View Vacancy - Trade and Investment Officer - Consumer Goods - Chicago - DIT
An opportunity to join a dynamic team focused on fostering transatlantic business relations between the US and its top economic partner in Europe.
The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) has overall responsibility for promoting UK trade across the world and attracting foreign investment to our economy. We are a specialised government body with responsibility for negotiating international trade policy, supporting business, as well as delivering an outward-looking trade diplomacy strategy.
DIT USA works closely with DIT headquarters in London, with related agencies in the UK and with representatives of the English Regions and the UK’s Devolved Administrations in the US, to assist US companies looking to invest in the UK and help UK companies identify opportunities to trade with the US (see www.gov.uk/DIT).
The British Consulate in Chicago is seeking a qualified Trade and Investment Officer (TIO) for the Consumer Goods sector. The TIO will be based at the British Consulate in Chicago and will work across a wide range of consumer goods sectors, including food and beverage, houshold goods, giftware, retail, fashion, beauty, textiles, sport, leisure, and luxury goods.
Reporting to the Head of Trade & Investment in Chicago, the position presents a unique opportunity to proactively identify export opportunities for market ready UK companies in the consumer goods sectors to achieve export wins for UK companies, and work with US retailers seeking to launch into, or expand in, the UK market. The TIO will work as part of a NOrth America and UK-wide virtual team and is responsible for line managing one Trade & Ivestment Manager.
Roles and responsibilities:
Proactively identify opportunities for British consumer goods/ food & beverage companies – especially in premium categories – to export to the US
- Build strong relationships with potential US business partners (importers, distributors, retailers etc.) for UK customers
- Work with the Head of Sector to champion the UK’s food & drink/ retail strategies and increase awareness of UK consumer goods/ food & drink brands through bespoke events, campaign activities and marketing initiatives
Identify and support U.S retailers looking to invest in the UK, and relationship manage U.S. retailers already active in the UK, helping them to maintain or grow their footprint. Build a pipeline of ambitious projects
- Lead a Trade & Investment Manager to mentor/ advise UK based companies to develop their US market entry strategies and support UK brands already active in the US to increase market penetration
- Guide the team to develop and deliver campaign activities that create a platform to showcase UK expertise
- Build and maintain key relationships with relevant US and UK contacts and government bodies in order to respond to UK companies’ enquiries
- Handle of a range of enquiries on specific US sectors, as well as general business and export matters
- Build and maintain knowledge of developments and trends in high demand sectors
- Attend US trade shows, to offer support to UK exporters, and relevant networking events or conferences to build industry knowledge
- Manage initiatives such as the development and execution of trade missions, receptions and other events
- Some travel around the US, and occasionally to the UK, will be required
Resources managed:
The TIO will be responsible for overseeing one Trade & Investment Manager and an operating budget for the team.
Language: fluent English
Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
5+ years of relevant professional experience, either in international business and/or the consumer goods industries.
Ability to work effectively with companies and organizations at a senior level, with a record of fostering business relationships and a demonstrated ability to think strategically.
Familiarity with both the US and the UK business environments.
A demonstrable record of meeting challenging targets. 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 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.
- A Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
Learning and development opportunities:
The candidate will have the ability to avail of internal and external training facilitated and paid for by DIT budget – including a familiarization trip back to the UK (if required).
Working patterns:
Flexible working is possible within DIT Chicago. Possibilities include earlier or later start times in the morning – followed by leaving earlier or later in the evening. DIT Chicago 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).
Other information:
Able to be located in/relocate to, the Chicago area.
Be willing to undertake occasional travel to the UK and domestically in the US.
Be willing to represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions (both during working hours and evenings).
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 Defense Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.
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.
