View Vacancy - Business Development Manager (ESP22.185)

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

The British Embassy in Madrid is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now recruiting a Business Development Manager to integrate within the Invest Northern Ireland department. 

Based in the British Embassy in Madrid and reporting to the Regional Director for Iberia and Italy, the post-holder will work with the Regional Director across all priority business sectors to proactively identify export opportunities for Northern Ireland companies through connections, market intelligence, research and outreach to deliver the Iberia & Italian trade strategy for Invest Northern Ireland (“Invest NI”). The post-holder will match in-market opportunities with Northern Ireland (“NI”) companies offering innovative solutions and capable of selling in the Southern European region. The post-holder will support clients in closing these opportunities and securing sales.

 

The post-holder will be assigned responsibility for a small number of business sectors, including ‘Smart Cities’, for which they will be responsible for developing knowledge and networks in the region, primarily in Spain, to draw a targeted group of clients to market as part of the trade strategy for Invest NI. Outcomes should include a demonstrated increase in export sales to the region. For example, in the Smart Cities area, the work will involve building out a network of key cities, Construction and Engineering companies, Telcos, Energy companies and other relevant bodies in the region who have open opportunities that the identified NI companies can compete for. The post-holder must be proactive in sharing information and business opportunities, to allow NI companies to make informed business decisions, compete for business and ultimately grow their sales.

 

The post-holder will oversee and manage in-market support for trade missions, events and exhibitions and support buyer/influencer visits to Northern Ireland. The post-holder will also undertake focused market research, as well as working with external consultants and utilising Department for International Trade’s (“DIT”) resources, where relevant, attend and network at business events and conferences, arrange meetings and host visits, and be proactive in organising sector based activities (e.g. seminars, briefings, etc.) that will showcase Northern Ireland excellence.

 

The post-holder will working seamlessly with Invest NI colleagues based in Northern Ireland (particularly International Trade Advisors (“ITAs”)) and other Invest NI overseas offices. The post-holder will engage regularly and effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to share market insights, provide sector briefings and ensure that activity in the market aligns with corporate/sector plans. The post-holder will be required to work closely with Embassy colleagues, DIT, Northern Ireland government representatives, and business and trade organisations.

 

The post-holder will maintain data on the internal CRM system, prepare monthly returns and activity reports as required, and submit them on a timely basis. 

 

Anticipated breakdown of the role:

  • 50% delivery of trade services to include market research, identification of business opportunities, attendance at business meeting & events.
  • 25% in-market support to NI companies such as visits and briefings
  • 15% event management and trade fair attendance
  • 10% CRM, Admin and other duties.

 

The post-holder is expected to undertake travel occasionally (Covid-permitting), within Iberia, to Northern Ireland and other countries as required by the management team.  

The post-holder will be required to comply with Invest NI policies (such as budget, expenditure approval, CRM reporting, Data protection) and the internal operating policies and processes as outlined by the British Embassy in Madrid.


 Roles and responsibilities:

  • Work in close partnership with International Trade Advisors and Sector-focussed colleagues, based in the Invest NI offices in Northern Ireland, with the ultimate objective of increasing Northern Ireland export sales;
  • Proactively identify relevant business opportunities for Northern Ireland companies in the priority business sectors through market intelligence, connections, networking and research;
  • Undertake market research, prepare sector briefings and assist Northern Ireland companies in Smart Cities and other business sectors to find new business and increase export sales;
  • Develop and deliver the in-market trade strategy to promote Northern Ireland capability in Smart Cities which contributes to the overall goals of the European territory;
  • Provide in-market support for company visits, trade missions, events and exhibitions, including the arrangement / procurement and management of the necessary logistics and protocols;
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships within the British Embassy, DIT, Northern Ireland government representatives and a wide range of stakeholders and businesses;
  • Manage relevant information sources and maintain accurate recording of customer and stakeholder information on Invest NI’s CRM and management systems. Prepare reports (including activity / performance / market reports) accurately and timely for management and clients;  
  • Work effectively and in partnership with wider teams based in Europe, Northern Ireland and other locations.
  • Fluency in English and Spanish (C1 level according to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages*), verbal and written, with excellent communications skills;
  • University degree or equivalent;
  • Over 3 years’ work experience in a private or public sector organisation;
  • Experience in undertaking market research, analysing market data, preparing reports, presenting information to team / clients and helping them to achieve positive commercial outcomes;
  • A sound commercial knowledge and business sector knowledge, knowledge and experience in areas such as Technology, Construction & Engineering, Energy, Innovation and/or Telecoms;
  • Good networking skills, experience in building and maintaining effective working relationships across all levels of businesses;
  • Attention to detail, excellent organisational, IT and administrative skills;
  • Ability to work at pace and independently as part of a remote team;
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint).
  • Knowledge of UK / Northern Ireland’s key sectors and business drivers;
  • Business knowledge and experience specifically in Smart Cities;
  • Experience in working with Iberian/Italian based companies and networks;
  • Italian and/or Portuguese language.
Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together
22 May 2022
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
37.5
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Spain
Madrid
British Embassy
1
EUR
3034.46
3 July 2022

This is an Executive Officer (EO-EE) grade, full-time and permanent contract within a business project expected last until 31 March 2024. Extension beyond 31 March 2024 is possible and will be subject to confirmation nearer to the time. The working hours are 37.5 hours per week.

The successful candidate is subject to a confirmation of a background check, security clearance and the successful completion of a probationary period.

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Spanish Social Security Scheme and will therefore not be entitled to any gratuity from the Embassy based on gross annual salary.

Regarding taxation, the British Embassy in Madrid is part of the British Mission in Spain. The Embassy is a Diplomatic Mission with tax-exempt status and does not collect taxes for other States. Employees are fully responsible for payment of income tax at the legally required rate. Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Spain are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local Spanish employment law.

Visa/Passport requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Spain and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. 

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

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.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

FCDO does not pay for travel related expense incurred in interviews (including Security Check) or accept any financial risk, including cancelation or reschedule costs. The FCDO will not meet the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.

*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment  levels  please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

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.