Help ambitious international businesses choose Scotland – and turn first conversations into real investment projects.

If you enjoy building relationships, spotting opportunities early, and shaping persuasive propositions, this is a rare chance to sit at the heart of Scotland’s international investment work — based in Scotland House Brussels, with a focus on the Belgian, Dutch and Luxembourg (BeNeLux) market.

Scottish Development International (SDI) is now recruiting a International Inward Investment Specialist to help grow Scotland’s investment footprint across Europe.

Who are we?

Scottish Development International (SDI) is Scotland’s global trade and investment organisation, and works to strengthen Scotland’s global economic position by attracting and landing inward investment that supports national priorities and Scotland’s “Priority Missions”. You’ll join SDI’s EMEA Inward Investment team, working in a collaborative environment with colleagues across Scottish Government and wider partner networks. 

Our daily work relies on the input of dedicated individuals who engage on many different topics and activities. We seek to employ a diverse range of candidates who bring their own talents and perspectives to the role. We have a strong corporate agenda that ensures we create a positive and inclusive working environment where everyone is valued for their contribution. 

Main purpose of the role: 

As International Inward Investment Specialist, your purpose is to grow Scotland’s inward investment footprint across Europe by identifying, developing, and progressing high‑potential opportunities – particularly across BeNeLux – aligned to priority areas including Energy Transition and Data & Digital. 

You’ll do this by designing and delivering targeted customer engagement, building a credible opportunity pipeline, and helping shape compelling business cases that position Scotland as the preferred location for international expansion.

What you will do

Generate and progress investment opportunities

• Build, manage, and progress a portfolio of opportunities through the sales pipeline, developing strong business cases to invest in Scotland. 
• Identify and assess potential inward investment projects aligned to Scotland’s priority Missions and sectors. 
• Lead direct engagement with target companies, ensuring accurate recording and reporting of progress in internal systems. 

Build strong stakeholder relationships

• Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing inward investors, corporate Government Affairs teams (including those based in Brussels), and relevant sector associations. 
• Coordinate activity and share intelligence with colleagues across Scottish Government, in‑market partner teams, and wider SDI / Scottish Enterprise structures. 
• Build “virtual teams” across Scotland and partner organisations to respond quickly and effectively to investor needs. 

Use insight to sharpen Scotland’s proposition

• Gather and analyse market intelligence to refine sector‑specific pitches and improve evidence‑based opportunity pipelines.
• Provide data and insight that informs campaigns, propositions, and wider economic development priorities.

Represent Scotland in‑market

• Leverage Scotland House Brussels’ programme to host key contacts and strengthen Scotland’s investment proposition across BeNeLux and beyond. 
• Support planning and delivery of senior / VIP visits, ensuring high‑quality engagement and strong representation of Scotland’s priorities. 

Participate in wider Mission’s initiatives as required, including engaging in a corporate role.

What will you love about this role

• Real impact, visible outcomes: you’ll help turn credible leads into investment projects that support Scotland’s economic priorities. 
• High‑trust autonomy with strong support: you’ll run targeted engagement activity while being part of a wider, mission‑aligned team. 
• A genuinely outward‑facing role: plenty of relationship building across companies, sector bodies, and institutional partners in Brussels and across BeNeLux. 
• A strong professional platform: induction through SDI, plus the chance to broaden your sector knowledge and network in priority industries. 
• Being part of a strong and diverse team – we work in the office 80% of working hours. 

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Our Ideal Candidate shows: 

• Full professional proficiency in English and French and / or Dutch (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in Consultative Sales, building effective relationships and Lead Generation / Business Development;
• Knowledge of the industry and Benelux ecosystems in at least one area of focus , i.e. Energy Transition and Data & Digital;
• Good knowledge of relevant networks and intermediaries and ability to use these to leverage projects for Scotland;
• Customer relationship management skills, with high levels of confidence and credibility in dealing with a wide range of personnel;
• Diagnostic, strategic challenger, influencer and strong facilitation skills;
• Being an effective team worker in a highly complex FCDO / DBT / Scottish Development International environment;
• A skilled communicator and negotiator, able to develop relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.