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.

Erasmus+ Statement

The Department for Education has announced that the British Council has been nominated to take on the role of national agency for Erasmus+.

In December the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014-20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK's cultural relations activities, funding 8,091 projects, engaging 583,757 UK participants, and awarding around €1.1 billion to UK organisations.

Pay Band ​​Grade 8/E

​ Salary £38,820 plus £3,300 per annum London Market Allowance for those in the London area only.

Right to Work Requirements Right to work in the UK at the time of application. The British Council is not able to support or sponsor work visa applications.

Location London

Contract Duration 2 Year Fixed Term Contract with possibility of extension

Closing Date: Applications will close on Thursday 25 June at 23:59 UK Time

We have 5 Senior Grant Manager vacancies within the following sectors of Erasmus+:

Youth & Sport

Higher Education

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Adult Education (AE)

Schools

Purpose of the Role

The Senior Grants Manager, reporting to the Head of Grants, provides operational leadership for the Erasmus+ grants programme within a defined sector, ensuring all grant activity is compliant, transparent, and delivers strong outcomes in line with KPIs and contractual requirements.

You will be responsible for leading on grant strategy, assessment and funding processes, managing risk and financial stewardship, and overseeing a team of grants officers while driving performance, continuous improvement, and stakeholder engagement across internal and external partners.

Main Accountabilities

• Provide leadership for E+ grants management, ensuring alignment with client and organisational priorities and driving performance and continuous improvement.
• Lead, manage and develop the grants team through coaching, performance management, capability building and operational planning.
• Oversee resources, budgets and systems to ensure compliant and effective programme delivery.
• Monitor KPIs and performance, using insights to improve delivery and demonstrate impact.
• Plan and allocate workloads to deliver the annual work programme and meet performance targets.
• Manage risk for Erasmus+ grants delivery, ensuring issues are identified, escalated, and effectively mitigated.
• Contribute to Monthly Control Checks and act as key contact for audits and compliance reviews.

Role Specific Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Significant grant management experience
• 5+ years’ experience in Schools, Youth & Sport, VET, Higher Education, or Adult Education.
• Evidence of continued professional development and professional networking
• Experience managing teams delivering customer-facing services to external stakeholders.

Desirable

• Leadership or management qualification
• Experience of working in public sector organisations, particularly aligned to a central government remit.

Specific Requirements

• Degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Programme / project management qualification (Post holder to achieve an agreed qualification within 12 months of starting in post).
• Written and verbal proficiency in English.
• Ability to work effectively within a hybrid working environment.

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.
#LI-Hybrid

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