View Vacancy - CPK - Head of People, C5 (L)

This is an exciting and demanding role for an exceptional individual to be the Head of People for DIT China. Working closely with colleagues as part of the Corporate Operations team, you will play a key role in supporting the DIT China region (China & Hong Kong) achieve its objectives as articulated in the Regional Trade Plan, of which the over-arching ambitions are: 

Objective 1 - Driving and inspiring UK exports to China, significantly increasing the UK market share of China's goods imports, and more than double the value of UK services exports.

Objective 2 – Strengthened trade policy engagement with China to achieve incremental market access, mitigate business risk and prepare for future trade deals

Objective 3 - Broadening and deepening the UK-China investment partnership, positioning the UK as the top European destination for Chinese investment and providing strong support for UK investors.

Context

The Department for International Trade (DIT), operating in 108 countries, is helping to secure a deal for the UK as it negotiates a successful exit from the EU. Establishing new relationships around the globe, DIT promotes British trade to ensure the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to us, securing and improving economic well-being, stability, and helping to create tens of thousands of jobs. 

DIT has one of the largest representations of the 18 government departments working in China, which are coordinated and led by Her Majesty’s Ambassador who is responsible for the UK’s relationship with China. Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) is responsible for Trade and Investment work in China, one of nine global regions and the largest DIT overseas network in the world. With 200 staff across six posts - Beijing, plus Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan – DIT, as part of the UK government network in China offers a fast-paced place to work at the heart of UK: China Government relations. 

Detail

The Corporate Operations Directorate is responsible for supporting all DIT China teams across our six locations to achieve our objectives and ambitions as stated in the Regional Trade Plan. 

Central to achieving these ambitions are our people. We have a talented and diverse workforce that comprises UK based civil servants, locally engaged Chinese colleagues and locally engaged British and other nationals who have a wealth of experience across trade, investment, trade policy and sectors. We are committed to ensuring that we develop, grow and realise the potential of all of our people; that we not only keep abreast of changes but get ahead of them and be the number one employer of choice in Trade and Investment work in China. 

The successful candidate will be expected to further develop, deliver and lead on the implementation of DIT China’s strategic approach to people management and development. This will include establishing strong relationships across the wider One HMG network in China, Operations teams in Hong Kong, and also in the UK with departmental bodies to ensure appropriate coordination and alignment of all people matters. 

Roles and responsibilities: 

People Strategy (c15%)

• Play a key role in supporting the achievements of a high performing and commercially focused DIT China team by tailoring the DIT People Plan to the China market and securing engagement from across the organisation.
• Implement local actions to ensure attraction, recruitment and retention of high performing staff through a number of initiatives and campaigns. This may include identifying new routes to recruitment which are suitable for DIT's business needs, and encourages high calibre individuals. 

Workforce and Talent Development (c15%)

• Develop further and lead the implementation of a costed, integrated workforce development plan for DIT China which links effectively with solutions available across the China network, Regional L&D hub and UK offer.
• Develop further and implement approach for performance and talent mapping management to develop and retain high performing staff, including design and management of effective benchmarking and validation processes as part of the performance management framework.

Building Capability, Advice and Expertise (c20%)

• Develop capability for DIT China through:

1. Providing clear, timely and accurate advice on HR issues
2. Supporting managers recruiting through developing a deep understand of sector strategies
3. Ensuring FCO and platform HR policies are consistently applied across the network.

• Actively represent DIT in the wider China network, including providing the DIT perspective on cross-network programmes, active participation in the People Matters group and effectively presenting the China perspective to London and HQ teams. 

Organisational Development (c20%)

• Further embed the DIT China mission, vision and values to become integral to what we do and how we do it, ensuring collaboration and connections with DIT HQ initiatives.
• Develop, implement and embed reporting of people metrics in DIT through a balanced scorecard approach that is developed proportionately through close liaison with HR sections in the Embassy, CGs and in the UK.
• Play a key role in advancing staff survey outcomes, engaging with staff to support positive change.
• Support closer collaboration and integration of People functions between DIT and broader HMG in China to deliver a more efficient and effective service

Line Management and Corporate contribution (c20%)

• Line management of B3 Learning & Development Manager and A2 Learning & Development Officer, providing strategic direction over DIT China’s Learning & Development offer and oversight of the DIT in year staff bonus scheme, job shadowing and individual L&D bid fund.
• Support direct reports to manage and commission the delivery of Learning and development opportunities based on learning needs analysis and engagement with sector teams, ensuring L&D needs are aligned to delivering business objectives.
• Commit to continual learning of self and team, making full use of on the job opportunities to deepen and develop own expertise and knowledge and understanding of the UK/China business environment, as well as formal training for skills and personal competences most relevant to the job.
• Provide support where necessary in delivery of the wider objectives of the Corporate Operations and DIT China team, including on cross-cutting issues.
• Promote and contribute to the China business plan and network values, actively and constructively participating in Post activities.

• Highly proficient in written and spoken English
• Strong interpersonal skills, including written and verbal presentation and communication skills
• Ability to work across teams and stakeholders based across multiple locations
• Proactive, driven and motivated, with an ability to work operate with a high degree of autonomy
• Ability to work flexibility and deliver at pace, demonstrating resilience and ability to manage multiple priorities