View Vacancy - Trade & Investment Associate, Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing

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 two Trade & Investment Associate (TIA) positions based in the British Consulate General in Los Angeles (in Century City), working in the Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing (AEM) sector. The two positions are:

• Trade & Investment Associate – Aerospace, Defence & Space
• Trade & Investment Associate – Automotive, Food & Drink
  

Each TIA will report to a Trade & Investment Officer (TIO) responsible for the same sectors. If you have a strong preference for being considered for one TIA position over the other, please indicate in your cover letter.

The two successful candidates will engage with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders across their sectors, including the UK’s Aerospace and Automotive Hubs, the Aerospace Technology Institute, UK Space Agency, UK Centre for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles, and representatives of the three Devolved Administrations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Working with their TIO, they will be responsible for working with clients and delivering DIT initiatives on the West Coast, including all of California, Washington, Utah, and Arizona. The successful candidates will supports existing investors, identify and attract new investors, and help UK companies who export to the US.

Roles and responsibilities

• Identify relevant U.S. companies interested in establishing or expanding operations in the UK. Make initial contact, organize visit programmes and schedule meetings for the TIO. Attend meetings where appropriate and support the management of client relationships.
• Support strong relationships with U.S. and UK business leaders, trade associations and other key partners within the automotive, food & drink, aerospace, space, and defence/security industries.
• Assist with initiatives such as trade missions, seminars, webinars, receptions and other events to promote UK strengths. Provide event management and logistical support where necessary.
• Support UK prosperity, economic growth, and UK trade policy objectives, in collaboration with other UK government agencies.
• Manage and/or support visits by senior government officials by securing high-level meetings, organizing activities, and preparing briefing materials.
• Build and maintain current knowledge of market trends, incentives, and centres of excellence in both the U.S. and the UK to identify commercial opportunities and provide informed advice to clients. Conduct research and compile occasional reports on routes to market and U.S. opportunities for UK exporters.
• Provide operational and administrative support to the TIO by maintaining client and project databases, and serving as a point of contact.

Attend official functions outside of office hours, and undertake travel in the U.S. and occasional travel overseas up to 15% of the time.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• 1-3 years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong client management experience and/or project management experience.
• Proactive, self-starting approach to work; ability to problem solve, organize, prioritize and manage tasks in a deadline sensitive, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate with companies/organizations effectively and credibly at a senior level, and a proven track record of fostering business relationships.
• Excellent research and writing skills, with an ability to provide clear, concise summaries and to respond to ad hoc requests at short notice.
• Understanding of the business environments in the UK and US, and the factors companies consider when expanding internationally.
• 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.