Country Director Wales

Country Director Wales

Location: Cardiff, UK
Contract Type: Rotational Assignment - 3 years
Pay Grade: SMPL
Remuneration: £65,000 Negotiable
Closing date: 27 July 2026 at 21:59 UK Time

Requirements: Legal right to work in the UK. No visa sponsorship or relocation support.

Role Purpose

The new Country Director for Wales will lead our operations in Wales over the next three years, building on the momentum that has been established. As the principal interlocutor with the Welsh Government and the Welsh education and culture sectors, the Country Director will shape our work, identify new opportunities, partners and beneficiaries, and build our impact, relevance, visibility and connections across the nation. The postholder will also lead the Wales team and the wider Wales office through a period of organisational change, implementing the British Council's Turnaround Plan to deliver savings and new growth. The Country Director joins counterparts in Scotland and Northern Ireland and the Head of External Relations as part of the UK Leadership Team, reporting to Director UK & External Relations.

Main Accountabilities UK and country insight and intelligence to identify cultural relations opportunities.

• Thorough understanding of the devolved context and priorities, through extensive networks of opinion leaders and other sources, and identifies opportunities to increase cultural relations impact.
• Sound understanding of the education and arts sectors in Wales, their aims and ambitions for internationalisation and their role in the wider UK dynamic.
• Ensures insight is organisational, shared and accessible to colleagues, rather than retained by the individual and country.
• Uses insight to influence global strategies.

Shaping, monitoring & delivering the whole country British Council strategy, narrative and brand - our cultural relations response.

• Develop and deliver a strong medium term (3year) strategy and annual/multi year country plan for Wales, with support from arts and education leads.
• Strategy and narrative are aligned with, and inform, agreed sector strategy/global programmes to amplify our impact and ensure a cohesive cultural relations response.
• Strategies and plans are financially sustainable and reviewed as appropriate.

Identifying and leveraging partnership and contract opportunities to deliver the strategy.

• Acts as a strong public face of the British Council in Wales, contributing to public debate to strengthen reputation.
• Secures partnership and contract opportunities aligned to our strategy and beneficial to the British Council and the UK.
• Builds and maintains senior relationships with key agencies, partners and individuals to support the achievement of global and country strategies and plans.

Managing stakeholders: FCDO, other UK Delegations, devolved administrations, and representatives of UK institutions.

• Identifies key Wales stakeholders across Welsh Government, the Senedd and sector leaders, maintaining proactive, productive contact.
• Consults Welsh Government and sectoral stakeholders on our Country Strategy and Plan, including through the Wales Advisory Committee.
• Stakeholders understand and value the British Council's insight, networks and impact.

Lead the Wales team - overall duty of care.

• Supports and champions change within the Wales team and wider office, instilling a culture that embraces continuous change.
• Fosters an inclusive and anti racist organisational culture, mitigating biases and supporting well being and mental health.

Protect trust in the British Council and the UK.

• Manages risks (safeguarding, fraud, IGRM, safety and security) effectively, with evidence of monitoring.
• Ensures compliance with British Council policies, holding staff accountable.
• Delivers commitments to EDI, the Anti Racism Action Plan, and environmental protection.

Requirements of the Role Minimum / Essential

• Ability to balance diplomatic and cultural relations stakeholder facing responsibility with commercial priorities.
• Commercial acumen and understanding of business performance and financial drivers.
• Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience.

Desirable

• Recent experience working in country and an understanding of the government, education and culture sectors and decision making processes.

Additional Job Requirements

• Rotational Assignment - 3years. UK nationality required.
• Regular domestic travel, some international travel, attendance at evening or weekend events.
• May require security clearance at SC level.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. Appointment to positions with direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks completed in line with legal requirements and British Council's safeguarding policies.