View Vacancy - SIN - Regional Director, Trade & Investment, Southeast Asia, Invest Northern Ireland, G7

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.
Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
Northern Ireland Bureau / Northern Ireland Group / Invest Northern Ireland

Main purpose of job:

Based out of the British High Commission in Singapore, this role is part of Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI (www.investni.com). Invest NI is the Northern Ireland government’s principal business development agency. As part of the Department for the Economy (DfE), Invest NI has responsibility for supporting the growth of the Northern Ireland economy through the development of its businesses locally and internationally, bringing greater economic benefit and prosperity to this region of the UK. 

Invest NI in Asia Pacific operates in five regions (and eight offices), Australia & New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia (‘SEA’ or the ‘Region’).  Invest NI’s overseas offices are responsible for supporting Northern Ireland companies in developing business overseas, increasing export sales and developing collaborations. They are also responsible for marketing and promoting Northern Ireland as an inward investment location.

Invest NI works closely with a wide range of clients including local businesses, multi-national companies, universities and colleges. Invest NI also works closely with business associations and stakeholders such as the UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT), Chambers of Commerce, industry bodies, and local councils in Northern Ireland.

Reporting directly to the Head of Territory - Asia Pacific (also located in Singapore) the SEA Regional Director will lead all Invest NI’s operations in the Region.  Whilst the role is based in Singapore, it is a regional role and will therefore involve activity, planning and execution across and to the Region as a whole.

Linked to Invest NI’s International and Business strategies and the strategies of Invest NI’s sector teams, based in Northern Ireland, and working with our international partners and stakeholders, the post-holder will develop and agree an annual operating plan and objectives that support the growth of Northern Ireland exports in these sectors and ultimately economic growth for Northern Ireland. They will also be expected to be flexible, and, as required, work across and explore other sectors as part of a small team representing Northern Ireland.

Prospective candidates must possess previous senior management level experience with responsibility for ensuring the successful delivery of high level and significant business development targets with a proven track record in dealing with senior level executives. They should have executed strategic forward thinking, innovative business solutions, with a detailed understanding of the SEA and Asia Pacific markets, the key business sectors, and the main economic drivers in Northern Ireland. They should also possess exceptional leadership skills and a successful track record of delivering through people.  

The primary focus of the position will be:

  • Trade development across all key business sectors, helping Northern Ireland companies to increase export sales to the region;
  • Promotion of Northern Ireland as a location for inward investment; and
  • To raise Northern Ireland’s profile for business purposes.

The post holder will work closely with the wider Invest NI teams based in its Belfast headquarters, Asia Pacific and other locations. 

The post-holder is expected to undertake travel on a regular basis within the SEA region to develop both Trade and FDI business. The post-holder will also be required to travel periodically within APAC or to the UK and other countries as required.

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

  1. Exports & Investment
    • Leading and directing Invest NI’s operations in Southeast Asia (‘SEA’ or the ‘Region’) to deliver export and investment targets, by working in tandem with Invest NI’s client relationship managers and the Trade & Investment team and colleagues in Northern Ireland, in APAC and in other international locations;
    • Developing and overseeing the successful implementation of Invest NI’s operating strategy in SEA; and communicating the same to colleagues in APAC and in Northern Ireland;
    • Leading in-market teams in SEA to promote Northern Ireland’s key business sectors and find new markets and export opportunities for Northern Ireland companies;
    • Overseeing the development and execution of innovative investment and sales propositions which align the Northern Ireland product to customer requirements and negotiating with customers to achieve a successful conclusion;
    • Conducting Business Development work to identify sales opportunities for NI companies and provide market access advice to existing exporters and new market entrants.
    • Being the trusted business partner to C-suite executives of SEA companies who have invested in Northern Ireland, providing them with regular briefings on the political and economic climate in Northern Ireland;
    • Working with INI APAC Marcoms Director to develop marketing strategies for exports and FDI in SEA that aligns with business development activity to promote exports and strengthen Northern Ireland’s impact in the region;
    • Supporting Northern Ireland companies interested in SEA by providing information required to make informed business decisions by handling market research and assessment enquiries, conducting visits and arranging business development meetings and writing appropriate reports. In this regard the post holder will be able to leverage the Invest NI’s appointed Trade Advisory Support providers in Southeast Asia in the delivery of support services to NI client companies and in relation to sector relevant market research;
    • Identifying and attending sector trade exhibitions and conferences, deliver in-market physical events and virtual webinars, arrange and attend client and customer meetings to represent NI, to promote industry excellence from NI and to highlight key market opportunities for NI companies;
    • Driving foreign direct investment activities for Northern Ireland in SEA. This includes identifying and working strategically with senior business and government stakeholders as well as other external organisations and industry bodies to help develop relationships, build collaboration and enhance Northern Ireland’s reputation; and
    • Co-ordinating VIP (including Ministerial delegations) visit programmes to SEA prepare briefing and manage the necessary logistics and protocols.
  2. Effective Strategic Relationship Management
    • Building a strong network of strategic relationships, particularly at senior and C-suite level, with industry leaders and senior government officials both in the Region and in Northern Ireland, to maximise opportunities for the long-term benefits of Northern Ireland’s and the wider UK economy;
    • Leading the in-market teams to work collaboratively with other UK government agencies (such as DIT, Northern Ireland Bureau, and FCDO offices) and in-market business associations and economic development agencies;
    • Leveraging the strategic Northern Irish diaspora and acting as the lead representative for the Northern Irish Connections diaspora initiative throughout the Region; and
    • Working effectively in partnership with wider teams based in Northern Ireland, Asia Pacific and other locations.
  3. Database & Budget Management
    • Manage relevant information sources and maintain accurate recording of customer and stakeholder information on Invest NI’s CRM and management systems;
    • Manage a pre-allocated budget appropriate to the agreed operating strategy in SEA.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

  • The post-holder will manage two members of staff, who will also be located in the British High Commission in Singapore.
  • The post-holder will be responsible for managing a pre-allocated budget appropriate to the operating strategy in SEA.  
  • The post-holder will be expected to make decisions delegated to him/her by the Head of Territory, and act within Invest NI policies and guidelines.

