View Vacancy – Trade & Investment Officer – Aerospace, Space & Defence

Main purpose of job

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government agency charged with growing UK and global prosperity by promoting transatlantic trade and investment and championing free trade. In the United States, DIT works closely with other UK agencies, including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), to:

• promote British trade and investment across the world;
• build the global appetite for British goods and services;
• break down barriers to trade and investment in order to help businesses succeed; and
• support the development of a new independent trade policy framework for the UK.

The post advertised is for a Trade & Investment Officer (TIO) based at the British Consulate in Los Angeles (in Century City), working with the Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing (AEM) sector, specifically aerospace, space and defence. The TIO will focus on a) building a pipeline of potential investors into the UK; and b) developing and delivering US market opportunities to a broad range of UK exporters. S/he will also work on other projects to advance UK prosperity and trade policy. The TIO reports to the Regional Director in Los Angeles, and will directly manage one Trade & Investment Associate.

To be successful, the job holder will need to be innovative, strategic and proactive. S/he will have exceptional relationship management skills, develop a wide network of stakeholders and partners to help him/her produce results, and be able to analyse emerging market trends in order to respond to new opportunities. S/he will be responsible for working with clients and delivering DIT initiatives on the West Coast, including all of California, Washington, Oregon, Utah, and Arizona. Although we are currently working virtually, when circumstances permit s/he will be required to attend official functions outside of office hours, and undertake travel (US and UK) approximately 10% of the time.

Alongside a competitive salary compared to similar economic development organizations, DIT offers exceptional benefits. These include approximately 3 weeks paid vacation to start (increasing with tenure) plus public holidays, excellent healthcare options, and parental leave. DIT also offers the opportunity to be part of an inclusive and diverse team of people. DIT strives to be a place where people can bring their whole selves to work and to build teams that are reflective of the cities in which they’re based.

Roles and responsibilities  

• Forge strong relationships with U.S. and UK business leaders, trade associations and other key partners within the aerospace, space, and defence/security industries.
• Provide comprehensive account management to U.S prospects looking to invest in the UK, and support U.S. companies already active in the UK to maintain/grow their footprint. Build and manage a pipeline of ambitious projects.
• Develop, position and implement marketing strategies, conceive activities, and produce events with the goals of generating FDI leads, building relationships, and highlighting the strengths of the UK’s market offer to potential investors.
• Facilitate UK export growth by delivering business development activities to support innovative UK companies, including trade missions and campaigns at industry conferences.
• Work to support UK prosperity and economic growth, as well as UK trade policy objectives, in collaboration with other UK government agencies. Showcase the benefits of the UK/US economic relationship to external audiences.
• Manage and/or support visits by senior UK government officials by securing high-level meetings, organizing activities, and preparing briefing materials.
• Maintain current knowledge of market trends, incentives, and centres of excellence in both the U.S. and the UK. Promote UK strengths effectively to a U.S. audience.
• Represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions, including occasional speaking engagements.
• Undertake regular travel in the U.S. and occasional travel overseas (approximately 10% of the time).
• Line manage one Trade & Investment Associate.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience, either in international business or in a relevant industry sector.
• 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.