View Vacancy - Trade & Investment Officer (Technology), UK Department for International Trade, Boston

Main purpose of job:

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government agency charged with securing 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 and Commonwealth Office (FCO), 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 trade policy framework for the UK as it leaves the EU.

The position advertised is for a Trade & Investment Officer (TIO) at the British Consulate-General in Boston, Massachusetts and is part of the national Tech sector team. The job holder will work with the Tech Industry, which includes software, hardware, communications and cyber security. The job holder will focus on a) developing and delivering inward investment projects into the UK b) developing and delivering US market opportunities to a broad range of UK exporters. They will organise and host trade delegations and marketing programs to highlight transatlantic business opportunities and support projects that advance UK prosperity and trade policy.

To be successful, the job holder will need to be energetic, proactive, innovative and understand the strategic market dynamics for technology companies. They will have exceptional relationship management skills, develop a wide network of stakeholders and partners to help produce results, and be able to analyse emerging market trends in order to respond to new opportunities. The Officer will be responsible for working with clients and delivering DIT initiatives across the six state New England region, which include Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Official functions outside of office hours and some travel (US and UK) are required. This role reports to the Head of Trade & Investment in Boston and will manage one Trade & Investment Associate.

Alongside a competitive salary, the British Consulate offers exceptional benefits. including approximately 3 weeks paid vacation (increasing with tenure) plus public holidays, excellent healthcare options, matched contributions to 401k and paid parental leave. We offer flexible working arrangements and 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 make teams reflective of the cities in which they’re based.

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

• Forge strong relationships with U.S. and UK business leaders, trade associations and other key partners within the tech sector.
• Identify and support U.S companies looking to invest in the UK, and relationship manage those already active in the UK, helping them to maintain or grow their footprint. Build a pipeline of ambitious, high value projects.
• Develop, position and implement marketing strategies, conceive activities, and produce events with the goals of generating FDI leads, building relationships, and highlighting the strengths of the UK’s market offer to potential investors.
• Facilitate UK export growth by delivering business development activities to support innovative UK companies, including trade missions and campaigns at industry conferences.
• Work to support UK prosperity and economic growth, as well as 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. Promote UK strengths effectively to a U.S. audience.
• Represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions, including occasional speaking engagements.
• Undertake regular travel in the U.S. and occasional travel overseas (approximately 20-25% of the time).

Essential on arrival:

• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in sales, marketing or project leadership, preferably within the technology sector.   International business experience is an advantage.
• Ability to work effectively at a senior level, with a record of fostering business relationships and a demonstrated ability to think strategically.
• Familiarity with both the US and the UK business environments.
• A demonstrable record of meeting challenging targets. Proactive, self-starting approach to work; ability to deliver effectively under limited day-to-day supervision in a deadline sensitive, fast-paced environment.
• Strong client management and project management experience.
• Excellent research and writing skills, with an ability to provide clear, concise summaries and to respond to ad hoc requests at short notice.
• 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.