View Vacancy - Trade & Investment Associate – Consumer Goods

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.
Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
DIT

Main purpose of job: 

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government agency charged with growing UK and global prosperity by promoting transatlantic trade and investment and championing free trade. In the United States, DIT works closely with other UK agencies, including the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), 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; and
  • support the development of a new independent trade policy framework for the UK.

The post advertised is for a Trade & Investment Associate (TIA) based at the British Consulate in Los Angeles (in Century City), working with the Consumer Goods industry, specifically the retail and food & drink sectors. The TIA will focus on a) developing US market opportunities for a broad range of UK exporters; b) project managing initiatives designed to achieve export results, including trade missions and activities at trade shows; and c) identifying and managing relationships with potential investors into the UK. S/he will also work on other projects to advance UK prosperity and trade policy. The TIA reports to the Trade & Investment Officer, Consumer Goods, also based in Los Angeles.

To be successful, the job holder will need to be innovative, strategic and proactive. S/he will have exceptional organisational skills, be deft at relationship management with both external clients and UK government stakeholders, and be able to analyse emerging market trends in order to respond to new opportunities. S/he will work with clients and deliver DIT initiatives on the West Coast, including all of California, Washington, Oregon, Utah, and Arizona. S/he will be required to attend official functions outside of office hours, and once circumstances permit it, undertake travel (US and UK) up to 10% of the time.

Alongside a competitive salary compared to similar economic development organizations, DIT offers exceptional benefits. These include approximately 3 weeks paid vacation to start (increasing with tenure) plus public holidays, excellent healthcare options, and parental leave. DIT also offers the opportunity to be part of an inclusive and diverse team of people. DIT strives to be a place where people can bring their whole selves to work and to build teams that are reflective of the cities in which they’re based. 

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

  • Support strong relationships with U.S. and UK business leaders, trade associations and other key partners within the consumer goods industries.
  • Identify 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.
  • 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. Showcase the benefits of the UK/US economic relationship to external audiences.
  • Manage and/or support visits by senior UK 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 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 exporter.
  • 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. Undertake regular travel in the U.S. and occasional travel overseas (up to 10% of the time).
  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
  • 1-3 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Strong project management and client 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 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.
  • Language: fluent in English.
  • Knowledge of the consumer goods industries in the US and/or UK.
  • A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
  • Professional experience in international business.
  • Sound knowledge of the UK’s investment proposition, especially regarding incorporation, tax, employment, R&D, and skills.
1 October 2020
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
Los Angeles
British Consulate General
1
USD
$26.35
16 November 2020

We actively encourage learning & development, and will develop a specific plan in collaboration with the successful candidate.

Occasional flexible and remote working is permissible. 

Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
*A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defense Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.

The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.
Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.
Individuals who are not a US taxpaying citizen will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.
The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.

Due to COVID-19 we are unable to confirm any start date of employment but will continue to monitor progress and developments, and will advise applicants of any significant changes throughout the recruitment campaign.

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.