View Vacancy – Trade & Investment Associate – Consumer Goods

Main purpose of job: 

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government agency charged with growing UK and global prosperity by promoting transatlantic trade and investment and championing free trade. In the United States, DIT works closely with other UK agencies, including the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), to:

• promote British trade and investment across the world;
• build the global appetite for British goods and services;
• break down barriers to trade and investment in order to help businesses succeed; and
• support the development of a new independent trade policy framework for the UK.

The post advertised is for a Trade & Investment Associate (TIA) based at the British Consulate in Los Angeles (in Century City), working with the Consumer Goods industry, specifically the retail and food & drink sectors. The TIA will focus on a) developing US market opportunities for a broad range of UK exporters; b) project managing initiatives designed to achieve export results, including trade missions and activities at trade shows; and c) identifying and managing relationships with potential investors into the UK. S/he will also work on other projects to advance UK prosperity and trade policy. The TIA reports to the Trade & Investment Officer, Consumer Goods, also based in Los Angeles.

To be successful, the job holder will need to be innovative, strategic and proactive. S/he will have exceptional organisational skills, be deft at relationship management with both external clients and UK government stakeholders, and be able to analyse emerging market trends in order to respond to new opportunities. S/he will work with clients and deliver DIT initiatives on the West Coast, including all of California, Washington, Oregon, Utah, and Arizona. S/he will be required to attend official functions outside of office hours, and once circumstances permit it, undertake travel (US and UK) up to 10% of the time.

Alongside a competitive salary compared to similar economic development organizations, DIT offers exceptional benefits. These include approximately 3 weeks paid vacation to start (increasing with tenure) plus public holidays, excellent healthcare options, and parental leave. DIT also offers the opportunity to be part of an inclusive and diverse team of people. DIT strives to be a place where people can bring their whole selves to work and to build teams that are reflective of the cities in which they’re based. 

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

• Support strong relationships with U.S. and UK business leaders, trade associations and other key partners within the consumer goods industries.
• Identify U.S. companies interested in establishing or expanding operations in the UK. Make initial contact, organize visit programmes and schedule meetings for the TIO. Attend meetings where appropriate and support the management of client relationships.
• Assist with initiatives such as trade missions, seminars, webinars, receptions and other events to promote UK strengths. Provide event management and logistical support where necessary.
• Support UK prosperity, economic growth, and UK trade policy objectives, in collaboration with other UK government agencies. Showcase the benefits of the UK/US economic relationship to external audiences.
• Manage and/or support visits by senior UK government officials by securing high-level meetings, organizing activities, and preparing briefing materials.
• Maintain current knowledge of market trends, incentives, and centres of excellence in both the U.S. and the UK to identify commercial opportunities and provide informed advice to clients. Conduct research and compile occasional reports on routes to market and U.S. opportunities for UK exporter.
• Provide operational and administrative support to the TIO by maintaining client and project databases and serving as a point of contact.
• Attend official functions outside of office hours. Undertake regular travel in the U.S. and occasional travel overseas (up to 10% of the time).

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• 1-3 years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong project management and client management experience.
• Proactive, self-starting approach to work; ability to problem solve, organize, prioritize and manage tasks in a deadline sensitive, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate with companies/organizations effectively and credibly at a senior level, and a track record of fostering business relationships.
• Excellent research and writing skills, with an ability to provide clear, concise summaries and to respond to ad hoc requests at short notice.
• Understanding of the business environments in the UK and US, and the factors companies consider when expanding internationally.
• Strong networking skills.
• Proficiency in standard Microsoft applications and client relationship management software.
• Valid driver’s license and passport; the ability to attend official functions outside of office hours; and the ability to undertake domestic and international air travel, including overnight stays.
• Language: fluent in English.