View Vacancy - SH - SDI Food & Drink Specialist – China, C4(L)

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
SDI (Scottish Development International)

Main purpose of job:

To grow Scottish food & drink exports to China by proactively identifying trade opportunities for Scottish companies with key buyers and importers/distributors in the retail and foodservice sectors as well as leading the delivery of complex specialist support to Scottish food & drink companies looking to significantly grow their international exports.

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

    The successful candidate will focus on increasing exports from existing food & drink exporters while supporting new exporters where appropriate.  In doing so, they will be expected to contribute to Scottish Development International’s range of measures including:

    • The value of expected international sales of companies achieved, as a result of our support.
    • The number of companies supported into new markets and the launch of new products

    Specific responsibilities will include:

    1) Trade Development (at least 50% of role)

    • Identify key customers operating in the retail and foodservice sectors in China and take a strategic account management role, understanding any specific procurement and supply chain requirements whilst looking to identify potential opportunities for Scottish companies
    • Develop partnerships with stakeholders and trade associations – both in Scotland and in-market to identify platforms for collaborative or strategic engagement in the food & drink sector (Chefs Associations; restaurant/hotel industry groups etc).
    • Identify and attend sector-specific trade shows, exhibitions and conferences in the market/region to promote Scotland as a Land of Food & Drink; expand your network of contacts; and identify opportunities for Scottish companies
    • Produce data driven insight from market intelligence to scope/explore new opportunities for Scottish companies. Report trends to the Global Food & Drink team in Scotland and to trade organisations as appropriate (eg Seafood Scotland, Quality Meat Scotland).
    • Identify and articulate specific business opportunities to colleagues in Scotland including trade advisers and trade organisations and work with Scottish companies to help them respond to these opportunities.
    • Deliver webinars and use social media, including LinkedIn, to highlight key market opportunities to raise awareness of key market opportunities for Scottish companies
    • Take a creative approach to trade development work, supporting colleagues by looking for innovative ways to create demand for Scottish goods and services in your market/region

    2) Trade support

    • Act as overseas lead within a wider account team approach working to provide trade advice and guidance to Scottish companies looking to access opportunities in market within the sector
    • Support Scottish companies with market entry and growth strategies and develop a deep understanding of routes to market, business environment and regulatory framework
    • Work with colleagues in Scotland to deliver visit programmes, trade missions and learning journeys for Scottish companies, providing added value for participating companies by introducing them to your network of contacts and setting up 1-2-1 meetings for them while in market
    • Update SDI’s internal reporting system with details of all company support provided and how it has helped to deliver against SDI’s objectives. Update account team members on the impact of any support provided 
    • Develop close working relationships with other partners including DIT, British Chambers of Commerce, GlobalScots, and other in-market industry trade bodies who can add value to SDI’s work with Scottish companies in-market

    3) Other 

    • Travel within market and at times across the geography and to Scotland. Attendance at evening and other events 
    • Deliver presentations, respond to enquiries and produce briefings when required
    • Provide accurate, up-to-date management information via internal systems
    • Support performance improvement initiatives by adopting new approaches and contributing ideas

    Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

    No people management however budget management of your events is required.

    Essential on arrival:      

    • Strong commercial understanding in relation to international export development
    • Proven customer relationship management skills
    • Diagnostic, strategic challenger, influencer and facilitation skills
    • Ability to apply analytical skills in complex situations
    • Knowledge and understanding of the food & drink sector and ability to engage credibly with senior industry representatives in the sector
    • Market and sector knowledge in relation to international trade to enable the provision of advice to companies, colleagues and partners
    • Ability to work on own initiative
    • Excellent written skills, IT literate and comfortable using Microsoft packages such as PowerPoint, Excel and Word plus SE/SDI internal management systems (dynamics CRM)
    • A relevant degree level qualification (or equivalent level of experience)

    Language requirements:                                                         

    English

    Spoken: Excellent/Highly Proficient

    Written:  Excellent/Highly Proficient

    Other Languages: Mandarin

    Spoken: Excellent/Highly Proficient

    Written:  Excellent/Highly Proficient

    • Knowledge of international trade (to Institute of Export level) and experience of supporting companies to export
    19 January 2022
    Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
    Fixed Term, Full-time
    35
    24 months
    Asia Pacific
    China
    Shanghai
    British Consulate General
    1
    CNY
    Chinese: 29,488 ; British: CNY 38,425
    1 March 2022

    This position is being advertised as a 24 months fixed term position in Shanghai, and will be extended subject to performance and availability of funding.

    External Non-Chinese National Candidates

    Due to local Government measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, including strict entry restrictions, we are unable to accept applications from external applicants who are non-Chinese nationals. This includes applicants already in China. 

    We offer a competitive package, which includes basic salary, good leave entitlement, and insurance plan, etc. The gross starting salary (before all deductions) for this position is RMB 29,488/ month for Mainland China Nationals and an abated monthly salary of RMB 38,425/ month for British Nationals and spouses/ partners (all nationalities) of diplomats who are ‘W’ (diplomatic) visa holders and meet passport criteria.

    We also offer excellent development opportunities and a 22-day annual leave entitlement in pro rata. Conditioned working hours is 35 hours/ week from Monday to Friday and flexible working can be arranged upon personal needs. For more details on our Total Rewards Package, please visit our website http://www.gov.uk/government/world/china.

    Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

    The British Consulate General as part of the FCO platform offers time and financial support for the successful candidate to take advantage of professional learning and development opportunities inside and outside of the organisation.

    The British Consulate General have a wide range of learning and development opportunities for employees at all levels. All employees all strongly encouraged to invest in their own learning and development.

    The jobholder will have access to a range of e-learning and face-to-face learning opportunities made available via the FCDO’s ‘International Academy’ and through Learning & Development programmes organised by FCDO China network. There will also be other formal and informal opportunities for professional development, eg. job shadowing, mentoring.

    Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):

    Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British Consulate General are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to Chinese local employment law.

    No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. Any costs related to obtaining or renewing permits and visas are the responsibility of the successful applicant. 

    The British Consulate General is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on grounds of ethnic origin, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, gender or sexual orientation.

    Working patterns:    

    Normal working hours are 35 per week: from Monday to Friday.  We support and promotes flexible working as a crucial part of our inclusive offering. This particular role allows for flexibility in start and end times, working remotely on one or a couple of days in a week, subject to agreement with management.

    Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

    Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen. 

    Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. 

    We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

    REMINDER: 

    Applicants are required to fill out the online application form completely including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and the competency based questions. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage so please ensure you provide information requested. Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted. Interviewees will be assessed on the core competencies listed above. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via the system in due time.

    Indicated start date is provisional and subject to successful completion of reference and security checks.

    To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.

    Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

    This opportunity is closed to applications.