Senior Trade & Investment Officer, Technology, Department for Business and Trade

Be part of the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) mission to drive more trade and investment between North America and the UK. With a mature, high spending consumer market and an open, liberal economy, world-class talent and a business-friendly regulatory environment, the UK is the leading destination for foreign investment in Europe, and the second highest investment destination in the world. . The UK tech ecosystem is valued at £1 trillion and ranks #1 in Europe for ecosystem size, venture capital investment and startup activity. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of the US-UK technology corridor. 
  
We employ over 130 people across North America, all dedicated to increasing economic growth to ensure businesses thrive, markets are competitive, and consumers are protected. We seek talented team members with the passion and drive to help us in our mission to build a global appetite for British goods and services; drive investment; negotiate trade deals and open markets; and promote free trade, economic security and resilient supply chains (see www.gov.uk/DBT). 
 
Based at the British Consulate-General in San Francisco, the Senior Trade and Investment Officer (STIO) for Technology sector will be responsible for developing positive relationships with senior executives from companies in the Technology sector, across the Bay Area and Pacific Northwest region. You will play a key role as an account manager to these firms, some of which are the most important investors in the UK within the sector. This involves frequent engagement with key decision makers and proactive work to identify and cultivate potential new investment opportunities for US companies in your portfolio.

The role of the Senior Trade and Investment Officer is to increase cross-border economic cooperation, attract foreign direct investment into the UK economy, and support British businesses with US market entry.  You will be part of the North America Technology team as well as a valued contributor to the San Francisco based DBT team, working closely with colleagues from around the US and UK. 

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide a comprehensive account management service to key US prospects in the Technology sector (including AI, Quantum, Semiconductors and other looking to maintain or grow their footprint in the UK.
• Successfully build and manage a pipeline of knowledge-driven projects in the  Bay Area and Pacific Northwest region , that have the potential to bring high-value jobs and investment to the UK.
• Assist high-growth and innovative UK SMEs, the UK’s leading technology companies, as well as established British businesses to develop US market entry strategies and / or grow US market share; and support established British companies in-market to address any concerns around US trade policy or market access barriers.
• Deliver against an ambitious set of annual trade and investment targets.
• Forge positive relationships with US and UK business leaders, from start-ups through F500, as well as trade associations, local development agencies, regional technology providers and other key buyers/partners within the technology industry.
• Develop and implement high-impact, targeted marketing programs and events in conjunction with stakeholder partners to build our brand awareness, promote key messaging, and showcase UK competitiveness in the technology industries. 
• Keep pace with market trends in North America and the UK to identify commercial opportunities and provide informed advice to clients and stakeholders. 
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-impact programming, including developing and hosting round tables, trade missions and matchmaking events, seminars and supporting VIP visit programs. 
• Support cross-team projects to advance UK economic and trade policy goals.
• Represent DBT and the British Consulate at external functions, including occasional speaking engagements.
• Assist in a consular crisis, if required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Resources managed

• This role will operate as part of a wider North America sector team and manage one Trade and Investment Officer.
• Manage events and travel budgets. 

• Demonstrated professional experience in an economic development or business role, ideally in a related sector.
• Thorough knowledge of one or more key industries or technologies:  AI Applications; AI Infrastructure; Quantum; Semiconductors; Cybersecurity; and Photonics in the Bay Area and Pacific Northwest region – and preferably in the UK.
• Excellent stakeholder management abilities.  
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and networking skills.  
• Excellent management and collaboration skills with the ability to negotiate and deliver results. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.   
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail. 
• Ability to multitask and complete work while traveling. 
• An excellent network of industry contacts in the technology sector and/or start-up ecosystem in the US, or the ability to develop such a network. 
• Proficiency in standard Microsoft applications. 
• Must be able to attend events outside of office hours and undertake travel in the US and internationally up to 20% of your time.  
• Expert level of English 

As a valued member of our team, we will help you to achieve your goals through continuous professional development.