View Vacancy - Trade & Investment Officer

Main purpose of job:

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government department charged with securing UK and global prosperity by promoting and financing international trade and investment, and championing free trade. In the United States, DIT works closely with other UK agencies, including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), to:

• promote British trade and investment across the world
• build the global appetite for British goods and services
• break down barriers to trade and investment in order to help businesses succeed
• support the development of a new trade policy framework for the UK as it leaves the EU.

The post advertised is for a Trade & Investment Officer (TIO) based at the British Consulate in Los Angeles (in Century City), working with the Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing (AEM) sector, in particular aerospace, space and defence. The TIO reports to the Head of Trade & Investment in Los Angeles, and will directly manage one Trade & Investment Associate.

The successful candidate will engage with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders, including the UK’s Aerospace Hub, the Ministry of Defence, the Aerospace Technology Institute, and representatives of the three Devolved Administrations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. S/he will be responsible for working with clients and delivering DIT initiatives on the West Coast, including all of California, Seattle, Utah, and Arizona. The successful candidate will work with existing investors, identify and attract new investors, and support UK companies who export to the US. S/he will be required to attend official functions outside of office hours, and undertake travel (US and UK) approximately 10% of the time.

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

• Forge strong relationships with U.S. and UK business leaders, trade associations and other key partners within the aerospace, space, and defence/security industries.
• Provide comprehensive account management to U.S prospects looking to invest in the UK, and support U.S. companies already active in the UK to maintain/grow their footprint. Build and manage a pipeline of high value, knowledge-driven projects.
• Develop, position and implement marketing strategies, conceive and develop activities, and produce events with the goals of generating FDI leads, building relationships, and highlighting the strengths of the UK’s market proposition to potential investors.
• Facilitate U.S. export growth by delivering business development activities to support innovative UK companies, including trade missions and campaigns at industry conferences.
• Work to support UK prosperity and economic growth, and UK trade policy objectives, in collaboration with other UK government agencies. Showcase the benefits of the UK/US economic relationship to external audiences.
• Manage and/or support visits by senior government officials by securing high-level meetings, organizing activities, and preparing briefing materials.
• Maintain current knowledge of market trends, incentives, and centres of excellence in both the U.S. and the UK. Promote UK strengths effectively to a U.S. audience.
• Represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions, including occasional speaking engagements.
• Undertake regular travel in the U.S. and occasional travel overseas (approximately 10% of the time).
• Line manage one Trade & Investment Associate.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience, either in international business or in a relevant industry sector, preferably both.
• Ability to work effectively with companies and organizations at a senior level, with a record of fostering business relationships and a demonstrated ability to think strategically.
• Familiarity with both the US and the UK business environments.
• A demonstrable record of meeting challenging targets. Proactive, self-starting approach to work; ability to deliver effectively under limited day-to-day supervision in a deadline sensitive, fast-paced environment.
• Strong client management and project management experience.
• Excellent research and writing skills, with an ability to provide clear, concise summaries and to respond to ad hoc requests at short notice.
• Strong networking skills.
• Proficiency in standard Microsoft applications and client relationship management software.
• Valid driver’s license and passport; the ability to attend official functions outside of office hours; and the ability to undertake domestic and international air travel, including overnight stays.