View Vacancy – CPK – Senior Trade and Investment Officer, North China, Technology Sector B3(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 British 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

This is an exciting and demanding role for a talented and commercially driven individual with a passion for innovative technology to join DIT China, and play an important role in delivering the technology strategy element of the DIT China Regional Trade Plan ambitions, which are:

Objective 1 – Driving and inspiring UK exports to North China in the Information, Communications and Technologies (ICT) sector. 

Objective 2 – Strengthen trade policy engagement with China to achieve incremental market access, mitigate business risk and prepare for future trade deals.

Objective 3 – Broadening and deepening the UK-China investment partnership, positioning the UK as the top European destination for Chinese investment and providing strong support for UK investors.

Roles and responsibilities: 

As a Senior Trade and Investment Officer, you will have the solid knowledge of the technology components of the UK digital sector and be aware of UK interests relevant to technology enabled commercial areas. You will have the commercial expertise, understand UK’s strengths and how to position these in China, particularly in the North.

 You will be responsible for helping UK enterprises win more high value business deals and export to China, and to secure new and increased quality investment from China into the UK. To achieve this, you will build strong relationships with key multipliers and industry bodies and business clients. You will identify, design and manage specific campaigns, projects and visits to win support for DIT’s export and investment agenda. You will provide support on market access issues as well as promoting UK Tech excellence in China market.

Trade and Investment Promotion (60%):

• Take a systematic approach in building relationship with clients at different levels, and play a key role in achieving technology team’s regional and national targets.
• Identify and analyse on trends and developments in China and UK markets, and develop a strategy to acquire new trade & investment opportunities and develop delivery plans accordingly.
• Develop a personal understanding of the key Chinese companies and organisations in North China. Work with sector colleagues around China and the UK to raise awareness of opportunities through relevant channels.

Business Environment and Market Access (15%)

• Identify trade policy and market access barriers, and provide support to businesses.
• Contribute to achieve sustainable change in key areas that will create more opportunities for British businesses.

Supporting high impact campaigns, events and visits (15%)

• Support the delivery, and manage practical and logistical aspects of important activities including HMG visitor’s programmes and inward/outward missions (identify and implement digital solutions in the post COVID era).
• Support a series of trade promotion and marketing events to raise the profile and positive perception of the UK’s tech offer under specific GREAT campaigns.

Corporate Contribution (10%)

• Promote and contribute to China network’s regional business plan and activities.

• Proven international experience, ideally in the Chinese context.
• Evidence of strong commercial acumen and key account management experience.
• Analytical skills and ability to customise UK capabilities to the targeted Chinese investors and opportunities in a tangible way.
• Strong team-working ability, excellent organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to multi-task.
• Language requirement: English and Mandarin (Spoken and Written: Excellent/High Proficiency)