Senior Programme Manager (UK), Chevening Scholarships

Job summary

The Senior Programme Manager UK is responsible for leading the administration and delivery of the scholarship programme in the UK, ensuring a high-quality experience for scholars from award confirmation through to completion of their studies in the UK. The role oversees scholarship administration, university liaison, scholar welfare and immigration support, stipend and allowance management, engagement activities, and compliance with award terms and conditions. As a member of the Secretariat management team, the Senior Programme Manager UK works closely with senior colleagues across finance, international operations, and scholarship systems, while leading Programme Managers and operational teams to ensure effective service delivery, achievement of performance targets, and the implementation of robust processes aligned with programme policies and contractual requirements.

The role supports the delivery of the prestigious Chevening and Marshall Scholarship programmes, administered by the British Council on behalf of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). These globally recognised programmes provide postgraduate scholarships and fellowships to outstanding international students to study in the UK, with approximately 1,000 Chevening and 50 Marshall scholarships awarded annually. The British Council's responsibilities include programme promotion, scholar selection, university placement support, pre-departure services, scholar support in the UK, alumni engagement, impact reporting, financial management, partnership development, and social value delivery. Through these programmes, the British Council strengthens international educational partnerships, promotes cultural relations, and fosters long-term connections between the UK and future global leaders.

Job description

Main responsibilities

The Senior Programme Manager is responsible for leading and developing the UK programme delivery team, ensuring adequate resourcing, clear accountability, and high performance across scholarship administration, university liaison, and scholar support functions. The role oversees the development and delivery of annual operational plans, monitors performance against contractual targets, and works closely with the wider Chevening management team to ensure coordinated programme delivery. Key responsibilities include ensuring the accurate and timely payment of scholar stipends, allowances, and university invoices, maintaining robust financial and administrative controls, and overseeing the scholarship placement process through effective data management, university engagement, and progress reporting.

The role also ensures scholars are supported throughout their award by overseeing compliance with scholarship terms and conditions, coordinating welfare and safeguarding support, and maintaining strong relationships with UK universities. Working closely with the Welfare and Events teams, the Senior Programme Manager ensures effective escalation processes are in place for sensitive cases and that scholars have access to appropriate wellbeing support and engagement opportunities. The position is accountable for the successful delivery of key scholar events, including Orientation and Farewell programmes, while also providing leadership and flexibility to support emerging operational requirements and continuous improvement across programme delivery.

Role specific skills

• Strong administrative skills, including the ability to manage information accurately on databases and IT systems.
• Flexibility to work responsively and sensitively to changing circumstances, including responding to urgent scholar issues and client requests for information.

Role specific knowledge and experience

Essential

• Knowledge, based on experience, of an international scholarship programme.
• Experience of international student mobility, with a knowledge of the issues and challenges facing international students in the UK.
• An understanding of visa and immigration requirements and sponsorship for international students.
• An understanding and demonstrable commitment to embedding the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion into work projects.
• Experience working with online application systems and/or databases and competent user of excel spreadsheets.

Desirable

• Knowledge, based on experience, of the UK’s higher education sector, in particular the post-graduate opportunity and course context.
• Professional qualification in project/programme management, or similar discipline related to business administration.

Language Requirements

• The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required.

Education

• Degree level or equivalent experience

Additional Requirement

• Candidates must have the legal right to live and work in the country where the role is based. Visa sponsorship is not guaranteed and should be confirmed with the local HR team before applying. Employment with the British Council is subject to satisfactory pre-employment and ongoing background checks, depending on the nature of the role.
• The role is primarily based in London (Stratford), with Cardiff considered for candidates able to travel regularly to London. Hybrid working is available, with a minimum office attendance requirement of three days per week. The postholder must be willing to travel within the UK to support scholar visits, meetings, and events, and may occasionally be required to work evenings and weekends to meet operational requirements.

British Council , Pay Band 8

Location: London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast, Manchester- UK only.

Department: Chevening, Cultural Engagement.

Contract: Fixed Term Contract until 31st August 2027, with the possibility of extension.

Apply by: Wednesday, 23 September 2026, 23:59 (local time)

Interviews: Week commencing 5 October 2026

Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.

Person specification

Mentioned

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £40,179, British Council contributes £11,639 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).Varies on Role.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window)