View Vacancy - Business Development Associate - Life Sciences
Background:
The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government’s international business development agency. DIT USA, working closely with DIT and other agencies in the United Kingdom, is charged with transatlantic trade development between the UK and the US; and with assisting US companies looking to invest in the UK. (See https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-international-trade)
This position is based at the British Consulate General in Chicago.
The Business Development Associate (BDA) will have the opportunity to be part of two vibrant teams – a 16-person Trade & Investment team based in Chicago and a 20-person life sciences team spread across the US. We define life sciences as comprising two main sub-sectors: 1) biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, 2) healthcare (including medical devices, diagnostics and health IT).
The BDA will support the Trade & Investment Officer for Life Sciences and Healthcare in Chicago. This role is an administrative position, but offers the opportunity to support our work with large pharmaceutical companies, as well as fast-growing US and UK health tech companies. The candidate will get exposure to C-level industry executives, gain insight on companies’ strategies, learn about innovative science and technologies, and work for a large government department.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Identify US life sciences companies that may be interested in establishing or expanding operations in the UK. Make initial contact, organize visit programs and schedule meetings for the US healthcare sector lead. Attend meetings where appropriate.
- Support account management of Chicago-area life sciences companies and delivery of investment projects.
- 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.
- 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.
- Maintain client relationship management records, lists of industry contacts and other data.
- Liaise with internal teams and external contacts at an executive level, including cold calls and networking at events.
- Support and facilitate visits by senior government officials and other VIPs, including by organising logistics and scheduling company meetings.
- Provide operational and administrative support to the Trade & Investment Officer, and if necessary to the wider Chicago Trade & Investment team.
- Assist with consular support services in times of crisis.
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, ideally focused on life sciences, healthcare.
- 3-5 years relevant professional experience.
- Strong networking skills and client management experience.
- Committed team player.
- Ability to be proactive, organized and work to deadlines, while operating as part of a wider team with shared goals and wide-ranging objectives.
- Ability to problem solve, organize, prioritize and manage tasks.
- Excellent research and report writing skills, with an ability to emphasise relevant information and to provide clear, concise summaries.
- Understanding of the business environments in the UK and US, and the factors companies consider when expanding internationally.
- Attention to detail and good follow up discipline.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced team and often under tight deadlines
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point) is essential
In addition, the successful candidate will be required to attend official functions outside of office hours and required to undertake domestic (US) travel between 5-10% of the time. A limited amount of international travel may also be required.
Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A or NATO visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A or NATO visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance.
- Strong knowledge of healthcare industry including biotechnology, diagnostics, Medtech, and pharmaceuticals.
- Interest in international business and commerce
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local American employment law.
The British Embassy Network offers a competitive salary and a strong benefits package. This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.
Resume and cover letter should be submitted by 26 March 2017. Internal candidates must inform their supervisor if they intend on applying.
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.
