View Vacancy - Trade and Investment Executive

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 Executive (TIE) based at the British Consulate-General Miami, working with the Infrastructure sector. The TIE 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 Miami, Florida, and occasionally support DIT activities across the Gulf Coast. The successful candidate engages with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders. The TIE reports to an Infrastructure Trade and Investment Officer (TIO) at the British Consulate-General Houston, Texas whilst co-located and working with the British Consulate-General Miami.

We’re looking for someone who is excited by the economic opportunities that infrastructure 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 TIE will support relationships with CEOs, VIPs, business development leads, supply chain managers and others throughout the Southeast United states, and he/she will also generate and lead on relationships independently in order to deliver FDI and trade targets.

Main Job Functions:

• Deliver a target number of FDI and trade successes each year, as agreed with the lead Infrastructure TIO and the Head of Trade & Investment.
• Support account management of regional companies (Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia) and the delivery of investment projects.
• Identify U.S. companies that may be interested in establishing or expanding operations in the UK. Make initial contact, facilitate 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.
• 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 infrastructure 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.
• Maintain current knowledge of infrastructure market trends, incentives, and centres of excellence in both the U.S. and the UK. Promote UK strengths effectively to a U.S. audience.
• Undertake occasional travel in the U.S. and the UK.
• Assist with initiatives such as trade missions, seminars, webinars, receptions and other events to promote the UK’s strengths. Attend and represent DIT at industry seminars and conferences to gather information and report on developments potentially impacting the UK.
• Maintain client relationship management records, lists of industry contacts and other data. Interact effectively and responsibly with C-level executives and business leaders.
• Liaise with internal teams and external contacts at an executive level, including cold calls and networking at events.
• Support and facilitate visits by senior government officials and other VIPs, including by organising logistics and scheduling company meetings.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• 5-8 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, facilitate, support, 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 infrastructure 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 may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A or NATO visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A or NATO 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/world/usa.  All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance. 

*A visas or NATO visas with EAD cards are acceptable at the Embassy, Consulates, and British Defence Staff (BDS) outposts.