Head of New Business Development

Overview

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. We connect. We inspire.

Pay Band : 7 / F

Country / Location : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Department : Exams

Contract Type : Indefinite

Closing Date : Tuesday, 28 October 2025- 23 : 59 Philippine Time (GMT +8)

Role Description / Purpose

The Head of New Business Development, East Asia, is responsible for actively pursuing new business opportunities across our B2B (business to business) English business (Teaching and Assessment) and Schools Exams Services business. The role involves identifying new opportunities and prospects, initiating contact, and managing inbound leads to qualify and convert them. It also includes managing a team of Business Development Managers across the region to achieve new business targets and meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Role Accountabilities

We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Head of New Business Development to lead our efforts in identifying and converting new B2B opportunities across the English and Exams Services portfolio. This role plays a critical part in shaping and implementing regional strategies to achieve ambitious new business targets. Working closely with the Head of Sales and Account Management, as well as the Director of Business Development, you will develop business plans that target key sectors and drive lead generation. You will also collaborate with country and regional marketing teams to ensure alignment between marketing initiatives and sales goals, while continuously monitoring outbound activity and pipeline performance to keep the team on track.

As a leader within the B2O (Business to Organisation) Sales Partnerships function, you will manage and mentor a team of Business Development professionals, ensuring they deliver against KPIs and business targets. You will guide the team in identifying and nurturing prospects, coordinating events and campaigns, and ensuring new staff are effectively onboarded and supported in their development. Your leadership will be instrumental in maintaining high standards of delivery and fostering a culture of performance and collaboration.

The role also involves overseeing data and reporting processes, ensuring that client and business intelligence is accurately captured in CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems to inform strategic decisions. You will monitor the effectiveness of outbound campaigns, assess team activities against targets, and take action to improve outreach and conversion rates. By maintaining a deep understanding of British Council products and services, you will support the development of compelling sales messaging and collateral in partnership with Marketing, helping to position our brand effectively in the market.

If you are passionate about driving business growth, leading high-performing teams, and delivering impactful customer solutions, we invite you to join our team and play a key role in expanding our reach and impact across the region.

Qualifications and Experience

Education : University degree or equivalent in a relevant subject or discipline

Certification and Professional Qualifications : Sales or Marketing qualifications

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• 4 years of sales experience to include some experience of outbound B2B sales
• Familiarity with Salesforce or use of similar CRM and prospecting tools
• Experience of managing a team

Desirable

Languages : Proficiency in the local language at C2 level for both speaking and writing. English proficiency at C1 level for speaking and writing.

Further Information

Right to Work : Locally recruited

Applications are welcomed from candidates currently in this location with a natural right to work.

Applications are also welcomed from candidates currently based in other British Council country offices. However, please note candidates must have a natural right to work in the country, on a permanent basis, as immigration clearance and / or on-going visa support is not provided by the British Council for this role. Relocation support is also not provided.

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

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