Language:

  • English - excellent

Essential on arrival:

  • Educated to degree level ideally in a business or related function;
  • A minimum of 10 years’ recent successful business development experience of which at least 3 years of this experience is in Singapore within the last 6 years. Business development experience includes (but may not be limited to) achieving business outcomes (such as sales), advising clients, formulating and implementing business strategies, driving team performance;
  • A significant and successful track record in Business Development, including market research, analysing market data, preparing reports, presenting information to clients and securing contracts/sales;
  • A sound commercial knowledge of SEA and the business opportunities across sectors, being aware of the issues (& solutions) relating to doing business in this region;
  • A recent successful track record in developing and maintaining relationships with senior executives, industry leaders and government officials to achieve positive business outcomes;
  • Successful experience in leading and managing staff in an multi-location office environment;
  • Strong IT computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office, Internet and Social Media;
  • Excellent communication skills; an ability to work collaboratively and effectively with business contacts and colleagues;
  • Ability to work at pace; and to prioritise and manage an often heavy workload in a multi-location environment and liaising with team members in these locations; and
  • Knowledge of UK’s key sectors and business drivers.

Desirable:

  • Knowledge of the key business sectors and economic drivers in Northern Ireland, including EU Exit.
Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Leadership, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together
1 August 2022
Grade 7 (G7)
Fixed Term, Full-time
37.5
24 months
Asia Pacific
Singapore
Singapore
British High Commission
1
SGD
10,216
5 September 2022

We offer a competitive package, which includes basic salary of SGD 10,216 per month and a generous annual wage supplement (as part of total guaranteed remuneration) of an additional 2 months’ salary paid out in December each year, Central Provident Fund (CPF) payment in lieu for non-Permanent Resident foreign nationals, 23-days annual leave entitlement and a health insurance plan. The basic salary is non-negotiable.

We have a generous leave offer including: 23 days annual leave, increasing to 25 after 5 years' service, with the option to carry over up to 10 days into the subsequent leave year; 13 public holidays; generous maternity and paternity leave; and childcare leave. We encourage volunteerism and offer up to 3 days paid volunteer leave.

We offer medical insurance to support staff with the high costs of healthcare in Singapore and periodic reimbursement for the cost of eye tests and replacement eye wear.

Learning and development opportunities:

Induction training will be provided at Invest NI’s Head office and locally in Singapore. The post-holder will also be able to access learning and development opportunities afforded by the British High Commission in Singapore and by Invest NI.

We offer time and financial support for the successful candidate to take advantage of professional learning and development opportunities inside and outside of the organisation.

The BHC has an active Learning & Development Committee which works hard to provide a comprehensive L&D offer. There is a wide range of options available for personal development including training courses, coaching and mentoring, job-shadowing, presentations and learning sets. Staff have access to a wide variety of online resources through the International Academy and Civil Service Learning. Staff are strongly encouraged to take advantage of all available opportunities.

All new hires undertake a workplace induction and there are a number of mandatory e-learning courses that must be completed in order to pass probation.

Working Patterns:

Normal working hours are 37.5 per week: 8.30am to 5.00pm from Monday to Friday. BHC Singapore supports and promotes flexible working as a crucial part of our inclusive offering. 

Other information:

In addition to the duties which this job normally entails, you may from time to time be required to undertake additional or other duties as necessary to meet the needs of the High Commission, including playing a part in the corporate life of the mission and supporting any crisis response.

No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. You must have or be able to obtain a local work permit which we will sponsor.

Staff recruited locally by the British High Commission are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local Singapore employment law. 

Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment checks. Only short-listed applications will be called for personal interviews.

Please note that all successful candidates will be expected to serve a minimum of 6 months in their new role before being eligible to apply for further positions within the British High Commission.

The British High Commission is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on grounds of ethnic origin, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, gender or sexual orientation. Our values of Collaboration, Opportunity, Respect and Excellence (CORE) are our guiding principles. We aspire to live our values consistently in order to make the British High Commission a great place to work where staff feel valued, supported and inspired to be their best. 

We welcome applications from candidates in countries from which travel to Singapore is feasible under the prevailing Covid-related border restrictions.  Singapore will only allow entry for those fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved under the WHO EUL. Successful overseas applicants are responsible for all costs associated with relocating to Singapore.

Staff recruited locally by the British High Commission are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local Singapore employment law. Applicants should be aware that Singapore government has mandated that from 1 January 2022 only employees who are fully vaccinated can return to the workplace and from 14 February 2022, workers will need to have taken a booster dose to maintain their fully vaccinated status beyond 270 days from the last dose in their primary vaccination series.

Please note that the deadline for applications is 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.

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.

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.

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.