View Vacancy – Trade & Investment Officer – Technology

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, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), 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 Atlanta, working within key sub-sectors of the technology sector, including (but not limited to): ecommerce enablement, analytics & data management, IoT, cyber, and communications. 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 Atlanta.

To be successful, the jobholder 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 in the Southeast US, including Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. S/he will be required to attend official functions outside of office hours, and undertake travel (US and UK) approximately 20% of the time (under ordinary circumstances). 

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 / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

This role is responsible for delivering against an aggressive set of annual trade and investment targets, as well as the following duties;

• Forge strong relationships with business leaders (start-ups through to Fortune 500), Corporate VC / finance community, accelerators, trade associations, and interlocutors both in the US and UK.
• Provide a comprehensive account management service to key US prospects in the aforementioned tech sub-sectors looking to set up operations in the UK; and support US companies already active in the UK market to grow their footprint.
• Successfully build and manage a pipeline of knowledge-driven projects that have the potential to bring high-value jobs and R&D to the UK.
• Develop and implement high impact, targeted marketing programs and events in conjunction with stakeholder partners to build DIT brand awareness, promote key messaging, and showcase UK competitiveness.
• Assist high-growth and innovative UK SMEs and established British businesses to develop US market entry strategies and / or grow US market share; and support established British companies in-market to address any concerns around US trade policy or market access barriers.
• Monitor market trends and contribute to US-wide, sector-focused strategic planning.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-impact programming, including developing and hosting roundtables, seminars and trade missions, and contributing to VIP visit programs with the aim of driving export growth.
• Represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions, including occasional speaking engagements.
• Proactively contribute to cross-team activities, programs and support a collaborative and transparent workplace.

Essential on arrival: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and / or 5+ years of relevant professional experience, either in international business, solution sales or economic development fields.
• Knowledge of technology industry and trends in the Southeast US region.
• Experience / familiarity of the UK’s business environment.
• Skill in building relationships and developing projects through excellent client management.
• A self-starter, able to work independently and show initiative with limited day-to-day supervision while operating as part of a wider team with shared goals and wide-ranging objectives.
• Clear motivation and personal commitment to meeting challenging targets with a demonstrable track record of achievement.
• Experience of utilising a variety of technology platforms for business development and campaign marketing purposes.
• Strong networking skills.
• Strong written and oral communication (including presentation) skills.
• Driving license and ability to undertake air travel, including overnight stays.

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.