Role Profile [Type text] Job Description Job Title Country Examinations Manager Benelux Directorate or Region EU Europe Department/Country Location of post Amsterdam, Netherlands Pay Band Examinations Services / Netherlands F (FT) Reports to Director France Duration of job Indefinite Purpose of job: To design, implement and manage delivery of strategies which will ensure that Exams Services Netherlands & Belgium objectives are met and business targets, as specified in the country exams business plans, achieved. This will be done, among others, by identifying new opportunities and partnerships to support business growth as well as through effective communication, appropriate business development & marketing activities and excellent levels of service provided to exams clients, candidates and stakeholders in the Netherlands & Belgium through up-to-date and customer friendly systems & processes. Context and environment: (e.g. dept description, region description, organogram) The post reports to Director France and is based in Amsterdam. The post holder will be working as head of the Exams Services teams in Netherlands and Belgium. The post holder will provide input into local and regional projects when required. The post holder may line manage up to 4 Exams Services team members from Netherlands and Belgium. British Council Netherlands is one of the top ten exams businesses in the EU region delivering examinations across the country through a network of centres. Our main business in the Netherlands are EFL examinations, although we also delivers a diverse range of university & professional exams. Netherlands is a mature exams market with a broad range of EFL products being offered by competitor centres. Since 2015 Cambridge English have opened five exam centres independent of the British Council network. We do, however, see a potential for growth through the implementation of efficiency measures as well as the growth of our portfolio of products. British Council Belgium is a cultural organisation. An important part of its activities is to promote British expertise in the field of assessment and to deliver UK examinations. Examinations are delivered mostly through venues in Brussels, Liège, Mons and Luxembourg. Operationally, the main business for the Exams Services team in Belgium is IELTS although it also delivers a diverse range of university & professional exams (mainly ACCA & CFA). Resourcing team November 2010 1 of 5
Accountabilities, responsibilities and main duties:(including people management and finance) The role will involve: Developing a strategy for the promotion, marketing and delivery of British examinations in the Netherlands and Belgium ensuring that objectives are in line with the Corporate and Country plans. Developing and ensuring implementation of an effective business development plan, which will include nationwide marketing and communication strategies. Managing the implementation of new systems and processes - part of the GNOME / Transformation Programme. Analysing income, profit and expenditure to inform exams planning, reporting and forecasting. Preparing and owning the annual Exams financial plans and subsequent forecasts for Netherlands & Belgium ensuring that all budgets are monitored regularly and monthly assurance on budgets provided by deadlines. Managing the Exams Services financial process and putting in place suitable control mechanisms to ensure appropriate management of the business. Conducting profitability studies as well as providing analysis & evaluation of impact of new developments (marketing & system/process) on achievement of targets. Conducting market research (including stakeholder analysis), analysing product trends & identifying and evaluating new opportunities. Managing effective client relations across Netherlands & Belgium ensuring that the delivery model and product offer allow Exams Services Netherlands & Belgium to meet their targets and provide best customer service. Leading and empowering a strong, motivated and effective Exams Services team in Netherlands and Belgium to ensure objectives are achieved and customer expectations are met. General management and line-management duties. Key relationships: (include internal and external) Key external relationships will include: decision makers at educational and other institutions (existing & potential partners), decision makers at supplier institutions for examinations (preparation centres), representatives of awarding bodies. Internal stakeholders will include: Director France, Director Examinations EU Europe, Europe Exams Operations Manager, BD Aptis, BD IELTS, E&E colleagues in region, English SBU colleagues in Netherlands & Belgium, Examinations Services staff in Netherlands & Belgium, Examination Centre management & staff in Netherlands (including IELTS centre). Other important features or requirements of the job (e.g. travel, unsocial/evening hours, etc) International & local travel, occasional unsocial hours, flexible working Please specify any passport/visa and/or nationality requirement. Please indicate if any security or legal checks are required for this role. Must be able to work legally in the Netherlands. No. Resourcing team November 2010 2 of 5
Person Specification Behaviours Essential Desirable Assessment stage Creating Shared Purpose Creating energy and clarity so that people want to work purposefully together. Connecting with Others Actively appreciating the needs and concerns of myself and others Working Together Ensuring that others benefit as well as me. Being Accountable Putting the needs of the team or British Council ahead of my own Making it Happen Challenging myself and others to deliver and measure better results Skills and Knowledge Shaping the Future Exploring ways in which we can add more value Communicating & Influencing (level 3) Is creative and adaptable in communications Able to use a range of non-standard and creative approaches to inform, and persuade others, extending beyond logical argument to influence decisions and actions in a way which is inclusive and engaging. Planning & Organising (level 3) Develops annual plans Develops and reviews the implementation of annual plans for a work group or function, taking account of business and customer requirements and reconciling competing demands. Managing Finance & Resources Resourcing team November 2010 3 of 5
(level 3) Supports budget management Monitors and controls an agreed budget within a defined area, producing reports and analyses and contributing to planning. Developing Business (level 2) Analyses trends Researches markets and conducts cost/benefit analyses to identify new opportunities or recommend improvements to current initiatives. Managing Accounts and Partnerships (level 2) Works with stakeholders and partners Communicates regularly with diverse stakeholders, customers and/or partners to build mutual understanding and trust. Using technology (level 1) Operates as a basic user of IT systems, digital and office technology Able to use office software and British Council systems to do the job and manage documents or processes. Knowledge of processes & systems related to exams in British Council Netherlands & Belgium portfolio. Experience Experience of leading a diverse team.. Knowledge of the educational market in Netherlands & Belgium (in the context of examinations). Knowledge of major UK awarding bodies especially those linked to the British Council Netherlands & Belgium portfolio. Resourcing team November 2010 4 of 5
Qualifications Ability to operate in English (both written and spoken) at a business level (equivalent to CEF level C1 or IELTS 6.5 or higher). Has undertaken training in Marketing and Relationship building (or related fields). Ability to operate in Dutch (both written and spoken) at a business level (equivalent to CEF level B2) or a commitment to learn Dutch within 6 12 months to B2 level. Has undertaken project management training. Submitted by Anna Gwardys Date September 2017 Authorisation Line manager s name Post title Director France Department/country Signature Date Post holder s name Post title Country Exams Manager Benelux Department/country Signature Date Examinations Services/Netherlands Examinations Services/Netherlands Resourcing team November 2010 5 of 5