Creative Manager

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.Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.We connect. We inspire.Pay Band: 6Contract Type: Indefinite Location: Tokyo, JapanClosing Date: Sunday 09 November 2025 23:59 Singapore time (GMT+08)Please note: Interviews will be conducted in Japanese and English. The successful candidate must be able to speak and write well in both Japanese and English, as this is essential for the role.Role PurposeThe British Council Japan Exams team delivers around 250,000 tablet based speaking tests per year.The purpose of this role is to coordinate the development, production, and dissemination of all communications collateral (including documents and videos) related to the delivery of the speaking tests. The communications collateral addresses a range of stakeholders (test takers, parents and guardians, teachers) and is distributed in hard and soft copy, through a range of channels. Therefore, the role holder works across a variety of media, with a range of vendors and suppliers to make sure all creative products are developed, produced, processed and delivered on time to strict quality standards.Role contextThe British Council Strategic Programmes team has developed an at-scale solution for tablet delivered speaking test delivery, evaluation, and reporting.Strategic Programmes anticipates that there will be significant demand for an at-scale solution for bespoke tablet delivered speaking tests beyond the current clients and partners, both in Japan and in other countries.This role will be supporting diversification of the Exams portfolio by ensuring communication with test takers, parents and guardians, teachers, schools, and local boards of education is developed professionally and delivered on time.Role AccountabilitiesProject Management Document and monitor the schedule of development and production of various creatives/communications collateral and make sure each item is proceeding on schedule. Coordinate the quality assurance of each piece of communications collateral and coordinate sign-off of contents by the communications collateral owner and the client Lead the strategic planning and development of creative materials, ensuring alignment with marketing objectives, brand guidelines, and audience needs.Relationship and Stakeholder Management Work with the client and colleagues across workstreams to understand needs and requirements and details about each item. Attend meetings with the Communications / Technology / Operations and Academic team to understand the details of creatives to be produced by each team.Commercial and/or Financial Management Understand the financial requirement and make sure to keep productions within the budget. Maintain clear and up-to-date records on all financial transactions as per internal and external audit requirements Monitor contract terms and coordinate with the Contracts Manager to ensure all vendors / suppliers contracts are current and appropriate Ensure relationships with vendors are maintained and payments are processed on time and in accordance with FABS on-line system (SAP Finance) guidelines Compliance to British Council and client financial policies and proceduresEssentialQualifications, Experience & Skills: The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required. Japanese proficiency across Speaking, Listening, Writing and Reading is necessary to a C2 level. Evidence may be requested. Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience. One of the followings:PowerPoint documents creation at a consulting company or other industryExperience In Editorial And/or Proofreading At a Publication CompanyExperience in working on printed documents or design work at a Design companyRequired Experience Minimum of 7–10 years of professional experience in project management, communications, Marketing, Creative or related fields. Proven experience in managing cross-functional teams and coordinating with external stakeholders.Required Skills Strong attention to detail and accuracy in work Proven ability in project and schedule management Effective communication with clients and internal teams (including British Council members)Desirable Familiarity with design and editing tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Premiere Pro) is preferred to support effective collaboration and review of creative outputs.Further InformationRight to work: As we cannot sponsor work passes, applicants must already have the right to live and work in Japan.Additional RequirementsPossible Changes to Your DutiesYou may be assigned to different duties designated by the British Council to meet operational demands.Possible Changes to Your Place of WorkYou may be transferred to a different workplace designated by the British Council to meet operational demands.A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.Equality, Diversity and Inclusion StatementWe 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 StatementThe 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 askhr@britishcouncil.org