Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
DIT
About the Department for International Trade in North America
Within British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates across North America, the Department for International Trade has 150+ members of staff spread across 14 locations, forming a dynamic team that focuses on various sectors including advanced engineering, technology, financial services, life sciences, food & drink, retail and energy & environment. The North America team works closely with our Headquarters teams in London, regional and local colleagues, representatives of the three Devolved Administrations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, with a key objective of driving transatlantic trade and foreign investment into the UK. This is an exciting time to work for the Department for International Trade (DIT). Our mission is to promote British trade and investment across the world, which is vital for the prosperity of the UK. DIT brings together export promotion, investment attraction and market access policy work to break down barriers to trade and investment to help businesses succeed. (See www.gov.uk/DIT for further information).
Main Purpose of Role
This challenging and rewarding job is part of DIT’s Financial and Professional Services team in New York. Alongside our Sector Director, the Trade & Investment Officer will be responsible for developing strong relationships with senior executives in the Financial Services sectors, predominantly insurance and professional services, across the New York consular region (NY, NJ, CT and PA) that are either currently invested in the UK or poised for international expansion. The jobholder will have a key role to play as an account manager to these firms, some of which are the most important investors in the UK. This involves frequent engagement with key decision-makers and proactive work to identify and cultivate potential new investment opportunities in the UK. The other main responsibilities include supporting professional services, legal tech, insurance and insurtech focused UK exporters, with market entry support into the New York consular region. With ever-evolving priorities, these sectors are subject to change so proficiency in all financial services sectors and willingness to adapt is preferred. The successful candidate will also have sound knowledge of international business development.
The successful candidate will have sound knowledge of international business development with familiarisation with professional services, insurance, and fintech sectors.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
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Deliver an aggressive set of annual trade and investment targets.
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Forge strong relationships with business leaders (start-ups through Fortune 500) in the professional services and insurance sectors.
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Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Provide assistance to US financial and professional services companies looking to invest in the UK and support US companies already active in the UK market, with a focus on Insurance and professional services. Build an active client pipeline through lead generation and developing/managing relationships with senior business leaders. Gather intelligence from US investors on the UK business environment, Brexit and related policies.
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UK Exports: Provide advice, support and guidance to UK firms seeking to establish or expand exports in the New York area. Facilitate activities, such as trade missions and matchmaking events, designed to build the UK brand and grow UK Financial Services exports.
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Feed in potential concerns of exporters and UK companies established in the New York area regarding market access barriers and evolving trade policies.
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Participate in the activities and events conducted by industry associations and other multipliers, building awareness of DIT in the business community and serving as a point of contact for UK market information.
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Monitor market trends and contribute to North America-wide, sector-focused strategic planning. Work with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high level /VIP visit programs, manage cross-consulate activities that capitalise on the synergies that exist between the US and UK and help advance key UK campaigns. This will include: compiling visit programs, planning company meetings, and writing briefing materials.
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Develop, position and implement marketing strategies in partnership with the Communications team, conceive and develop DIT activities, and organise events to increase awareness of the UK’s proposition to potential investors and buyers.
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Represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions, including occasional speaking engagements.
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Undertake occasional travel to the UK.
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Potentially line management of one Trade & Investment Associate, in close collaboration with others.
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Postgraduate degree and/or undergraduate degree, preferably in economics, finance or business administration.
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3-5 years of professional experience relevant to the focus of the role.
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Proven client engagement skills and the ability to represent an organisation to high profile executives.
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Ability to influence others and gain buy-in at the team, peer and executive level.
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Excellent interpersonal, presentation and networking skills, and highly effective verbal and written communication skills.
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A solid understanding of both the US and UK business environments and investment proposition.
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Sound knowledge of the wider financial services industry and an ability to focus on Insurance and professional services sectors.
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The ability to attend official functions outside of office hours; and the ability to undertake domestic and international air travel, including overnight stays.
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An existing network in financial and professional services in New York.
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Prior experience in insurance and/or professional services preferred.
Achieving Commercial Outcomes, Managing a Quality Service
15 December 2021
C4 (L)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
New York
British Embassy
1
USD
92,194 annual salary
25 February 2022
Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office.
Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
*A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defense Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.
The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.
The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.
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