Head of Business Operations

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. * Job Title: Head Business Operations * Pay Band – PB7 * Closing Date (Time) – 26th May 2026 * Location – Sri Lanka * Salary – LKR 315,667 Monthly Gross Salary * Contract - Fixed Term Contract - 24 Months Purpose of job: * Lead Business Operations with strong focus on financial governance, compliance, risk management, safeguarding, audit and operational resilience. * Oversee Facilities, IT, Procurement, Security and Resources functions to ensure efficient, secure, customer-focused and value-driven operations aligned with business objectives. * Provide strategic operational leadership by managing digital infrastructure, business continuity, stakeholder relationships and regulatory engagement while contributing to the Country Leadership Team * Main opportunities/challenges for this role Accountabilities, responsibilities and main duties: Main Accountabilities: * Lead the day-to-day delivery of Business Operations support services across Sri Lanka, ensuring effective and compliant service provision. * Implement country-level operational plans aligned to regional and global Business Operations frameworks. * Oversee Facilities, IT, Information Management and Resources functions, ensuring service standards meet business requirements and are aligned to British Council policy and processes. * Monitor contract and supplier performance, supporting value for money and operational effectiveness. * Ensure compliance with procurement, IT, information management, security, and health & safety policies, embedding consistent operational standards. * Coordinate audit preparation and follow-up actions, ensuring timely implementation of recommendations and maintenance of the country risk register. * Support safety, security and business continuity arrangements, contributing to assurance reporting to the Country Leadership Team. * Ensure implementation of the British Council Safety, Security and Continuity Framework across all Sri Lanka locations. Safeguarding and Child Protection * Ensure adherence to safeguarding and child protection standards, including safe recruitment practices and appropriate escalation of safeguarding concerns. * Work collaboratively with the Country Leadership Team, regional service functions and external partners to deliver effective operational support. Language Requirement: English at CEFR C1/C2 level Role specific knowledge and experience Minimum/Essential: * Required experience of operations management (security, facilities and/or information technology), in a large organisation operating across multiple sites and location * Experience of security and wider risk management in a similar context to this role * Experience of managing competing customer demands as part of a business operations team * Demonstrable ability to work independently * Leadership – five years of experience and solid track record in business operations * Project Management and Budget Management skills and experience * Experience and understanding of best practices in support service processes and systems * Ability to work effectively in a matrix environment * Ability to multitask and support colleagues through change Desirable: * Experience of operations management (security, facilities and/or information technology) across multiple sites and in an international organisation. * Proficiency in SAP * Proficiency in PowerApps Requirements: Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in Srilanka, Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview. 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