View Vacancy - Trade and Investment Associate (Financial, Professional, and Business Services), BCG New York

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)
Department for International Trade (DIT)

Main purpose of job

The Department for International Trade is the United Kingdom Government’s international business development agency.  DIT 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.)

DIT USA works closely with its Headquarters in London, together with representatives of the three Devolved Administrations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, and other departmental agencies in the UK. DIT aims to drive transatlantic trade and foreign investment into the UK.  Made up of 156 members of staff in 9 US offices, this is a dynamic team, with geographical and sector focuses. The Trade & Investment Associate will report to the Trade & Investment Officer (Financial, Professional & Business Services) in the New York office.

The FPBS sector spans several industries including: fintech, investment banking, fund management, insurance, legal, accounting, management consulting, and other business services.

The Trade & Investment Associate will support the New York Financial & Professional Services team to ensure delivery against national and regional targets for the New York Tri-State area.  This will primarily be supporting innovative US Fund Managers, Insurance firms and other Financial Services companies to capitalise on commercial opportunities in the UK (i.e. ‘investment’). Laterally this involves researching companies looking at international expansion opportunities, generating leads from the research and setting up meetings for the Officer. In addition, you will be supporting UK Financial Services companies looking to enter or grow their business in the US market (i.e. 'trade').  You will attend conferences, organise trade missions, events and support VIP visit programs.  It’s a fast-moving role that requires a flexible individual with a good sense of humour and ability to move at pace.

What will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

  • Develop knowledge of developments and trends in the Financial & Professional Services sectors for both the US and the UK.
  • Lead Generation: Proactively identify companies within the Financial & Professional Services sectors that would be interested in setting up or expanding their operations in the UK; make initial contact, organise visit programs and schedule company meetings. Attend meetings where appropriate and assist in the management of client relationships.
  • Deliver for clients: Help prepare UK propositions for US company seeking to expand and proactively make introductions to UK service providers and relevant stakeholders.
  • Manage and expand the database of key contacts in the industry.
  • Assist with initiatives such as trade missions to the US for UK firms, seminars, receptions and other events to promote the UK’s strengths in financial services.
  • Attend industry seminars and conferences to build relationships and represent DIT and the British Consulate General.
  • Provide market-entry guidance to UK companies based on the specific needs of clients' business models.
  • Manage projects and activity thta develop the pipeline of export deals towards goal of meeting internal DIT trade targets. 
  • Provide operational and administrative support to the wider DIT team as and when required.
  • Liaise with London HQ and other HMG contacts.
  • Assist with consular support services in times of crisis.

Key skills, experience and qualifications

  • A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
  • 1-3 years professional experience in international business, preferably in the Financial Services sector
  • 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
  • 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
  • Proactive self-starter, able to prioritise and effectively manage multiple tasks
  • Attention to detail and good follow up discipline
  • Strong and enthusiastic networking skills
  • Committed team player
  • Comfortable with initiating and handling introductory calls to relevant companies
  • Knowledge of the business environments in the UK and US, in particular Financial Services sector
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced team and often under tight deadlines
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point) is essential

In addition, 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.

10 March 2019
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
New York
British Consulate General
1
USD
27.46
13 May 2019

Other information (or specific local Post requirements):

  • Able to be located in/relocate to, the New York City area.
  • Be willing to undertake occasional travel to the UK.
  • Be willing to represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions (both during working hours and evenings).

Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy Network 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/government/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. 

The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local American employment law.

Candidates who are not US taxpaying citizens will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status. Salary will be confirmed upon offer of employment.

Working patterns:

Flexible working is possible within DIT New York.  Possibilities include earlier or later start times in the morning – followed by leaving earlier or later in the evening.  DIT NY allows employees to work 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).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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 an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or other category protected by law.

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.