View Vacancy - Business Development Associate (Calgary Department for International Trade)

Main purpose of job:

The Department for International Trade (DIT) Canada has an opportunity to join its dynamic and high-performing team, fostering business relations between Canada and its top economic partner in Europe, the United Kingdom (UK).

DIT is a UK Government department that encourages and supports overseas-based companies to invest in the UK and helps UK companies export abroad.

The position available is for a Business Development Associate (temporary/contract), based at the British Consulate-General in Calgary. This role will assist in delivering foreign direct investment to the UK from the Prairie provinces of Canada and provides support to British companies exporting goods and services to Canada.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

-        Conduct market research on industry and businesses in Canada

-        Build and maintain current knowledge on business trends across a range of sectors to identify commercial opportunities

-        Develop an understanding of the UK business environment and sector offers

-        Identify and contact potential and existing investors

-        Arrange meetings for Investment Officer and provide operational and administrative support

-        Prepare meeting briefs and materials

-        Coordinate business development visits and programmes for the Investment Officer and for incoming visitors and/or trade missions

-        Coordinate and support events and logistics

-        Manage and maintain internal records and databases

-        Professionally represent the UK at networking events, conferences and trade shows

-        Where appropriate, attend client meetings and assist in writing meeting minutes

-        Other support for the Trade Officer, as required

Essential on arrival:

Qualities and Skills Required

-        Proactive, self-starter

-        Able to work well independently and with limited day-to-day supervision

-        Excellent written and verbal communication skills

-        A business-oriented communication style that is direct and concise

-        Able to professionally, effectively and credibly communicate with senior executives and foster business relationships

-        Time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritise multiple, competing priorities under tight and often-changing deadlines

-        Strong organisational skills

-        Attention to detail

-        Good follow up discipline

-        Positive and collaborative team player

-        Enthusiastic networking skills and strong interpersonal skills

-        Proven research skills

-        Knowledge of the business environment in the Prairie provinces

-        Results oriented with a track record of achieving targets

-        Proficiency in Microsoft applications, Internet search tools and client relationship management software

-        Ability to use a variety of online and social media tools

Experience and Education

-        Bachelor’s level degree in business or a related field

-        One to three years of experience in a professional office environment