View Vacancy - Trade & Investment Associate (Financial & Professional Services)
Main purpose of job:
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 Trade & Investment Associate will support the Chicago Financial & Professional Services team to ensure delivery against national and regional targets for across the Chicago consular region (the states of CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI). This will primarily be supporting UK companies looking to export to the Midwestern US market (i.e. “trade”) and identifying, engaging with and providing assistance to US companies looking to set up or expand in the UK (i.e. “investment”). In addition, the job holder will attend conferences, organise trade missions, events and support VIP visits. It is a fast-moving role that requires a flexible individual with the ability to move at pace.
The Trade & Investment Associate will report to the Trade & Investment Officer (Financial & Professional Services) in the Chicago office and will join a dynamic team comprised of 15 trade and investment professionals focused on knowledge-based sectors including: technology, life sciences, clean tech, advanced engineering, and consumer goods.
The Financial & Professional Services (FPS) sector spans a number of industries including: fintech, investment banking, asset management, insurance, legal, accounting, and management consulting.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?
- Proactively identify US Financial, Professional & Business Services companies that would be interested in setting up or expanding their operations in the UK. Make initial contact, organize visit programs and schedule company meetings for the Trade & Investment Officer. Attend meetings where appropriate and assist in the management of client relationships.
- Proactively make introductions (potential clients, partners and multipliers), undertake research and deliver visit programs for relevant UK companies operating in the Financial & Professional Services sectors that are looking to enter the US market.
- Develop knowledge of developments and trends in the Financial & Professional Services sectors in both the US and the UK.
- Build and manage a database of key contacts in the sectors.
- Assist with initiatives such as incoming and outgoing missions, ministerial visits, seminars, panel discussions, receptions and other events to promote the UK’s strengths in the Financial & Professional Services sectors. Contribute when necessary to administrative and logistical support for event participation.
- Provide operational and administrative support to the Trade & Investment Officer and to the wider DIT Chicago team as and when required.
- Liaise with both internal teams and external contacts at an executive level.
- Assist with consular support services in times of crisis.
Experience / qualifications:
• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• 1-3 years professional experience in international business and/or business development (preferably in the Financial & Professional Services sectors), especially with experience in lead generation and account management
• Ability and credibility to deal with companies/organisations at a senior level in person and over the phone, with a proven track record of fostering business relationships
• Comfortable with initiating and handling introductory calls to relevant companies
• Strong and enthusiastic networking skills
• Excellent research and report writing skills – with an ability to provide clear, concise summaries and to respond to ad hoc requests at short notice using databases and other information sources
• Knowledge of the business environments in the UK and US, in particular the Financial & Professional Services sectors
• Proactive self-starter, able to prioritise and effectively manage multiple tasks
• Attention to detail and good follow up discipline
• Committed team player
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team and often under tight deadlines
• Ability to attend evening and early morning events.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point)
The candidate will have the ability to avail of internal and external training facilitated and paid for by DIT budget – including a familiarization trip back to the UK (if required).
Flexible working is possible within DIT Chicago. Possibilities include adjusting working hours and working remotely, one-to-two days a week, depending on schedule. (Note: this is not always possible during busy periods, or when there are mandatory staff meetings. Each week is taken on a case-by-case basis, with clear communication around what’s required to be in the office for, vs. the authorization to work remotely).
Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):
- Able to be located in/relocate to, the Chicago area.
- The successful candidate will be required to attend official functions outside of office hours and required to undertake domestic (US) travel between 5-10% of the time. A limited amount of international travel may also be required.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
