Programme Operations Manager at British Council

Suginami, Tokyo, Japan -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

29 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

31 Oct, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Operations Management, Planning, Logistics, Supplier Performance, Compliance, Risk Management, Data Analysis, Budgeting, Staff Development, Leadership, Change Management, Exam Operations, International Experience, Communication, Japanese Language Skills, English Proficiency

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

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. Pay Band: 6 / G Country/Location: Tokyo, Japan Department: Country/Cluster Contract Type: Indefinite Local Contract Closing Date: Wednesday, 12th November 2025- 23:59 Malaysia Time (GMT +8) Role Purpose The role is responsible for developing and executing an Operations strategy aligned with the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education contract, ensuring all capacity, supply, and performance targets are met. It oversees the full operational cycle from planning and delivery to post-test services driving efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement to maintain service quality, cost effectiveness, and exam integrity. Role Accountabilities The role supports the Head of Programme Operations in delivering the ESATJ assessment suite, driving operational efficiency, and ensuring consistent standards across the Tokyo Metropolitan district. It manages end-to-end operations, including planning, logistics, capacity, and supplier performance, to meet project targets and service quality. The role also ensures compliance, exam security, and effective risk management while using data to guide improvements. In addition, it supports budgeting, staff development, and collaboration across teams to promote best practices, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement in operations delivery. Role specific skills, knowledge and experience The role requires experience in planning and delivering within a fast-paced operational environment at a management level, with the ability to manage small teams or demonstrate strong leadership potential, a proven record of driving change and embedding new ways of working, and experience working in an international and challenging environment; experience in exams operations, leading computer-based exam delivery, and working with government or municipal offices would be an advantage. Further Information Language: Strong English proficiency is essential for this role, with fluency in both written and spoken communication to effectively operate within British Council systems and international contexts. The candidate must also be a native Japanese speaker or possess Japanese language skills at JLPT N1 level or equivalent. Education: The role requires a minimum of an associate degree, with a university degree or relevant professional qualification considered desirable Locally recruited: Applications are welcomed from candidates currently in this location with a natural right to work. Relocation support is not provided. Others: The candidate must be willing to travel domestically as required. 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

Responsibilities

The role is responsible for developing and executing an Operations strategy aligned with the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education contract. It oversees the full operational cycle from planning and delivery to post-test services, driving efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement.