View Vacancy – CPK – Head of Export Strategy and Network Communications, C4(L)

The Department for International Trade (DIT) embraces and values diversity in all forms. We welcome and pride ourselves on the positive impact diversity has on the work we do, and we promote equality of opportunity throughout the organisation. DIT China would value applications from people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture, experience and gender. 

Context

This is an exciting time to join the Department for International Trade (DIT). Our aim is to promote UK trade and investment across the world which is vital for the prosperity of the UK. DIT brings together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world to help businesses succeed. This is a great opportunity to be part of an international team that contributes to the success of the UK’s trade goals.

DIT operates in 108 countries. Establishing new relationships around the globe, DIT promotes UK trade to ensure the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to us, securing and improving economic well-being, stability, and helping to create tens of thousands of jobs. DIT has one of the largest representations of the 18 government departments working in China, which are coordinated and led by Her Majesty’s Ambassador who is responsible for the UK’s relationship with China. Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) is responsible for Trade and Investment work in China, one of nine global regions and the largest DIT overseas network in the world. With c.190 staff across six posts – Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan – DIT, as part of the UK government network in China offers a fast-paced place to work at the heart of UK-China Government relations.

Detail

This is a rewarding and demanding role for an exceptional individual to be the Head of Export Strategy and Network Communications. Reporting to the Head of Strategy, you will sit within the Strategy Team in DIT Operations. This team is responsible for working with the HMTC and Senior Leadership Team to design and oversee sustainable initiatives that deliver against the objectives set out in the Regional Trade Plan.

Your role will be to raise the profile of DIT China’s activity, connecting with partners to increase exports from the England regions and Devolved Administrations to mainland China. Your work will contribute significantly to the UK’ levelling up ambitions and will support a Global UK export strategy. You will line manage one member of staff who will support your work as well as other limited work for the Strategy team. 

Roles and responsibilities/what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

Your role will include; understanding and mapping the stakeholders involved in the UK government and business network; developing a clear understanding of the UK exporter journey and designing strategies to leverage its effectiveness by weaving it into DIT China activity; identifying and building platforms for sector engagement with DIT’s network of international trade advisors across the UK; working with regional partners and trade associations to organise online events and activities designed to reach and inform UK companies; supporting delivery of the UK’s Enhanced Integrated Support Service UK exporters. You will oversee delivery of the network’s key account management system as well as internal network communications.

You will be expected to develop strategy around increasing International Trade Advisor and partner engagement. This includes devising and developing effective communication channels that are compelling and suited to the needs of the audience. If successful you will effectively engage hundreds of targeted multipliers and UK businesses throughout the year with well-thought out information on doing business in China and advice on how to export to various sectors and regions in the country. You will achieve this by engaging Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner, Senior Leaders and sector teams. You will be expert at sharing information on how the UK export network is structured and provide sharing mechanisms for increasing knowledge in this area.

With strong strategic insight and interpersonal skills you will have regular lines of communication with London headquarters and be able to identify areas where DIT China can work to leverage existing UK exporter activity. You will be forward looking and understand how changes can be well communicated and developed to maximise their effect. You will be able to identify risks and make sound recommendations to senior leadership on a variety of areas relevant to business and government communications. You will lead on Beijing engagement with British business associations, including the British Chamber of Commerce, CBBC and CBI. Where strategy aligns, you will support cooperation with these key partners of government as well as other private sector intermediaries.

Overseeing the delivery of internal communications strategy you will strengthen employee engagement by generating a deeper sense of involvement DIT network activity. This will be achieved through effective communication vehicles that engaging and relevant. You will coordinate this work to ensure it meets DIT’s high standards and is provided in a timely fashion.

To be successful in this role, the job holder will need to collaborate with a multitude of individuals across the network and beyond. Excellent communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to work autonomously. 

Specific responsibilities will include:                                 

UK Regional Engagement (c65%)

• Develop and deliver an annual engagement plan for DIT International Trade advisors
• Support on the Enhanced Integrated Support service delivery for English exporters
• Develop granular understanding of the UK regional and business networks as well as the UK exporter journey to share with the network and ensure integrated export service delivery
• Leverage the existing work of business associations to set up platforms for communications between senior DIT China leaders and sector teams
• Provide senior level platforms for communications between DIT China leaders and regional colleagues, including briefings and logistics.

Internal Communications (c20%)

• Coordinate the timely delivery of DIT’s internal comms vehicles such as the monthly newsletter, network meetings and team sharing
• Oversee the coordination of mechanisms designed to deliver cross-team working on major DIT events
• Provide regular reporting for HMTC, outlining developments in DIT sectors through coordination with teams in the network
• Provide teach-ins and webinars to share information on the UK exporter journey and upskill the network by helping them to understand how it can tie together with their own work 

Key Account Management (c5%)

• Oversee the existing key account management system
• Ensure timely delivery key account meetings and plans
• Explore areas for development and provide training for the network.

Corporate Contribution (c10%)

• Support on ad-hoc business related work in support of Her Majesty’s Ambassador and Trade Commissioner
• Be a corporate player and support on various network activity to support HMG objectives
• Commit to continual learning of self and team, making full use of on the job opportunities to deepen and develop own expertise and knowledge and understanding of the UK/China business environment, as well as formal training for skills and personal competences most relevant to the job.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

80% of 1 member of staff’s time, including line management. A2 band.

Essential on Arrival:

• Over 5 years’ working experience
• Over 2 years’ experience of working in government or business association
• Strong interpersonal skills, including written, verbal and general communication skills
• Ability to work across teams and stakeholders based across multiple locations
• Over 1 years’ experience organising events or project management
• Line management experience
• Strong business acumen.