View Vacancy - Trade & Investment Officer, Life Sciences, Washington D.C.

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)
DIT

Main purpose of job:

The Department for International Trade’s Life Sciences Trade & Investment Officer (TIO) based at the British Embassy in Washington DC, provides account management within their patch, identifies and provides strategic advice and assistance to U.S. Life Sciences companies interested in establishing or expanding operations in the U.K., and conducts research on industry developments, best routes to market and potential U.S. business partners for U.K. Life Sciences exporters looking to enter the U.S. market.

The successful candidate will manage a Trade & Investment team member and have the opportunity to be part of two vibrant teams – a 10-person Trade and Investment team based in Washington DC and an 18-person healthcare and life sciences team spread across the US. The role will report to the Regional Director of the Mid-Atlantic and will work closely with colleagues across Her Majesty’s government in the UK.

The TIO will have responsibility for managing projects and relationships with C-suite Executives from the biopharma, health tech, medical device, diagnostics, and healthcare sectors focusing on the States of BioHealth Capital Region (DC, Maryland and Virginia), Research Triangle Park (North Carolina), Atlanta, Alabama, Nashville, Memphis, South Carolina, Florida and Miami.

Projects will include customized work for leading US companies, building R&D partnerships between US companies and the UK, an innovation exchange program with top US health systems, driving clinical trials to the UK, and promoting top companies from the UK’s biotech and health tech sectors.

Ideal candidates will have experience in the healthcare or life sciences sector, be skilled in building client relationships, and be comfortable managing a variety of projects simultaneously in a fast-moving environment.



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

(60%) Account manage Life Sciences companies within the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast states, and deliver trade and investment projects.



(30%) Assist with initiatives such as trade missions, seminars, webinars, receptions and other events to promote the UK’s strengths in Life Sciences. Provide event management and logistical support where necessary. Develop, position and implement marketing strategies, conceive and develop DIT activities, and produce and manage events with the goals of generating FDI leads, building relationships, and highlighting the strengths of the UK’s market proposition to potential investors.

 

(10%) Conduct research on industry developments, best routes to market and potential US business partners for UK life sciences exporters looking to enter the U.S. market.


In addition, the successful candidate will be required to attend official functions outside of office hours and required under normal circumstances to undertake domestic (US) travel. A limited amount of international travel will also be required.

 

Forge strong relationships with business leaders, trade associations, and interlocutors both in the UK and the US.

Provide comprehensive account management to key US prospects looking to set up in the UK, and support US companies already active in the UK to grow their footprint.

Build and manage a pipeline of high value, knowledge-driven projects.

- Develop and implement impactful, targeted marketing programs and events in conjunction with partners and stakeholders to build DIT awareness, promote key messages, and showcase UK competitiveness.

- Track and report on US Life Sciences business service industry trends, identifying potential Market Access Barriers

- Develop and host roundtables, VIP visit programs, speak as a panellist and or keynote

- Proactively contribute to cross-team activities, programs and support a collaborative and transparent workplace



  • Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a life sciences or healthcare discipline
  • Demonstrated experience meeting and/or exceeding challenging targets
  • Knowledge of healthcare industry including biotechnology, diagnostics, Medtech, and pharmaceuticals in both the US and UK markets, preferable
  • Interest in international business and commerce
  • Committed team player with strong communication skills, both written and oral
  • Excellent research and writing skills, with an ability to provide clear, concise summaries and to respond to ad hoc requests at short notice
  • Strong ability to organize and coordinate multiple tasks and communicate information in a timely fashion
  • Ability to work calmly to deadlines and deliver work which requires a high degree of collaboration
  • Proactive, organized and works to deadlines, prioritizes and is able to multi-task
  • Ability to attend official functions outside of office hours
  • 6-8 years of relevant work experience in sales and/or business development, including lead generation, and account / project management.
  • Skill in building relationships and developing projects through excellent client management
  • Creative thinker who proactively seeks solutions for challenges
  • A self-starter, able to work independently and show initiative with limited day-to-day supervision while operating as part of a wider team with shared goals and wide-ranging objectives
  • Strong networking skills and proven experience managing others
  • Computer literacy in standard Microsoft applications
  • Driving license and valid passport with ability to undertake occasional air travel including overnight stays

23 August 2020
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
Washington
British Embassy
1
$85,686
19 October 2020

All new DIT staff undertake Orientation in their first 6 months and receive sector specific briefing in order to understand the UK’s value proposition, and areas of strength. Ongoing opportunities include ‘learning sets’ to explore ongoing learning to enhance skills.

  • A wide variety of opportunities to learn about the life sciences and healthcare industry on the job
  • Training courses administered by the UK government in areas such as presentation skills, business writing, project management, consultative selling, and the UK’s investment proposition
  • Funding available to take external training courses
  • Tuition reimbursement of up to $1,500 per year

Flexible working is possible within DIT Washington DC. Possibilities include earlier or later start times in the morning – followed by leaving earlier or later in the evening. Under normal circumstances DIT Washington DC allows employees to work remotely, one-to-two days a week, depending on schedule. (Note: this is not always possible during busy periods, or when there are mandatory staff meetings.   Each week is taken on a case-by-case basis, with clear communication around what’s required to be in the office for, vs. the authorization to work remotely).


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.