View Vacancy - Business Development Associate - Life Sciences

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 www.gov.uk/DIT for further information.

Based in the British Consulate-General Los Angeles (located in Century City), the post advertised is for a Business Development Associate (BDA) working with the Life Sciences sector (including healthcare, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biotech & e-health). The BDA will support two Trade & Investment Officers (TIOs) for Life Sciences, one based in Los Angeles and one based in San Diego. The Life Sciences team creates UK jobs by helping UK exporters achieve business and by delivering Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the UK from U.S. companies. This team engages with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders in Southern California, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Seattle.

We’re looking for someone who is excited by the opportunities the life sciences economy offers, and who will be comfortable working as an integral part of multiple teams. The BDA will support relationships with CEOs, VIPs, business development leads and others on both sides of the Atlantic, in order to identify UK export opportunities and support new investments into the UK. The BDA will also work closely with DIT headquarters in London, regional and local colleagues, and representatives of the three Devolved Administrations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Main Job Functions:

• Identify U.S. life sciences companies that may be interested in establishing or expanding operations in the UK. Make initial contact, organize visit programmes and schedule meetings for the Life Sciences TIOs. Attend meetings where appropriate and support the management of client relationships.
• Conduct research and compile reports on industry developments, best routes to market and potential U.S. business partners for UK life sciences exporters looking to enter the U.S. market.
• Develop, maintain, and disseminate knowledge of developments, trends, and opportunities in the life sciences in both the US and the UK.
• 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 Life Sciences TIOs and to the larger Los Angeles DIT team, as required.
• Undertake occasional travel in the U.S. and the UK (up to 5% of the time).

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• 1-3 years relevant professional experience.
• Strong client management experience.
• Ability to be proactive, organized and work to deadlines, while operating as part of a wider team with shared goals and wide-ranging objectives.
• Strong ability to problem solve, organize, prioritize and manage tasks.
• Ability to communicate with companies/organizations effectively and credibly at a senior level, and a proven track record of fostering business relationships.
• Excellent research and report writing skills, with an ability to emphasise relevant information and to provide clear, concise summaries.
• Strong networking skills.
• Understanding of the business environments in the UK and US, and the factors companies consider when expanding internationally.
• Knowledge of the life sciences industries in the US and/or UK.
• Computer literacy in standard Microsoft applications;
• Valid driver’s license; the ability to attend official functions outside of office hours; and the ability to undertake domestic and international air travel, including overnight stays.

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 visa holders.[1] If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy and Consulates. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk. All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance.

[1] *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.