View Vacancy - Head of Trade & Investment

Main purpose of job:

The Head of Trade and Investment in Washington DC will lead a dynamic and effective team of 11 trade and investment professionals, responsible for promoting UK exports and increasing inward investment to the UK across Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia, Virginia and West Virginia, and for certain sectors in North and South Carolina. The Head of Trade and Investment will also lead on collaboration with other departments in the British Embassy, in particular the Global Economic Policy Group and the Defence Sales Team of the British Defence Staff.

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

Role Description:

The US and the UK are each other’s most important trading partner with UK firms responsible for employing more than 1 million people in the US, and US firms responsible for employing more than 1 million people in the UK. 2017 saw record levels of inward investment from the US into the UK and DIT’s team in the US are responsible for maintaining that success as the UK leaves the EU. The Department of International Trade (DIT) promotes UK exports to the US and attracts foreign direct investment into the UK through a combination of trade and investment promotion with specific companies and the removal of market access barriers.

The Head of Trade and Investment, Washington DC leads DIT’s DC team, one of nine teams in the United States. They will play a key part in shaping the UK Government’s engagement in the region, working alongside the other departments in the British Embassy, Washington they will provide strategic context for opportunities in the region and maintain a regional strategic plan for promoting the mutual benefits of jobs, growth and security that come from increased transatlantic trade. They will do this at an important time for the UK as we seek to deepen our trading relationships as an independent trading nation for the first time in 40 years.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide dynamic leadership to a team of 11 focusing on delivering team and personal trade and investment targets, and ensuring the Washington team contributes to the UK Government’s prosperity objectives in North America.

• Work alongside other members of the leadership team to promote collaboration between DIT and other parts of the UK Government to promote greater prosperity for the UK and the US.

• Support the Head of Sector for Defence & Security/Space to deliver their sector strategies. 

• Take the lead for DIT on engagement with the Global Economic & Policy Group and work with the Trade Policy Team to provide DIT input and delivery on Market Access Barriers issues, the Trade Influencing Campaign and SME Dialogue. 

• Ensure the UK Government maintains exceptional relationships with leading US companies with investments in the UK and with major UK exporters in the region.

• Identify cross-sector key stakeholders in patch and lead on engagement t of SRM companies not covered by the Head of Sector or Trade and Investment Officers.

• Accountable for the delivery of overall Post performance with oversight of the DC team's contribution to US sector export and investment strategies and the Integrated Sector Plans.

• Disseminate and interpret key DIT corporate comms for teams at weekly meetings;

• Support the Ambassador and Deputy Ambassador, Policy and Prosperity colleagues with delivery of prosperity objectives (e.g. company meetings that have strong trade policy angles.)

• Lead on Ministerial visits: includes framing of program and quality control of briefing; Contribute to the UK’s presence at major events and VIP visits in the region.

• Regional “face” / voice of UK plc with regional commercial stakeholders (BABC, Chambers, EDAs)

• Sign off on regional bids for funding from Investor Outreach and Grassroots Campaign Funds; establish and manage relationships with senior business leaders, trade associations, Government and Business Relation Managers for the leading UK and US companies based in DC.

• Develop strong collaborative relationship with partners and stakeholders, including the UK's regional inward investment agencies.

• Lead recruitment and people development for DIT DC staff,  providing coaching and mentoring on all non-sector specific elements of individuals’ roles (learning and development, core skills e.g. consultative selling or Ministerial briefings);  

• Promotes  a diverse and inclusive working environment , ensuring the team is motivated, professional, collaborative and focused on delivering client excellence, always;

• Promote good corporate citizenship among the team, helping balance delivery of agreed sector targets alongside other demands

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

The Head of Trade and Investment leads a team of 11 trade and investment professionals based at the British Embassy in Washington DC and is responsible for an operating budget of £500,000-£1,000,000. The Head of Trade and Investment is also an important part of the leadership team for DIT in the United States, alongside the other 7 Heads of Trade and Investment, each of whom lead one of the regional teams in the US.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience

• 8+ years relevant professional experience, including either a track record of leading successful teams or significant experience in Government preferably in an international setting.

• A dynamic leader, looking to make their mark in an ambitious organisation, who is resilient and comfortable with complexity.

• A skilled coach with a track record of developing people.

• A solid understanding of both the US and UK business environments, in addition to public versus private sector operations.

• Highly developed commercial acumen, strong client and project management skills.

• An excellent network of relevant contacts or the ability to develop such a network, including demonstrating the ability to develop strategic relationships with senior industry figures;

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to present effectively.

• Ability to influence at different levels.

• Excellent research, analysis and report writing skills, particularly the ability to produce high quality policy briefing and market analysis.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a closely-knit team towards shared goals and strong networking skills.

• Computer literacy in standard Microsoft applications;

• Valid driver’s license; the ability to attend official functions outside of office hours; and the ability to undertake domestic and international air travel, including overnight stays.

• An ability to assist with consular support services in times of crises

Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office.  Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work. 
*A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defense Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.