Job Description

As a valued employee of the British Council, you already help us deliver our mission to support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For over 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

You are part of our organisation in over 200 countries and territories and where we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

Job Title: Senior Business Analyst

Pay Band 8

Salary £40,179 gross per annum
Contract Duration indefinite Contract Local
Location Cardiff, London, Edinburg, Belfast three days in a week hybrid – office locations Manchester (Home working)

Right to Work Requirements: Current right to work in the UK. The British Council is not able to support or sponsor work visa applications.

Closing Date Applications will close on Monday 7th September 2026

Role Purpose

Lead the delivery of high-quality business intelligence, performance reporting and analytical insight that enables evidence-based decision-making across Cultural Engagement (CE). Drive the development of performance and planning approaches, ensuring senior leaders have the information, tools and insights needed to optimise performance, manage risk and deliver the Global Business Plan.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead CE's business intelligence and performance reporting function, delivering management information, dashboards, analysis and insights that support strategic decision-making and organisational performance.
• Develop and enhance CE's planning, reporting and analytical frameworks, ensuring consistent, high-quality data and insight across sectors, countries and global portfolios.
• Provide expert analysis and consultancy, including deep-dive investigations into performance, risk and opportunity, translating complex data into actionable recommendations for senior leaders.
• Lead the production and quality assurance of key planning and performance processes, including global planning submissions, data packs and business reporting requirements.
• Build organisational capability in data and analytics, providing leadership, coaching and guidance to colleagues and promoting a culture of evidence-based decision-making.
• Manage strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders, collaborating to improve data systems, reporting tools, automation and business intelligence capabilities.
• Ensure compliance and governance requirements are met, including International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) reporting, Official Development Assistance (ODA) classification processes to meet donor reporting obligations.
• Lead and develop team members and project initiatives, fostering an inclusive, anti-racist and high-performing culture aligned with British Council values and behaviours.

Requirements of the role

Minimum/ Essential:

• Deep knowledge and understanding of how data and analysis connect with and supports business strategy
• Extensive experience of:
• Working with and manipulating large data sets
• Using Excel to interrogate and analyse large data sets
• Visualising data and analysis

• Track record developing tools/reports/presentations that have provided analysis to inform business decisions by senior stakeholders

• Experience of working in complex and matrix management environments

Desirable

• Creating and presenting data using dashboards

Language Requirements

• The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal fluency in English is required.

Education

Relevant qualification and experience in business analytics

Professional Qualification and Certification

Programme or project management qualification desirable

Requirements:

Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the listed locations at the time of application.

This is a hybrid role – primarily working from the office (3 days a week) with home working flexibility.

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