View Vacancy – International Trade Specialist – Food and Drink
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Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
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SDI (Scottish Development International)
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Main purpose of job:
The British Government’s Consulate in Boston is offering an exciting opportunity to join the Consumer Industries Team as International Trade Specialist – Food and Drink. This is a meaningful role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US – contributing to work shaping international diplomacy to make a real difference globally.
The US Network offers a unique, career-enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a comprehensive benefits package- including generous leave, competitive insurance options, a top-tier 401(k) programme, and access to world-class learning and development resources.
We are committed to fostering a healthy work-life balance and supporting employee wellbeing through a structured hybrid working model that includes opportunities for remote work and flexible hours, where operational needs allow.
In this role, you will be part of a dynamic international environment spanning the British Government’s extensive network across the United States and the United Kingdom, which includes the Embassy in Washington, the UK Mission to the United Nations, multiple Consulates, and other Government Offices—comprising over 900 staff and supporting the work of approximately 30 UK government departments and agencies.
As International Trade Specialist – Food and Drink in the Consumer Industries Team you will contribute to strengthening UK-US collaboration in trade, specifically by supporting Scottish Seafood and Alcohol exports. Positioned within the Consumer Industries team, this role reports to the Senior VP, Consumer Industries – Americas, you will work closely with internal stakeholders such as the Scotland based trade team and external partners including various trade partners. This role supports the UK’s broader strategic objectives in promoting international trade and offers valuable experience in international engagement and cross-government collaboration.
We’re looking for a proactive, collaborative, detail-oriented professional with knowledge, connections and business development experience in the US Seafood Industry. You’ll bring strong communication skills and a commitment to expanding Scottish exports.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The main purpose of this job is to boost Scottish Seafood and Alcohol exports into the United States by building and maintaining relationships with key retail and foodservice buyers, distributors, importers, and other influencers in the US seafood industry, and by creating opportunities for Scottish exporters.
Trade Development (at least 50% of role):
- Identify key customers operating in the retail and food service sectors in the US, taking a strategic account management role.
- Develop partnerships with stakeholders and trade associations in Scotland and the US.
- Identify and attend sector-specific trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences (e.g., Seafood Expo North America in Boston)
- Produce data-driven insights from market intelligence to scope/explore new opportunities for Scottish seafood companies.
- Identify and articulate specific business opportunities to colleagues in Scotland.
- Deliver webinars and use social media to highlight key market opportunities.
- Take a creative approach to trade development work.
- Support trade and development work across the Consumer Industries portfolio which may include a broad base of food and drink companies
Trade Support (50% of Role):
- Act as overseas lead within a wider account team, providing trade advice and guidance.
- Support Scottish companies with market entry and growth strategies.
- Work with colleagues in Scotland to deliver visit programmes, trade missions, and learning journeys.
- Update SDI’s internal reporting system with details of all company support provided.
- Develop close working relationships with other partners including Department for Business & Trade, GlobalScots, and other in-market industry trade bodies.
- Any other duties as assigned
*These percentages are indicative and may shift over time depending on team priorities and organizational needs.
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- Proven customer relationship management skills
- Diagnostic, strategic challenger, influencer, and facilitation skills
- Ability to apply analytical skills in complex situations
- Knowledge and understanding of the seafood sector
- Market and sector knowledge in relation to international trade
- Ability to work on own initiative
- Ability to travel, both domestically and internationally
- Excellent written skills, IT literate and comfortable using Microsoft packages
- A relevant degree level qualification (or equivalent level of experience)
- fluency in English
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- Strong network of contacts in the US seafood industry
- Experience working internationally by supporting foreign companies to do business in the US
- Familiarity with the US food regulatory environment
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Communicating and Influencing, Managing a Quality Service, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together
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12 February 2026
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Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
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Full-time, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
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40
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Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
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United States
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Boston
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British Consulate General
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1
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USD
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$87,920 gross
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yearly
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7 April 2026
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You must have the right to live and work in the US in order to take up this role, whether in your own right or as a dependant, and be able to demonstrate that when required. If you are not a US citizen, dual US citizen or US Permanent Resident, it is your responsibility check your eligibility to work for a foreign government in the United States, and specifically to work in this role at this location, and provide proof of your eligibility via an Employment Authorisation Document or other relevant document when required. The UK Government does not routinely sponsor work visas; the job advertisement will state clearly whether sponsorship is available.
You may refer to our website for additional information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-usa.
All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
While many jobs in the US Network are able to offer flexibility in terms of working hours, core business hours are 09:30 to 15:00 (in the local time zone) Monday through Friday.
Employees will be expected to work from office full-time during the first 90 days of employment. After this time employees may work from home no more than 40% of the working week, subject to operational needs.
All working hours and hybrid working are position-specific and subject to change at any time, without notice. If you have any questions, please address them with the hiring manager.
The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).
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.
Unique Tax Rules
Please note that the tax arrangements imposed by the US on staff working for foreign governments, as well as those imposed by the UK Treasury on British and dual nationals working for the UK Government overseas, are atypical. The UK Government cannot withhold taxes (including FICA) on behalf of a US taxpayer. Instead, a US taxpayer is required to file taxes as if they are self-employed, and a FICA allowance is granted for those required to pay the employer contribution. Certain categories of staff (for example dual UK-US nationals and some visa holders) who work at Consulates General are not subject to US taxes. For those not subject to US taxes the UK Government reduces gross pay to a level broadly equivalent to taxed net pay. There are also social security implications for dual UK-US nationals. Please keep all this in mind when looking at the salary and the benefits package. If you are offered a job with the UK’s US Network you will be given further tax and social security information relevant to your personal circumstances and place of work; you are advised to consider this information and its impact on your circumstances carefully – potentially with the advice of a tax professional – before accepting a job.
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Closing date of receiving applications is before 23:55 (Local Time) on 12th February 2026
All applicants must fully complete the online application form, including the sections for employment and educational details, experience, and behaviour-based questions. Only those applications that contain all required information will be considered. To ensure the sift process remains anonymous, please do not include any personally identifiable information in your application form.
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.
Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
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