Head of Market

Pay Band: 8

Country/Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Department: English and Exams - Network

Contract Type: Indefinite

Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 October 2026- 23:59 Philippine Time (GMT +8)

Role Description/Purpose

This role is responsible for setting strategic E&E plans to deliver products and services to the relevant market, identifying and converting revenue opportunities to drive significant growth and achieve sustainability targets, and enhancing the customer experience in line with global brand, product, and service standards. The role ensures that market plans are aligned with organisational strategies, owns the P&L, and fosters collaboration across functions to achieve business and growth targets.

Role Accountabilities

This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead the British Council’s English and Examinations (E&E) business within the country, driving sustainable growth, commercial performance, and customer impact. As part of one of the British Council’s two global Strategic Business Units, you will play a pivotal role in connecting people to life-changing education, employment, and international opportunities through English language learning and globally recognised UK qualifications. You will be responsible for developing and delivering the country’s E&E business plan, ensuring alignment with global strategies while responding effectively to local market needs. With full accountability for market performance, including ownership of the profit and loss account, you will identify and convert growth opportunities, strengthen customer experience, and lead the successful implementation of products and services in line with global brand and quality standards.

Working across a complex, matrixed organisation, you will provide inspiring leadership and influence cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious business objectives. You will build strong relationships with proposition, marketing, sales, operations, professional services, government and external stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of market plans and revenue targets. The role requires strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and the ability to use market insights and performance data to guide decision-making, manage risk, optimise resources, and enhance profitability. As a senior leader, you will champion the British Council’s values, foster a culture of high performance, equity, diversity and inclusion, and ensure that customers remain at the heart of everything we do while contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of the organisation.

Qualifications & Experience

- Education: Relevant degree in business, marketing, or a related field (desirable)

Minimum/essential

- Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience in leading cross-functional teams and matrix organizations.
- Proven experience in a commercial leadership role, with experience delivering business growth and managing P&L for a medium/large market.
- Solid financial acumen, with the ability to manage P&L, make investment decisions, and drive profitability while ensuring 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 customer satisfaction and retention through effective service delivery.

Desirable

- Experience working in international or global markets, particularly in education.
- Knowledge of global / local market dynamics, customer needs, and competitive landscapes in relevant sectors.

Further Information

Language: The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.

Benefits :

- 18 days of Annual Leave - entitlement will progress in accordance with the length of service
- 1 Month Contractual Bonus
- Non-consolidated bonus
- Comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan
- Provident Fund at 16% EPF (Employees Provident Fund) employer contribution
- Professional development - Ongoing learning and career growth opportunities to support your development.

Right to Work: Locally recruited

Applications are welcomed from candidates currently in this location with a natural right to work.

Applications are also welcomed from candidates currently based in other British Council country offices. However, please note candidates must have a natural right to work in the country, on a permanent basis, as immigration clearance and/or on-going visa support is not provided by the British Council for this role.  Relocation support is also not provided.