Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
DIT
Main purpose of job:
The Department for International Trade (DIT) works with UK-based businesses to ensure their success in international markets and encourage the best companies from the US to look to the UK as their global partner of choice. You will act as a regional specialist overseas champion for the English Midlands (“Midlands Engine”). This forms part of the UK government’s agenda to increase trade and investment support in the UK regions and to level-up the UK economy (i.e., grow the UK economy in a way that benefits every UK region).
DIT’s network in the United States is a high performing and highly respected team of experts spread across 9 cities, covering all 50 states. The US is consistently the most important bilateral trading partner for the UK and its most important source of inward investment.
You will lead on promoting technology and media investment into the Midlands Engine region while working as an integral part of a team that promotes the whole of the UK. You will cover the southwest United States, including Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. You will work closely with the UK Regions Investment hubs, DIT Sector teams, regional specialists, Investment Services Team (IST) and partners in the Midlands to achieve results.
To be successful, you will need to be innovative, strategic and proactive. You will have exceptional relationship management skills, develop a wide network of stakeholders and partners to help you produce results, and be able to analyse emerging market trends in order to respond to new opportunities. Although we are currently working virtually, when circumstances permit you will be required to attend official functions outside of office hours, and undertake travel (US and UK) approximately 5-10% of the time.
Alongside a competitive salary compared to similar economic development organizations, DIT offers exceptional benefits. 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 are based.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
- Forge strong relationships with U.S. and UK business leaders, trade associations and other key partners within the technology and media industries.
- Plan, deliver and monitor targeted sector campaigns to showcase the business opportunities in the Midlands Engine. Generate leads and provide exceptional client service to investors actively considering the Midlands Engine.
- Build capacity at post to ensure relevant Midlands Engine sector propositions and opportunities are presented as options to potential investors.
- Act as on-the-ground regional expert for potential projects, which require Midlands Engine input.
- Ensure regional opportunities and expertise are fed into campaigns being run in local markets, which are relevant to the strengths of the Midlands Engine.
- Set up a business network of Midlanders working locally who can help to champion the region’s strengths.
- Scope out and organise roundtables/seminars, which UK regional sector specialists can deliver and ensure a strong audience of potential investors.
- Scope out relevant inward missions to the Midlands Engine and recruit participants, working with UK based teams to organise and deliver the programme.
- Provide DIT sector specialists, UK Regions colleagues and local partners with in-country support including (but not limited to): contributing to briefing and reporting, facilitating official programmes, webinars and events, connecting visitors with senior stakeholders in market.
- Act as the point of contact for VIP visits/missions from the Midlands Engine, and ensure company and senior-level meetings are in place.
- Provide a monthly update on activity to the Midlands Engine Partnership to ensure alignment with local ambitions and targeted local support.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationship with DIT UK Regions Investment hubs, regional sector specialists, DIT Sector colleagues and specialists, regional partners, the Investment Services Team (IST) and colleagues at post.
- Contribute to wider Embassy reporting.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
Discretionary budget circa $20k
- Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in relevant field.
- Knowledge of technology and media industries.
- Minimum 5 years’ commercial experience.
- Cultural awareness and functional knowledge of the local business environment.
- Experience of developing relationships and building influence with multiple stakeholders in the public and private sector.
- High-quality day-to-day data management.
- Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and spoken.
- Ability to draft succinct reports and provide briefing for generalist and specialist audiences, including for ministers, often to very tight deadlines.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Team player who can work on own initiative and across virtual teams.
- Language: English
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.
- Knowledge of Midlands Engine technology and media strengths.
- Knowledge of Midlands Engine and UK investment landscape and priorities.
- Previous experience of working with the UK Government and understanding of Midlands Engine political landscape and/or experience of working with Midlands Engine partners.
- An understanding of international business or trade practice.
Collaborating and Partnering, Achieving Commercial Outcomes, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace
13 December 2020
C4 (L)
Full-time, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
40
North America, Caribbean and British Overseas Territories
United States
Los Angeles
British Consulate
1
$72,661
1 February 2021
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
The successful candidate will already have strong interpersonal, communication and analytical skills and will be encouraged to develop these further through DIT and FCDO induction support and access to North America DIT network learning opportunities.
Courses and other opportunities to be completed in the first year include:
- FCDO and DIT induction.
- Familiarisation visit to DIT HQ in London and the Midlands Engine region (subject to travel guidance and restrictions).
- Opportunities also exist for senior leader mentorship.
Working patterns: 40 hour work week, Monday through Friday, occasional evenings and weekends.
During COVID-19 all employees are working remotely until further notice. Long term flexible working is subject to negotiation depending on location. However, per the rules governing foreign missions, employees are required to be based within a commutable distance from the British Consulate.
Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):
When safe to do so, the role will require travel within the US and internationally, including training in the UK.
This position is a 12-month contract with the possibility of extension.
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.
To help us with our recruitment effort, please indicate on the application form /cover letter where (ngotenders.net) you saw this job posting.