View Vacancy - CWH, CQ - Head of Food and Drink, SEO

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 (DIT) embraces and values diversity in all forms. We welcome and pride ourselves on the positive impact diversity has on the work we do, and we promote equality of opportunity throughout the organisation. DIT China would value applications from people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture, experience and gender. 

This is an exciting time to join the Department for International Trade (DIT) as Head of Food and Drink, Trade & Investment for DIT China and Hong Kong. Our aim is to promote UK trade and investment across the world which is vital for the prosperity of the UK. DIT brings together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world to help businesses succeed. This is a great opportunity to be part of an international team that contributes to the success of the UK's trade goals.

DIT operates in 108 countries. Establishing new relationships around the globe, DIT promotes UK 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 His Majesty’s Ambassador who is responsible for the UK’s relationship with China. His 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 c.190 staff across six posts - Beijing, 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.

The food and drink sector is one with particular potential for growth. As the UK’s largest manufacturing sector the Government has made particularly strong commitments to increase exports, continue to develop an increasingly positive perception and support investment projects.  You will be at the forefront of Ministerial attention, involved in frequent high level dialogues and events, and at the centre of building relationships with the food and drink industry. 

The Head of Food and Drink, Trade and Investment reports directly to the Counsellor for Agriculture,  Food and Drink, and will aim to position the UK increasingly strongly within the Chinese food and drink sector. The successful candidate will have a keen interest in agriculture, food and drink, knowledge of international trade and investment from both a commercial and public perspective, as well as a practical and resourceful approach that inspires people to think in contemporary ways.  They will also have in-depth knowledge and practical experience in traditional, e-commerce and cross border trading environment combined with the ability to both navigate and execute perception and sales campaigns on digital and social media.  

The team currently covers a large range of sub sectors incorporating the breadth of the agriculture, food & drink landscape and receives funding from various sources all with differing objectives and ROI requirements varying from sub sector specific trade development work to consumer perception & live selling campaigns & partnerships.  
Trade & investment campaigns increasing require an increased level of cross-cutting including working closely with the DIT HQ food & drink team, engaging and coordinating international activities with the ITA network on an individual, regional and nation’s level and developing close working relations with other Partners in Government (PAGs).

The role has evolved since its inception 7 years ago.  For example, the Head of Trade and Investment increasingly works with his team to support the grocery sector, as well as individual UK food and drink companies. Data is also an increasingly important part of the role and decision making. The collection of data both ranging from event surveys, research projects and industry figures are crucial and often dictate how campaigns are approached. Equally analysing data, reports and trends to build the strategic approach of the team at all stages and levels.  An important aspect of this is the use and management of the internal CRM and marketing databases and systems.  At least partly as a result of COVID, we increasingly using digital marketing and communication as well as more traditional methods.
  
The team has also grown in size, funding and responsibilities.  The incoming head will need to balance reviewing and consolidating the current situation while supporting several relatively new team members while also quickly understanding the existing year’s campaigns and building the knowledge and relationships required to support and drive the team to complete the ambitious targets set.

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

As head of the trade team for food and drink, you will be responsible for:

  • Continue to develop and cultivate the key account management of both our Chinese & UK stakeholders (commercial, NGO & Government) in areas that are a priority for the UK -  20%
  • Robustly managing a pipeline of food and drink events/projects,to ensure that business targets can be achieved - 20%
  • Leading the trade and investment advisers & specalists, and providing them with the leadership support to see projects through to a conclusion. Offering an individualised approach to each colleague, to support personal and career development - including team, DIT, FCDO and external training - 20%
  • Leveraging maximum export and investment potential from Ministerial, VIP visits - 5%
  • Data management including collaboration with the data team, leading the use and maximisation of CRM system and clear use of data in decision making - 5%
  • Financial procedure & budget management – understanding and guiding the high number of actvites and campaigns through the internal systems combined with detailled budget management - 5%
  • Manage multiple funding pots to support the trade and investment objectives while also supporting the overall gastromdiplomacy strategy on a regional and national level - 25%

