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
- Provide 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.
Strategy and Narrative
- Develop and deliver a strong medium‑term (3‑year) strategy and annual/multi‑year country plan for Wales, with support from arts and education leads.
- Ensure strategy and narrative are aligned with, and inform, agreed sector strategy/global programmes to amplify our impact and ensure a cohesive cultural relations response.
- Ensure strategies and plans are financially sustainable and reviewed as appropriate.
Partnership & Contract Opportunities
- Act as a strong public face of the British Council in Wales, contributing to public debate to strengthen reputation.
- Secure partnership and contract opportunities aligned to our strategy and beneficial to the British Council and the UK.
- Build and maintain senior relationships with key agencies, partners and individuals to support the achievement of global and country strategies and plans.
Stakeholder Management
- Identify key Wales stakeholders across Welsh Government, the Senedd and sector leaders, maintaining proactive, productive contact.
- Consult Welsh Government and sectoral stakeholders on our Country Strategy and Plan, including through the Wales Advisory Committee.
- Ensure stakeholders understand and value the British Council’s insight, networks and impact.
Team Leadership
- Support and champion change within the Wales team and wider office, instilling a culture that embraces continuous change.
- Foster an inclusive and anti‑racist organisational culture, mitigating biases and supporting well‑being and mental health.
Risk & Compliance
- Manage risks (safeguarding, fraud, IGRM, safety and security) effectively, with evidence of monitoring.
- Ensure compliance with British Council policies, holding staff accountable.
- Deliver commitments to EDI, the Anti‑Racism Action Plan, and environmental protection.
Requirements of the Role
- 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 a country and an understanding of the government, education and culture sectors and decision‑making processes.
Additional Job Requirements
- Rotational Assignment – 3 years. 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.
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