British Council, Chief Digital Growth Officer, English & Exams

The British Council builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. As a global leader in English language learning and assessment, and operating in over 100 countries, the British Council works directly with individuals, governments and partners to create benefits for millions of people all over the world. Our work transforms lives and supports peace and prosperity worldwide.

We are seeking a strategic individual to serve as Chief Digital Growth Officer, English & Exams. This is one of three newly created roles with a focus on enhancing the British Council’s commercial strategy through driving a commercial digital offer. The Chief Digital Growth Officer will lead the digital organisation through its pivotal growth and scale-up stages, including major investment and business model choices. They will drive commercial value and ensure the business delivers on its educational mission by leading the strategic direction and cultural evolution of the digital organisation.

This is an exciting strategic global leadership role for a commercial, innovative, purpose-driven executive, with a track record of senior leadership in high-growth tech, edtech, or consumer digital platforms and the ability to scale digital business models.

Essential criteria:

• Proven track record in senior executive leadership in high-growth tech, edtech, or consumer digital platforms—ideally in emerging markets.
• Hands-on experience driving growth from bottom up with evidence of scaling a digital business to 30M+ users and/or leading monetization of a 100m+ freemium user base. Evidence of scaling a digital business from c. 30 person to 100+ person organisation
• Evidence of delivering consistent sustainable revenue growth, with P&L ownership, in a competitive market environment.
• Experience raising capital or working with mission-aligned investors.
• Strong background in managing complex stakeholder environments
• Experience of leading digital delivery and ways of working with multicultural teams.
• A track record of innovation and adaptability, with the ability to identify new revenue opportunities in a rapidly changing market environment.

Desirable criteria:

• Understanding of how to drive digital transformation within a more traditional organisation
• Experience of working with and/or alongside AI as part of a product or proposition.
• Background in education, language learning, or linguistics. 

Location: Stratford, London preferred but other UK locations will be considered; hybrid working arrangement (3 days per week in-office)
Remuneration: Competitive; based on skills and experience
Appointment Term: Four-year term, with option to extend for an additional four years.

The deadline for applications is: Sunday 21 September at 23:59pm

We are working exclusively with our retained search partner on the recruitment for this position. Applications will only be accepted via the contact details below. A detailed candidate brief will be available shortly.To apply or to arrange a confidential conversation, please contact Lisa Henry at [email protected].