Account Manager

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire. The British Council is seeking a motivated and commercially minded Account Manager to support the growth of its English & Examinations portfolio. This role is ideal for someone who excels at building trusted relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and delivering tailored solutions that meet the needs of diverse customers. Managing both a pipeline of new opportunities and a portfolio of existing accounts, the Account Manager helps drive sustainable income growth and ensures the delivery of an exceptional customer experience. Their clients may include corporate organisations, government partners, education institutions, and other stakeholders who rely on the British Council for high‑quality English language training, assessments, and examinations. Working closely with internal teams—spanning teaching centres, examinations, marketing, operations and product—the Account Manager shapes solutions such as English language and communication skills training, English language assessments, and exams for secondary, higher, and professional education. This role directly contributes to the British Council’s ambition to be the global leader in English teaching, learning, and assessment, and the international distribution partner of choice for UK qualifications. * * * ## Key Responsibilities * Managing, developing, and growing a portfolio of B2B accounts * Building strong, long‑lasting relationships with key customer stakeholders * Identifying new commercial opportunities and leading pitches, negotiations, and deal closures * Designing solutions, proposals, and bids in collaboration with internal teams * Ensuring an excellent customer experience across onboarding, delivery, review, and renewal * Maintaining accurate CRM data and providing sales and pipeline insights * Leading internal account teams to ensure coordinated and high‑quality support * Identifying opportunities for cross‑selling and broader value creation * Supporting continuous improvement in sales processes, delivery quality, and customer outcomes * * * ## Working Arrangements * This role is offered on a hybrid working basis, combining remote work with regular, required office presence. The balance of office and home working will be aligned to business needs, collaboration requirements, and customer commitments. * Candidates must have the right to live and work in the country where the role is based; visa sponsorship is limited and depends on local office conditions. * This is a full‑time role, Monday to Friday. * * * ## Requirements ### Essential * Minimum 3 years’ sales experience, including B2B account management * Strong sales, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills * Proven ability to manage accounts and coordinate cross‑functional teams * Experience with CRM platforms such as Salesforce * Proficiency in Microsoft Office * Local language proficiency at C2 level; English at B2/C1 (spoken and written) ### Desirable * Experience in solution‑based selling in major sectors (government, finance, media, pharmaceuticals, tourism) * Sales or marketing qualifications * University degree or equivalent * * * ## Additional Information Location: Tokyo, Japan Job type: Hybrid Pay Grade: 6/G Number of openings: 1 Contract: Indefinite Contract 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. Closing Date: Monday, 8th of June 2026 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 askhr@britishcouncil.org