improvements.
- Extensive experience collaborating with both internal and external senior stakeholders.
- Effective leadership with corporate services (Finance, HR, Digital, Procurement).
- Experience establishing governance frameworks to align operations.
- Strong grasp of financial management in delivery environments.
- Ability to negotiate with partners, suppliers, or outsourced teams ensuring performance.
- Operational resilience within ambiguity and shifting priorities.
Desirable
- Familiarity with Erasmus+ or similar EURopean programmes.
- Understanding of EC Agent mandate responsibilities and National Agency rules.
- Background in UK public funding programmes (e.g., Department for Education).
- Experience in delivering education, training, or employment schemes.
- Expertise in programme transitions or expansion phases.
Technical & Language Skills
- Fluency in English (written and verbal) required.
- No additional languages are required but desirable given operational demands.
Education & Certifications
- Degree or equivalent practical experience.
- Project Management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2 or Association for Project Management).
Eligibility
- Pre-existing UK right to work.
- Work pattern: Hybrid (3 days in office).
Note: Relocation/visa assistance not provided by the British Council.
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Skills
Operational Delivery
Programme Management
Compliance
Risk Management
Financial Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Team Leadership
Data Reporting
Customer Experience
Continuous Improvement
Audit
Project Monitoring
Grant Management
Performance Management
Erasmus+
Strategic Planning
Location