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

  • 3 trade & investment officers

Language Requirements:

  • English - excellent/highly proficient
  • Mandarin - independent/good

Essential on arrival:

  • Experience in the industry in China & UK
  • High profile project management of physical events including trade shows and activities that include collaboration with high profile partners/companies/organisations
  • Experience in digital and social media projects both perception and sales
  • Proven experience in KAM, collaboration and partnering and strong international relationship building at senior AND junior levels
  • Financial management & budgetry planning/forecasting experience
  • Direct line management and remote management experience
  • Industry network in China 

Desirable:

  • Experience dealing with local Chinese government and government departments and/or associations
  • Industry network in the UK
Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace, Leadership, Communicating and Influencing, Developing Self and Others
10 February 2023
Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
Fixed Term
35
24 months
Asia Pacific
China
Chongqing, Wuhan
British Embassy
1
CNY
29,196 for Chinese Nationals / 38,044 for Expats
3 April 2023

We offer a competitive package which includes –

  • An monthly gross salary of CNY 29,196 for Chinese nationals and an abated monthly salary of CNY 38,044 per month for British Nationals and spouses/partners (all nationalities) of diplomats who are ‘W’ (diplomatic) visa holders and meet passport criteria;
  • Commercial insurance package including accidental, life, medical and business travel insurance
  • 22 days annual leave entitlement in pro-rata which increases by 0.5 per full calendar year worked up to maximum of 25 days. We offer different types of compulsory leave in accordance to Chinese law, e.g. Maternity Leave, Paternity Leave, Marriage Leave, Parental leave, etc.
  • In addition to the above compulsory leave, we also offer other types of leaves with pay e.g. Study Leave, Volunteering Leave to support staff who undertakes volunteering activities, Special Paid Leave to deal with emergencies involving a close family member, and more.
  • Employee Assistance Programme which is a confidential service providing help, support and information to staff to resolve and manage situations causing concern whether at work or personal nature is available to staff 24/7;
  • There is also plenty of opportunity to develop on and off the job, and establish expertise and build capability. We are strongly supportive of the job holder continuing to develop their professional skills. The Mission encourages a blended learning culture based on the 70/20/10 model which includes e-learning, mentoring, coaching, other development activities and role-specific required trainings. This offer also includes supporting staff members to take part in a 5 days of learning activities each year.

Learning and Development Opportunities:

There is plenty of opportunity to develop on and off the job, and to establish expertise and build capability. We are strongly supportive of the job holder continuing to develop their trade and investment professionalism. 

In addition, opportunities and activities include:

  • Attending external events and conferences hosted by academic institutions, business chambers, etc
  • Learning and Development programmes, which have recently included leadership, line management,  interpretation, presentation skills, effective remote working and trade policy.
  • Opportunities for job shadowing across the network
  • An individual bid fund providing funding to support more tailored learning and development needs.  

Working Patterns:

Conditioned working hours is 35 hours/week from Monday to Friday and flexible working can be arranged upon personal needs. Flexible working arrangements is always considered.

Other Information:

Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks.

Staff who are locally recruited by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Chinese employment law.

No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. Any costs related to obtaining or renewing permits and visas are the responsibility of the successful applicant.

Please note that your application must be submitted before 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field "Application deadline."

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.  Applicants called for an interview will be assessed on the core behaviours listed above.

All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the online application form completely including the employment and educational details, experience, professional skills and behaviour-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the applications and incomplete form in any respect may not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.
 
Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted. Interviewees will be assessed on the core behaviours/qualifications listed above. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via the system in due time. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’.  If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

For inclusivity and diversity, please remove the following personal information when uploading your CV: name, address, email address, age, date of birth, gender, and nationality.

The start date mentioned in the job advert is a tentative start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances.

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This opportunity is closed to applications.