View Vacancy - USA Head of Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Sector (Defence, Security and Space) - Washington, DC
Main purpose of job
The post advertised is for DIT USA Head of Sector for Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing (AEM), which covers Security/Cyber Security, Defence and Space sectors. The position is based in the British Embassy, Washington, DC. They will share the overall lead for DIT USA’s Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing team with the two other Heads of Sector (Aerospace and Automotive) of 18 people across the USA. There will be direct line management responsibilities for 2 members of staff. They will work closely with the First Secretary Defence Sales and Policy, who is part of the British Defence Staff based in the British Embassy in Washington.
The successful applicant will be responsible for developing and delivering the UK’s trade promotion strategy for the Security/Cyber and Space sectors and for the UK’s investment strategy for the Defence and Space sectors 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 AEM team, lead on business planning, secure and deploy resources, and develop and manage external partnerships with private industry and stakeholders.
What will the jobholder be expected to achieve?
- Negotiate and oversee the delivery of targets for the Security/Cyber, Defence and Space sectors and ensure the success of the US team.
- Forge strong relationships with US 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 with DSO DIT and UK Space Showcase the benefits of the UK/North America economic relationship to external audiences.
- Represent DIT on the Cross Embassy Cyber Security and the Cross Embassy Law Enforcement Working Groups.
- Provide thought leadership for the Security/Cyber and Space 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 sectors.
- 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 US prospects looking to invest in the UK Defence and Space sectors and support US 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, organising activities, and preparing briefing materials.
- Maintain current knowledge of market trends, incentives, and centres of excellence in both the US and the UK. Promote UK strengths effectively to a US audience.
- Represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions, including occasional speaking engagements.
- Undertake regular travel in the US and occasional travel overseas (approximately 10% of the time).
Resources managed (staff and expenditure)
Direct line management of two Trade and Investment Associates.
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 Security, Cyber or Space sectors. It is an advantage to have experience in Cyber and Security.
- 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 organisations at a senior level, with a proven record of fostering business relationships and a demonstrated ability to think strategically.
- Solid understanding of both the US 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 licence 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.
Desirable:
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
- Sound knowledge of the UK’s investment proposition, especially with regard to incorporation, tax, employment, R&D, and skills relevant to the security and cyber sectors.
- A demonstrable commitment to diversity and inclusion.
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 Defence Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.
Learning and development opportunities
We actively encourage learning & development and will develop a specific plan in collaboration with the successful candidate.
Working patterns
40 hours (USA) work week, Monday through Friday, occasional evenings and weekends
Occasional flexible and remote working is permissible. Staff regularly work from home at least one day a week.
The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.
Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.
Individuals who are not a US taxpaying citizen will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.
The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
