View Vacancy - Trade and Investment Associate – Retail

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


An opportunity to join a dynamic team focused on fostering transatlantic business relations between the US and U.K.


The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the United Kingdom Government’s international business development agency. DIT in North America has two roles. The first is to ensure UK-based businesses are successful in the US & Canadian markets. The second is to assist/advise US companies with a successful market entry/expansion plan into the UK market, including inward investment across a broad range of industries. (See www.gov.uk/DIT for further information.)


DIT USA works closely with DIT 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 USA is run from headquarters in New York and is supported by a network of regional teams made up of members of staff spread across 9 different offices.


The British Consulate in New York is seeking a qualified Trade and Investment Associate (TIA) for the retail consumer goods sector. The TIA will be based at the British Consulate in New York, supporting a Trade and Investment Officer (TIO), and working as part of dynamic team comprised of 30 trade and investment professionals focused on knowledge-based sectors including: financial services, life sciences, energy and infrastructure, advanced engineering, digital/creative media, food/drink and homeland security and UN procurement. The position will also be part of the North American wide virtual team for Retail and Consumer Goods.   The TIA will concentrate regional efforts on the East Coast (Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West).


The TIA will actively contribute to the team’s strategy by supporting UK companies who export to the US and work with the retail industry including fashion & apparel, beauty & cosmetics, lifestyle, and luxury.



Roles and responsibilities


  • Proactively identify companies within the sector that would be interested in setting up or expanding their operations in the US; 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 undertake lead generation of companies within the sector that are interested in expanding and investing 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
  • Conduct research and compile reports on industry developments, best routes to market and potential US business partners for UK companies looking to enter the local market.
  • Develop, maintain, and disseminate knowledge of developments, trends, and opportunities in the US.
  • Develop a working knowledge of the US retail consumer goods opportunities with specific emphasis on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle categories, especially in the Northeast.
  • Research market barrier issues for UK companies exporting or setting up in the US and work with policy team in DC to address key issues.
  • Maintain client relationship management records, lists of key industry contacts and other data.
  • Provide operational and administrative support to the Trade and Investment Officer, and to the wider team as and when required.
  • Ability to use a variety of online and social media tools.
  • Support incoming trade missions, networking receptions, visit programs, plan company meetings and introductions and research/produce market reports.
  • Support the Trade and Investment Officer (TIO) in assisting UK companies in developing their market entry strategies and support TIO in promotional campaigns across the sector and network.
  • Liaise with internal teams, and external contacts at an executive level, including cold calls and networking at events.


  • A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required
  • 1-3 years professional experience in international business development, consumer goods, retail or other related field
  • Proactive, self-starting approach to work with the ability to deliver effectively under limited day-to-day supervision in a deadline-sensitive, fast-paced environment
  • Strong ability to problem solve, organize, prioritize and manage task.
  • Ability to effectively and credibly deal with companies/organizations at a senior level through all forms of communication and a proven track record of fostering business relationships
  • Excellent research and report writing skills – with an ability to identify relevant information and provide clear, concise summaries
  • Strong and enthusiastic networking skills, and the ability to attend early morning and evening events
  • Committed team player, with the ability to build strong connections both within and outside of the Department for International Trade
  • Understanding and knowledge of the business environments in the UK and US
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) is essential; familiarity with data management systems is desirable
  • Ability to undertake travel within the US and abroad.

  • Easily pivots between collaborative and autonomous working structures. Approaches work with a no job too big or too small, attitude.
  • Direct experience working in retail consumer goods industry in a B2B capacity
  • Working knowledge of major challenges facing the global retail industry and how to develop appropriate export strategies

2 February 2020
Executive Officer (EO)
Permanent
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
New York
British Consulate General
USD
$28.28
30 March 2020

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, as long as core hours are met. DIT New York allows employees to work remotely, one - two days a week. Note: Working remotely is not always possible during busy periods, or when there are mandatory staff meetings that require in person participation. Remote working schedules should be confirmed with line manager in advance.



  • Able to be located in/relocate to, the New York City area.
  • Be willing to undertake occasional international and domestic travel.
  • Be willing to represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions that will take place in and outside of core business hours.
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.