View Vacancy - CQ - Senior Trade and Investment Officer, Retail, Creative Industries B3(L)

Main purpose of job:

This is a dynamic role for an enthustiastic individual to help to advance the trade and investment ambitions articulated in the Department for International Trade (DIT) Regional Trade Plan for the China and Hong Kong region, which 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 – Consistent 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.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) was established by the Prime Minister in July 2016 to integrate and elevate the Trade agenda; help secure a better deal for the UK as it negotiates a successful exit from the EU; and, establish new relationships with other countries around the globe. DIT promotes British trade across the world and ensures the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to us, securing and improving the economic well-being and stability of the UK, and helping to create tens of thousands of jobs every year.
Led by Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for China and Hong Kong we are one of nine global regions and part of an overseas network that operates in 108 countries. The largest DIT overseas network in the world, with 200 staff across six posts - the British Embassy in Beijing, plus Consulates in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan – DIT, as part of the One HMG network in China and Hong Kong, offers a fast-paced place to work at the heart of UK: China Government relations.

Detail:

China’s rapid economic growth, development and emergence on the global stage has resulted in increased opportunities for the Creative Industries sector. The UK’s creative industries are amongst the most influential and successful in the world. British creative entrepreneurs continue to be world leaders in film & TV, music, architecture, fashion, publishing, experience economy, design, and branding. The UK creativity and innovation is highly marketable and sought after by global business.

The retail and consumer market continues to rise in South West China. The fashion and lifestyle scene in particularly gains more credibility each season. China is undoubtedly a large place and as such, brands need to have regional strategies when it comes to marketing, sales and distribution. The jobholder will be expected to cultivate key contacts and build a strong network in South West China with a focus on Chengdu. The ability to then leverage this network for future events and activities will be influential. The role will also require the job holder organise and participate in these events or activities once or twice a year.  Creating a potential investment network for companies looking to invest into UK retail space or operations will also fall under the job holder’s responsibilities.

The jobholder will also have a small focus on Sports.The UK is the home to many modern sports with lots of world famous sports events such as Premier League, Formula One and Wimbledon. UK also has great expertise in major events as we know London is the only city hosted three Olympic Games. China sports industry grows rapidly in past few years and there are lots of opportunities for UK companies to export to China.

Role and Responsibilities:

• 25%: Developing and maintaining good contacts with potential and existing Chinese trade and investment partners as well as stakeholders in the wider teams such as China Britain Business Council (CBBC), British Council (BC) and UK Regional Development Agency Representatives in China. This includes regular visits to Chinese companies and Government Departments in South West China, developing strong working relationships, and obtaining or providing information on Trade & Investment opportunities.
• 30%: Working closely with team colleagues and leading on identifying business opportunities from South West China, establishing links for UK expertise and facilitating business co-operation, and making contribution to team targets of Export Wins and FDI.
• 30%: Undertaking pro-active work to develop and maintain an investment pipeline; identifying growth opportunities for current and potential Chinese Creative Industries as well as Retail and Consumer investors in the UK; generating new leads through media monitoring and understanding of the China sector.
• 15%: Leading activities within business plan to contribute to team targets; organising events such as visits from UK delegations, visits to the UK by Chinese companies, seminars, receptions and other Trade & Investment events and market access activities; working on visits and programmes for Ministers and senior officials.

• Excellent / Highly Proficient in spoken and written English
• Excellent / Highly Proficient in spoken and written Chinese
• Track record in building and maintaining strong working relationships;
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, prioritisation and networking skills;
• Track record of delivering against targets;
• Ability to work alone or as part of a team;