Regional Head of Business & Operations at BBC World Service

As Regional Head of Business & Operations, you’ll work closely with one of our new Regional Directors and report to the Director of International Business & Operations. Together, you’ll ensure our bureaux across the region are safe, resilient, and strategically aligned to support our world class journalism. 

You’ll be responsible for leading business operations across a diverse and often complex region, including areas affected by conflict, ensuring our teams, infrastructure, and systems are robust, agile, and fit for purpose. Your work will directly support the BBC’s editorial and commercial ambitions, helping us reach audiences with trusted and impartial news wherever they are. 

What you'll be doing

• Providing strategic leadership across the region to ensure the delivery and performance of core business services 
• Partnering with the Regional Director to align operations with editorial and commercial priorities 
• Driving operational efficiency and value for money, ensuring resources are focused where they matter most 
• Leading digital transformation and innovation in how we work 
• Embedding strong governance, risk management, and compliance across all bureaux 
• Supporting teams in high-risk environments with calm, decisive leadership and a focus on wellbeing 
• Managing the regional property portfolio and overseeing vendor contracts 
• Leading and developing diverse, geographically dispersed teams 
• Championing sustainability and embedding it into operational practice 
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including trade unions 

What we are looking for

We’re seeking a strategic, resilient leader who can bring clarity and direction in complex environments. You’ll need to be confident working across cultures and geographies, and comfortable navigating ambiguity and change. You’ll also bring: 

• Significant experience in business operations, ideally in a global or media setting 
• Strong leadership and people management skills, particularly across dispersed teams 
• A sound understanding of financial planning and budget management 
• Deep expertise in governance, compliance, and risk management 
• Experience managing property, infrastructure, and supplier relationships 
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills 
• The ability to lead through crisis and support teams in high-pressure situations 
• A commitment to inclusion, sustainability, and wellbeing in the workplace 
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to regional contexts