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Job Title: Head of Market_Japan
Role Description & Purpose
This is a unique opportunity to join the British Council at a pivotal stage of its growth, taking on a key leadership role in shaping the future of a globally recognised commercial enterprise. As a senior market leader within the English & Examinations (E&E) Strategic Business Unit, you will set and deliver strategic market plans aligned to organisational priorities – driving growth, sustainability, and customer experience.
You will own market P&L performance, identify and convert revenue opportunities, and lead large, high-performing teams to accelerate commercial growth. This includes overseeing business development and partnership strategies to build sustainable, long-term revenue streams.
Success in this role depends on strong cross-functional leadership – partnering with Proposition, Network, and Functional teams to translate global strategy into local market success, align priorities, and deliver profitable, optimised performance.
With ambitious targets and significant scope for career development, this is a chance to make a lasting impact on a global business generating over £700 million annually.
Role Accountabilities
As the senior leader for the market, you will provide inspirational leadership that enables high performance, fosters an inclusive culture, and drives accountability for results. Leading and influencing teams across a complex matrix environment, you will ensure colleagues are aligned behind a shared vision and empowered to deliver ambitious commercial, operational, and customer outcomes.
You will be accountable for developing and delivering the country's E&E business plan, translating global strategy into market-led priorities that drive growth, profitability, and long-term sustainability. Owning the market P&L, you will identify and convert revenue opportunities, oversee resource allocation, and optimise performance to achieve demanding financial and commercial targets.
Building strong partnerships and influencing senior stakeholders will be central to the role – collaborating closely with Proposition, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, People, and Professional Services teams to secure resources, align priorities, and ensure the successful execution of market plans. Externally, you will represent the British Council with customers, strategic partners, government stakeholders, and other key decision-makers, strengthening market presence and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
Using insight, data, and market intelligence, you will monitor performance, manage risk, resolve complex challenges, and drive continuous improvement across customer, commercial, and operational outcomes.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience leading cross-functional teams within complex matrix organisations
- Proven experience in a commercial leadership role, delivering business growth and managing P&L for a medium/large market
- Solid financial acumen, with the ability to manage P&L, make sound investment decisions, and drive profitability while maintaining cost control
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships across internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders and government agencies
- Strong track record in customer experience management, driving satisfaction and retention through effective service delivery
- Expertise in market analysis, revenue forecasting, and performance tracking, with a data-driven approach to decision-making and problem-solving
- Written and verbal proficiency in English, as British Council systems and global processes operate in English
Desirable
- A relevant degree in business, marketing, or a related field
- Experience working in international or global markets, particularly in education.
- Knowledge of global / local market dynamics, customer needs, and competitive landscapes in relevant sectors.
Important Information
- Location: the position is based in Tokyo, Japan
- Contract Type: this is a permanent, full-time position, mostly onsite, with some hybrid flexibility.
- Pay Band: 8
- Monthly Salary: JPY 642,857 to JPY 911,867
- Benefits:
- 21 days of Annual Leave
- Salary structure includes 14 months of basic salary paid through the year (inclusive of the Summer Bonus which is paid in June and Winter Bonus which is paid in December)
- Non-consolidated bonus (if applicable)
- Comprehensive health and insurance package – includes Medical insurance: Full Social and Labour Insurance cover (Industrial Injury Insurance, Health Insurance, Employees’ Pension Insurance and Employment Insurance)
- Professional development - Ongoing learning and career growth opportunities to support your development.
- Right to Work: The candidates must have legal right to live and work in Japan. Unfortunately, we cannot offer visa sponsorship or relocation on this occasion.
- Background Screening: all successful candidates are obliged to undergo comprehensive background screening.
- Closing Date: Sunday, 16 August 2026- 23:59 Philippine Time (GMT +8)
- Interviews will take place in the last week of August.
Further Information:
- Possible Changes to Your Duties: You may be assigned to different duties designated by the British Council to meet operational demands.
- Possible Changes to Your Place of Work: You may be transferred to a different workplace designated by the British Council to meet operational demands.
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 [email protected]
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