The BBC, one of the most trusted names in global public service journalism, continues to expand its international reach by upholding its mission to provide impartial and accurate reporting to audiences across the world. With over 450 million people reached weekly, the BBC remains a symbol of integrity, independence, and commitment to truthful journalism.
In its continued effort to enhance operational excellence and sustain its reputation for world-class journalism, the BBC is inviting applications for the position of Regional Head of Business & Operations. This senior leadership role presents an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the organisation’s international operations, ensuring that its regional bureaux remain efficient, safe, and strategically aligned to deliver high-quality journalism in an increasingly complex global environment.
This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and involves regular international travel. The successful candidate will work closely with the Regional Director and report directly to the Director of International Business & Operations. The role requires an experienced professional with a strategic mindset, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to lead diverse teams across multiple geographies.
About the Role
The BBC’s regional operations are central to its global news mission. As the Regional Head of Business & Operations, the appointed candidate will play a pivotal role in managing, coordinating, and optimising the operational framework that supports editorial output across the region.
This involves working across multiple functions, including governance, financial management, risk assessment, infrastructure development, and crisis response. The role demands not only strong business acumen but also the ability to navigate cultural and political complexities across different territories.
The BBC’s World Service operates across 42 language services and continues to play a vital role in combating misinformation while maintaining journalistic independence. To support this, the Regional Head will ensure that the necessary operational and logistical structures are in place to enable journalists and teams to carry out their work safely, efficiently, and in alignment with the BBC’s core values.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Alignment
The Regional Head will be responsible for ensuring that all operational activities are strategically aligned with the BBC’s editorial and commercial objectives. This includes working hand in hand with the Regional Director to identify opportunities for growth, improvement, and innovation in how business operations are managed and executed.
The incumbent will establish frameworks that support resource optimisation, process efficiency, and financial sustainability. The role requires balancing strategic foresight with practical implementation, ensuring that every operational decision contributes to the organisation’s long-term goals.
Operational Efficiency and Value Management
Driving efficiency across all bureaux within the region is a central part of this role. The Regional Head will oversee the effective use of resources, manage budgets responsibly, and ensure cost-effectiveness in every operational activity. This includes leading initiatives that promote innovation, streamline workflows, and ensure that financial and material resources are directed toward areas of greatest impact.
Governance, Risk, and Compliance
As a global organisation operating in diverse and often complex environments, the BBC must maintain rigorous governance and compliance standards. The Regional Head will lead the implementation of risk management frameworks, ensuring adherence to internal policies, legal requirements, and international regulations.
The role involves identifying potential risks—financial, operational, or reputational—and developing proactive strategies to mitigate them. The successful candidate will also foster a culture of accountability and transparency across all bureaux.
Leadership in High-Risk and Crisis Environments
Operating in regions affected by political instability or conflict requires exceptional leadership and decisiveness. The Regional Head will provide steady and empathetic guidance to teams working in high-risk environments, ensuring that safety protocols are upheld and that the wellbeing of staff remains a top priority.
The ability to remain calm under pressure, make timely decisions, and communicate clearly in challenging circumstances will be essential in this capacity.
Digital Transformation and Innovation
The BBC continues to evolve in response to technological advances and changing audience needs. The Regional Head will spearhead digital transformation initiatives that modernise operational systems, enhance connectivity, and enable remote collaboration across international teams.
This includes integrating new tools and technologies to improve data management, workflow efficiency, and overall business agility.
Property and Infrastructure Management
The role includes oversight of the BBC’s property portfolio across the region. The Regional Head will manage facility operations, negotiate vendor and supplier contracts, and ensure that infrastructure is secure, sustainable, and fit for purpose.
This involves strategic planning for maintenance, upgrades, and expansions that support the BBC’s operational needs. The individual will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations across all facilities.
People Leadership and Team Development
Leading and developing a geographically dispersed team is a fundamental aspect of the role. The Regional Head will promote a culture of collaboration, diversity, and inclusion while ensuring that staff across all bureaux feel supported and empowered.
The role requires a leadership style that encourages growth, fosters innovation, and maintains morale across culturally varied teams. Performance management, talent development, and succession planning will form part of the leadership responsibilities.
Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management
Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders is crucial. The Regional Head will represent the BBC’s interests in dealings with local authorities, suppliers, and partners. Internally, the position requires close collaboration with editorial, legal, finance, and security departments.
Maintaining open communication channels with trade unions, community representatives, and other relevant entities will be important to ensure smooth operations and compliance with employment standards.
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
Sustainability is a key consideration in all BBC operations. The Regional Head will champion environmentally responsible practices, integrating sustainability principles into procurement, travel, infrastructure, and resource management. The goal is to reduce environmental impact while maintaining operational excellence.
Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
Given the BBC’s diverse audience and global footprint, this role demands cultural intelligence and awareness. The Regional Head will be expected to operate with sensitivity to local contexts, fostering respect and understanding across cultural boundaries.
Person Profile
The BBC is seeking a resilient, forward-thinking leader capable of navigating complex operational landscapes. The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in managing business operations within international, media, or similarly dynamic environments.
They will be adept at balancing strategic vision with hands-on management and will demonstrate sound judgment when dealing with ambiguity or crisis situations. The role requires someone who is both operationally competent and capable of inspiring confidence among colleagues and partners alike.
Core attributes that will contribute to success in this position include:
- Strategic and analytical thinking, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans
- Proven leadership skills, especially in managing dispersed or cross-cultural teams
- Strong understanding of budget management, governance, and compliance frameworks
- A proactive approach to innovation, digital transformation, and process optimisation
- Effective communication and negotiation abilities, suitable for engaging diverse stakeholders
- Capacity to lead under pressure, maintaining composure and clarity during crises
- Commitment to inclusion, equality, sustainability, and ethical business practices
- High degree of adaptability, with sensitivity to political and cultural dynamics
The Impact of the Role
The Regional Head of Business & Operations plays an integral part in ensuring that the BBC remains resilient and responsive to global challenges. By maintaining operational stability and efficiency, this role directly supports the organisation’s ability to deliver credible journalism that informs, educates, and connects audiences across continents.
Through effective leadership, resource management, and strategic foresight, the Regional Head will contribute to safeguarding the BBC’s legacy of trust and independence. This position is not only administrative but also deeply mission-driven—ensuring that the infrastructure behind world-class journalism remains as strong as the journalism itself.
The individual will influence decision-making at the highest levels and represent the BBC’s operational interests across a region of strategic importance. This is an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the systems and processes that underpin one of the most respected global news organisations.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in joining the BBC as Regional Head of Business & Operations are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date of 27 October 2025.
