Job Description

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.

• Number of positions: 1
• British Council Pay Band 6
• Employment Type: Indefinite Contract Local
• Salary : £28,072 gross per annum
• Location: United Kingdom
• Deadline to receive applications: 16th September 2026

Role Purpose:

To lead administration processes for Global Estates and supporting Head of Business Management allowing them to fulfil their role in running Global Estates business as usual functions in an effective and efficient way. In particular, the postholder will be responsible for

• Contract administrator for estates related managed services providers (MSP) e.g. furniture, regional architectural and/or mechanical & electrical services and core contractsfor the global delivery of lease transactions, capital projects and Global Estates Facilities Management.
• Support Estates Portfolio Management with global portfolio and lease administration.
• Manage and improve Global Estates communication sites including the intranet and SharePoint. Role holder is expected to review/improve content on the intranet and SharePoint sites to reflect the team globally.
• Support Head of Business Management with financial management process and implement process improvement as required.

Main Accountabilities:

Function Support

• Support Head of Business Management with internal communication tools including maintaining and updating Global Estates SharePoint and intranet sites.
• Support any re-tender process reporting to the allocated Contract Manager.
• Manage, arrange and minute meetings.
• Coordinate and circulate associated documentation / links to documentation.
• Under guidance from Global Estates’ Commercial Manager and Procurement, if required, coordinate tender documents (packs) and bid evaluations for tender invitation to potential suppliers.
• Maintain supplier dashboard (services, ranking).
• Obtain and circulate papers ahead of time, as necessary.
• Log actions and follow-up for responses.
• File associated documents, including variations etc.
• Manage commercial & contract Teams site and SharePoint repository.
• Lead administrator for Estates Portfolio Management ensuring effective coordination of reports by delivery partner managing distribution and stakeholder lists making additions/deletions as required.
• Ad hoc duties for the senior team when needed.

Finance and Resource Management

• Manage routine financial processes on SAP/My Procurement e.g. raise purchase orders, vendor set up, intercompany purchase orders requests etc in a timely manner.
• Communicate with relevant parties to ensure that correct WBS structures etc are set-up in a timely manner.
• Ensure all Works Orders, instruction mandates, etc. are recorded appropriately to track expenditure.
• Oversee, reconcile and process invoices.
• Liaise with local finance teams to ensure purchase orders are opened / closed appropriately.
• Assist Head of Business Management with routine SAP reports to review/reconcile expenditure across BAU transactions at Year-End process.

Relationship and Stakeholder Management

• As and if required, support project lead(s) by managing the governance process, recording and independently following up on actions to ensure timely completion of the necessary auditable documentation for specific groups of projects.

Role specific knowledge and experience:

Minimum/essential

• Demonstrable experience of supporting head of function to implement improvements to processes and communication tools.
• Knowledge and prior experience of using SAP; supporting a busy directorate with financial processes including raising and reconciling purchase orders and supplier invoice management.
• Demonstrable experience of quickly creating and managing key relationships with all internal and external stakeholders and contacts, including senior managers.
• Demonstrable experience of working in a fast paced, commercially and politically sensitive environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of real estate and facilities management and delivery is beneficial.
• Experience of using SAP to manage purchase orders , administration, SharePoint & Intranet management is a must

Desirable

• Experience of setting up Excel spreadsheets and creating reports for managers.

Education

An undergraduate degree (NQF level 7) or equivalent professional experience is desirable.

Language

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

Requirements:

Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the UK.

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.

Please note that all applications should be submitted in English only.

It is advisable to apply in advance to avoid any technical issues at the last moment.

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