View Vacancy - North America Head of Consumer Goods Sector - Department of International Trade, could be based in Atlanta, Miami, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Toronto

Main purpose of job:

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government department charged with securing UK and global prosperity by promoting and financing international trade and investment, and championing free trade. In the United States and Canada, DIT works closely with other UK agencies, including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), to:

• promote British trade and investment across the world;
• build the global appetite for British goods and services;
• break down barriers to trade and investment in order to help businesses succeed; and
• support the development of a new trade policy framework for the UK as it leaves the EU.

The post advertised is for DIT North America’s Head of Sector for Consumer Goods, which covers the Food & Drink and Retail sectors in the USA and Canada. The Head of Sector can be based in a city in North America where DIT North America currently have staff covering at least one of these sectors (Atlanta, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Toronto). The successful candidate will report into their local Head of Trade & Investment. They will lead DIT North America’s Consumer Goods team of approximately 14 people across North America. There will be direct line management responsibilities for a maximum of 2 people.

The successful applicant will be responsible for developing and delivering the UK’s trade promotion strategy for the Food & Drink and Retail sectors in North America and for the UK’s investment strategy for the Retail sector in the USA. The successful candidate will also provide thought leadership in the sectors and influencing UK trade policy as it relates to the sectors. They will lead, guide and mentor the Consumer Goods team, lead on business planning, secure and deploy resources, and develop and manage external partnerships with private industry and stakeholders. The successful candidate will be expected to account manage the major accounts in their region, in particular to support UK companies who export to North America. The successful candidate will be required to attend official functions outside of office hours and undertake travel in both North America and UK; approximately 10% of the time.

• Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
• Negotiate and oversee the delivery of targets for the Food & Drink and Retail sectors and ensure the success of the North America team.
• Forge strong relationships with North America and UK business leaders, trade associations and other key partners. Work to support UK prosperity and economic growth, and UK trade policy objectives, in collaboration with other UK Government Departments, in particular the UK Department for Environment and Rural Affairs. Showcase the benefits of the UK/North America economic relationship to external audiences.
• Provide thought leadership for the Food & Drink and Retail sectors within the UK Government, and in conjunction with Trade Policy colleagues, seek to influence trade policy in the UK as it relates to the sector, particularly in the Food & Drink sector.
• Facilitate North America export growth by delivering business development activities to support innovative UK companies, including trade missions and campaigns at key industry trade shows.
• Provide comprehensive account management to North America prospects looking to invest in the UK retail sector and support North American companies already active in the UK to maintain/grow their footprint. With the team build and manage a pipeline of high value, knowledge-driven projects.
• Develop, position and implement marketing strategies, conceive and develop activities, and produce events with the goals of generating FDI leads, building relationships, and highlighting the strengths of the UK’s market proposition to potential investors.
• Manage and/or support visits by senior government officials and visitors by securing high-level meetings, organizing activities, and preparing briefing materials.
• Maintain current knowledge of market trends, incentives, and centres of excellence in both North America and the UK. Promote UK strengths effectively to a North America audience.
• Represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions, including occasional speaking engagements.
• Undertake regular travel in North America and occasional travel overseas (approximately 10% of the time).

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

Direct line management responsibility will depend on location.

Activity and travel budgets vary.

Essential on arrival:  

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• 7+ years of relevant professional experience in International Business or Food and Drink or Retail field. It is an advantage to have experience in two or three of these areas.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Leadership/management experience, with a demonstrable ability to lead a team of business development executives.
• Ability to effectively and credibly deal with companies and organizations at a senior level, with a proven record of fostering business relationships and a demonstrated ability to think strategically.
• Solid understanding of both the North America and the UK business environments.
• Clear motivation and personal commitment to meeting challenging targets with a demonstrable track record of achievement.
• Proactive, self-starting approach to work; ability to deliver effectively under limited day-to-day supervision in a deadline sensitive, fast-paced environment.
• Strong client management and project management experience.
• Excellent research and writing skills, with an ability to provide clear, concise summaries, briefing and to respond to ad hoc requests at short notice.
• Strong networking skills.
• Proficiency in standard Microsoft applications and client relationship management software.
• Valid driver’s license and passport; the ability to attend official functions outside of office hours; and the ability to undertake domestic and international air travel, including overnight stays.