Head of UK-China Season

We 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. *We work with people in over 150 countries and reach over 700 million people.* **We connect. We inspire.** **Pay Band: 8 (monthly salary starting from CNY35,583)** **Contract Duration: 3 years** **Location: Beijing, China** **Right to work: As we cannot sponsor work passes, applicants must already have the right to live and work in the country where this role is based, without requiring work permit or visa sponsorship.** **Additional job requirement: Role could require some domestic travel as required by the programme and some out of hours and evening work responding to or driven by programme/portfolio needs** **Closing Date: Monday, 26 October 2026 - 23:59 China time (GMT+08)** **Role Purpose & Context** This role leads delivery of the UK–China Season in China, ensuring high standards and compliance with British Council policies. Working closely with colleagues across Mainland China, Hong Kong, the UK and regional teams, the Programme Manager oversees all arts and wider cultural engagement strands, delivering on time, within budget and with maximum impact. Responsibilities include programme and governance management, stakeholder engagement, communications, monitoring and evaluation, plus contributing to partnership development and fundraising. China is a priority country for the British Council, and this flagship time-bound programme strengthens UK–China cultural relationships, develops lasting partnerships, showcases artistic excellence, supports professional exchange and deepens people-to-people connections. The role coordinates activity across visual arts, performing arts, architecture, design, creative economy and interdisciplinary practice. The successful candidate will lead strategic planning, financial management and risk processes, ensuring procurement, grant and due diligence compliance. You will build relationships with government, cultural institutions, funders and partners, align delivery across Mainland China and Hong Kong’s distinct regulatory contexts, and shape integrated communications. A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is essential, as is proactive management of wellbeing and anti-racist practice. This is an opportunity to shape a high-profile cultural programme at the heart of a complex bilateral relationship. **Role specific experience and skills** Minimum/essential • The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required to CEF Level C1 English • Local language native speaker / CEFR C1 • Foundation level Project Management qualification (in-house training or evidence of CPD in this area could be considered) • More than 5 years experience in leading complex, multi-country or large-scale programmes • Strong financial management, planning and reporting experience • Experience working with multiple funding sources and compliance frameworks • Proven ability to manage senior stakeholders across sectors and geographies • Experience in risk management and governance processes • Experience managing communications and large-scale cultural programmes Desirable • Experience working in cross-border or politically sensitive environments • Experience of consortium working and multi-partner delivery models • Experience developing M&E frameworks and impact measurement • Experience presenting programme outcomes to international audiences • Experience managing programmes across multiple administrative or regulatory systems, ideally including Mainland China and/or Hong Kong **Benefits:** • 22 days of Annual Leave • 13th Month Salary • Non-consolidated bonus • Comprehensive health and insurance package – includes accidental insurance, life insurance, and supplementary medical coverage • Social insurance & housing fund - Coverage under national social insurance and housing fund • Professional development - Ongoing learning and career growth opportunities to support your development. 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 we 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 and 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