View Vacancy - Trade & Investment Advisor (Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing)

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
Department for International Trade (DIT)

Background:

 

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government’s international business development agency. DIT USA, working closely with DIT and other agencies in the United Kingdom, is charged with transatlantic trade development between the UK and the US; and with assisting US companies looking to invest in the UK. See www.gov.uk/DIT for further information.

 

The post advertised is for a Trade & Investment Advisor (TIA) based at the UK Government Office in Seattle, working with the Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing (AEM) sector, especially aerospace. The TIA creates UK jobs by helping UK exporters achieve business and by delivering Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the UK from US companies. The role will deliver DIT campaign initiatives in Washington State, including those of the Aerospace Hub (joint DIT/Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy), and occasionally support DIT activities across the West Coast. The successful candidate engages with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders, including UK’s Ministry of Defence, the Aerospace Technology Institute, and representatives of the three Devolved Administrations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The TIA reports to an AEM Trade and Investment Officer (TIO) in Los Angeles, whilst co-located and working with the British Consul in Seattle.

 

We’re looking for someone who is excited by the opportunities the advanced manufacturing economy offers, and who will be comfortable working as an integral part of multiple teams. In order to identify export opportunities and support new investments into the UK, the TIA will support relationships with CEOs, VIPs, business development leads, supply chain managers and others on both sides of the Atlantic, and he/she will also generate and lead on relationships independently in order to deliver FDI and trade targets.

 

Duties & Responsibilities:

 

  • Manage strategic relationships with U.S. and UK business leaders, trade associations and other key partners.
  • Identify U.S. companies that may be interested in establishing or expanding operations in the UK. Make initial contact, organize visit programmes and schedule meetings. Conduct meetings both independently and in support of more senior colleagues, such as the British Consul-General or the Head of Trade & Investment.
  • Deliver a target number of FDI successes each year, as agreed with the lead AEM TIO and the Head of Trade & Investment.
  • Plan and deliver activities as part of DIT Campaigns, such as trade missions, seminars, webinars, and receptions, to promote the UK’s strengths in the AEM sector and to deliver targets.
  • Conduct research and compile reports on industry developments, best routes to market and potential U.S. business partners for UK exporters looking to enter the U.S. market.
  • Participate in activities and events conducted by industry associations and other multipliers, building awareness of DIT in the business community and serving as the point of contact for UK market information.
  • Facilitate and support visits by senior government officials and other VIPs, including by organising logistics and planning company meetings.
  • Maintain current knowledge of AEM market trends, incentives, and centres of excellence in both the U.S. and the UK. Promote UK strengths effectively to a U.S. audience.
  • Maintain client relationship management records, lists of industry contacts and other data.
  • Undertake occasional travel in the U.S. and the UK (up to 5% of the time).
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
  • 6-8 years of relevant work experience and/or business development experience in the U.S. and, ideally, the UK;
  • Strong client management experience.
  • Experience working remotely, with a demonstrated ability to be proactive, organized and work to deadlines, while operating as part of a wider team with shared goals and wide-ranging objectives.
  • Strong ability to problem solve, organize, prioritize and manage tasks.
  • Ability to communicate with senior officials and executives effectively and credibly, and a proven track record of fostering business relationships.
  • Excellent research, presentation and report writing skills, with attention to detail and an ability to emphasise relevant information and to provide clear, concise summaries.
  • Strong networking skills.
  • Understanding of the business environments in the UK and US, and the factors companies consider when expanding internationally.
  • Knowledge of the AEM sector in the US and/or UK.
  • Computer literacy in standard Microsoft applications;
  • Valid driver’s license; the ability to attend official functions outside of office hours; and the ability to undertake domestic and international air travel, including overnight stays.

Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy Network may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens or US Green Card holders for this position*. If you hold a visa, you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy.  Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa.  All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance. 

 

2 April 2017
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
Seattle
British Consulate General
1
USD
60, 528
15 May 2017

The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.

Individuals who are Green Card holders, UK/US dual citizens, and non US taxpaying citizens will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local American employment law.

Resume and a cover letter with salary history should be submitted by 02 April 2017. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis as required. Please identify in your cover letter whether you are currently eligible to work at the Embassy. Internal candidates must inform the Head of Group before applying.

Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.

The British Embassy is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or other category protected by law.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.