View Vacancy – CPK – Head of Operations D6(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.

Main Purpose of Job

We are seeking an exceptional individual who is expert, engaging, enterprising and inclusive to lead our Operations team. Reporting into the Chief Operating Officer, the Head of Operations covers a broad portfolio ranging from finance and budgets, business and operational performance to people and learning and development.

As Head of Operations you will lead a team of four (1x C5, 1x C4, 1x B3, 1x A2) based in Beijing, and work closely with the C4 Operations Manager in Hong Kong.

The Head of Operations has a critical role in ensuring that there is robust and timely performance management; resource forecasting and management, budget allocation with due diligence and effective contract management in place to ensure the smooth running of this high performing team.

The successful candidate will have an ability to process complex financial information with a keen eye for detail, whilst zooming out to consider the strategic overview and strong communication skills to be able to provide clear advice and challenge to stakeholders across the organisation. In addition, the jobholder should actively seek to identify and mitigate risks, troubleshoot and be solutions-focussed, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement, including through personal and organisational development.

This is a stretching, fast-paced overseas role, working at the centre of the DIT China and Hong Kong regional team, with regular engagement with senior leaders across the region and in DIT HQ in London.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Building an in-depth knowledge of the business in China and Hong Kong, working with teams across the region to understand the financial and performance drivers, risks and issues.
• Maintain a robust grip of the region’s financial resources by ensuring effective resource planning and forecasting, identifying risks early and taking appropriate mitigations.
• Leading engagement with the DIT finance team in London on strategic planning exercises, including year-end processes, business planning and spending review.
• Developing a performance framework, to enable effective reporting and benchmarking, helping to provide valuable insight to senior leaders to demonstrate collective progress against our Regional Trade Plan.
• Encouraging and promoting a culture that is driven by Value for Money principles, ensuring that staff across the region receive appropriate training.
• Work closely with sector teams and colleagues across the organisation to provide sound advice and robust challenge when problem-solving a range of operational issues.
• In collaboration with the COO and the Head of People, tailor the DIT People Plan to work for DIT China and support the adoption of the plan across the organisation. This includes areas such as organisational capability, learning and development and workforce planning.
• Be an advocate for positive change and provide support to the Head of People in managing difficult people changes and poor performance.
• Working closely with counterparts in the FCDO to ensure that activity is complementary, especially with the corporate services teams at post
• Working closely with the finance and HR business partners, based in London, to ensure that our activity is aligned with overall DIT objectives.
• Represent the DIT China perspective with stakeholders in HQ and across government, including for example on the revision of the One HMG Memorandum of Understanding.
• Line management of C5 Head of People and C4 Head of Finance & Performance.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): Line management of 1x C5(L) and 1x C4(L) based in Beijing.

• Strong financial literacy and experience of financial management
• Strong interpersonal skills, including in written and verbal communications and ability to build rapport quickly with impact
• Ability to work across teams based across multiple locations and build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders at varying levels of seniority
• Demonstrable leadership behaviour and experience of line management, especially in remote and matrix management
• Language requirements: English (Excellent/High Proficient)