View Vacancy - Head of Trade & Investment

Main purpose of job:

The Head of Trade and Investment in Houston will lead a dynamic and effective team of 10 trade and investment professionals, responsible for promoting UK exports and increasing inward investment to the UK across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico.

Role Description:

The Head of Trade and Investment, Houston will lead the Department for International Trade’s (DIT) Houston team, one of nine teams in the United States. Based at the British Consulate in Houston, DIT’s role is to promote UK exports to the US and increase foreign direct investment into the UK through a combination of trade and investment promotion with specific companies and the removal of market access barriers. The Head of Trade and Investment will directly line manage five Trade and Investment Officers (four in Houston, one in Austin) and have overall responsibility for 10 trade and investment professionals. They will also be part of DIT’s US leadership team and be expected to contribute to the success of the wider network.

They will play a key part in shaping the UK Government’s engagement in the region, working alongside the UK’s Consul-General in Houston and other senior leaders, promoting the mutual benefits of jobs, growth and security that come from increased transatlantic trade. They will do this at an important time for the UK as we seek to deepen our trading relationships as an independent trading nation for the first time in 40 years. The US and the UK are each other’s’ most important trading partner with UK firms responsible for employing more than 1 million people in the US, and US firms responsible for employing more than 1 million people in the UK. 2017 saw record levels of inward investment from the US into the UK and DIT’s team in the US are responsible for maintaining that success as the UK leaves the EU.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide dynamic leadership to a team of 10 focusing on delivering team and personal trade and investment targets, and ensuring the Houston team contributes to the UK Government’s prosperity objectives in North America.

• Work alongside other members of the leadership team to promote collaboration between DIT and other parts of the UK Government to promote greater prosperity for the UK and the US.

• Ensure the UK Government maintains exceptional relationships with leading US companies with investments in the UK and with major UK exporters.

• Oversee the Houston team's contribution to US sector export and investment strategies.

• Contribute to the UK’s presence at major events that take place in the region, including South By South West, Austin Formula 1, and the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC).

• Establish and manage relationships with senior business leaders, leading association groups and multiplier organisations including specific responsibility for strategic multinational clients.

• Manage and report on performance against targets and budgets.

• Develop strong collaborative relationship with partners and stakeholders, including the UK's regional inward investment agencies.

• Lead recruitment and people development for the Houston team, ensuring that our people have the skills, coaching and resources to excel.

• Promote a diverse and inclusive working environment.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

The Head of Trade and Investment leads a team of 10 trade and investment professionals based at the British-Consulate in Houston and is responsible for an operating budget of £500,000-£1,000,000. The Head of Trade and Investment is also an important part of the leadership team for DIT in the United States, alongside the other 7 Heads of Trade and Investment, each of whom lead one of the regional teams in the US.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.

• 8+ years relevant professional experience, including either a track record of leading successful teams or significant experience in Government preferably in an international setting.

• A dynamic leader, looking to make their mark in an ambitious organisation, who is resilient and comfortable with complexity.

• A skilled coach with a track record of developing people.

• A solid understanding of both the US and UK business environments, in addition to public versus private sector operations.

• Highly developed commercial acumen, strong client and project management skills.

• An excellent network of relevant contacts or the ability to develop such a network, including demonstrating the ability to develop strategic relationships with senior industry figures;

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to present effectively.

• Ability to influence at different levels.

• Excellent research, analysis and report writing skills, particularly the ability to produce high quality policy briefing and market analysis.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a closely-knit team towards shared goals and strong networking skills.

• 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.

• An ability to assist with consular support services in times of crises.