View Vacancy - SIN - SDI Food and Drink Specialist – Southeast Asia, C4(L) (Maternity Cover)

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)

To grow Scottish food & drink exports to Singapore and Thailand 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.

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 Singapore & Thailand 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
  • Gather market intelligence and 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
  • 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)
  • A relevant degree level qualification (or equivalent level of experience)
  • Knowledge of international trade (to Institute of Export level) and experience of supporting companies to export
29 October 2018
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Fixed Term
37.5
12 months
Asia Pacific
Singapore
Singapore
British High Commission
1
SGD
7,114
1 December 2018

This is a maternity leave cover contract for 12 months.

Normal working hours are 37.5 per week: 8.30am to 5.00pm from Monday to Friday.  There will be a requirement for occasional and limited out of hours work around major events and visits.

BHC Singapore supports and promotes flexible working as a crucial part of our inclusive offering. This particular role allows for flexibility in start and end times, working compressed hours, working remotely on one or a couple of days in a week, and the possibility of a job share arrangement, subject to agreement with management.

No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. This is a locally engaged position subject to local laws and terms. Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment checks.

Should the successful candidate require a permit to work in Singapore, the British High Commission will apply and sponsor the appropriate pass on their behalf.

BHC Singapore offers time and financial support for the successful candidate to take advantage of professional learning and development opportunities inside and outside of the organisation.

All applications must be received before 11:55PM (Singapore Time) on 29 October 2018.

Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. We regret to advise that we will only be contacting short-listed candidates. Applicants called for an interview will be assessed on the core competencies listed above.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted regarding the next phase of the selection process. 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.