Main purpose of the job:

On behalf of the UK government, to develop relationships with Australian capital and FDI investors based in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, and identify opportunities for investment into the UK.  To manage relationships with potential investors such as Australian superfunds and asset managers, and to feed into our capital investment strategy.  To support potential FDI investors with business set-up assistance, sector information, and guidance on location and expansion plans.  To manage existing and new accounts, and to support your direct report in this activity.  To work across the Australia and global networks to deliver a joined-up UK government proposition.  To plan account engagement, accurately report on activity, and track progress to inform future engagement.  To organise business and governmental delegations, events and briefings.  Our team focus is primarily on large capital investment, but we work flexibly, and all team members at different times find themselves working in other areas.  This is typically both interesting and rewarding.

You will have the opportunity to collaborate across our networks on a range of trade and investment campaigns, soft power initiatives, trade missions and VIP visits. You will work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds whose professional experience is the foundation of our shared capability. We deliver as one team. 

The role is part of a flexible UK team covering a wide range of trade and investment sectors across Australia and is similar in content and seniority to others in the UK government operation in Australia. Applicants for this position will be considered for other vacancies in the Network.

If shortlisted, you can expect to be interviewed in May. 

The job holder will report to the Director for Strategic Inward Investment.

Our network and team

This is an exciting time to join the UK Government’s network in Australia. AUKUS and our Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Australia & New Zealand (entered into force in May 2023) have presented a unique opportunity to build broader and deeper economic ties with ANZ.  

The successful candidate will join a team of over 40 trade and investment experts, working across five diplomatic missions in Australia as part of the UK’s network in the wider Asia Pacific region of over 200 people in 22 locations.  

UK in Australia is an inclusive and equal-opportunity employer. We actively encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Our culture of inclusion is underpinned by our excellent staff networks which cover disability, faith and belief, gender equality, social mobility, age, race, LGBTQ+, and how to be an ally. 

We are committed to building a supportive workplace that offers continuous learning and development opportunities for all our team. We embrace flexible and remote working and have a zero-tolerance policy towards bulling, harassment and discrimination.   

We recruit people with a wide variety of experience and skills that are relevant and transferable. Government experience is not essential. If you have strong motivation and core competences, we can help you develop the network and expertise needed to thrive in our team.  (NOTE: Standard text not to be changed)

The role requires a strong communicator with good interpersonal skills, able to develop trust and business relationships across government and industry.  Good judgement and discretion will be needed, for example when dealing with confidential commercial data.  Commercial acumen and the ability to identify opportunities of value to the UK are essential.

You will have a strong sense of collaboration and will enjoy operating within a team, whilst maintaining a strong degree of ownership of your sector.  As a strong relationship manager, you will expertly communicate with external stakeholders to understand their drivers for investing in the UK and how the UK government can continue attracting high-value investment.  Previous investment and/or sales or account management would be advantageous.

Working to the Director Investment based in Sydney, and with the wider capital investment teams in Australia and the UK, you will manage the UK government’s relationships with Victorian, South Australian and Tasmanian investors, such as superfunds and asset managers.  You will develop long-term engagement strategies and account plans, sell on multiple levels to these large organisations, and host key industry events.

In collaboration with the sector teams in Australia and the project management teams in the UK, you will build and deliver a pipeline of investment projects of value to the UK.  This will involve upskilling the UK government network in Australia on how to deliver FDI to the UK (in the UK government context).  You will meet with company founders/C-suite to assist their expansion into the UK.

Meetings could be via MS Teams or in-person in the Melbourne CBD.  When working with teams in the UK, occasional early evening calls will be required due to the time difference.  Flexible working arrangements are available.

Your capital investment and FDI work will have a strong focus on maintaining relationships in your geographic region, but will feed into the wider UK government’s work in Australia.  You will stay abreast of industry trends and use your analytical skills to feed into the UK government’s capital investment and FDI strategies in Australia.  You will also be required to attend occasional industry events.

Please note that the role holder’s job specification is subject to change in line with evolving business priorities.

• Resilient self-starter – able to work at high intensity using own initiative, judgement and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills – able to work closely with team leaders and senior management and help drive accountability.  When required, deal with difficult situations with tact, diplomacy and a high degree of confidentiality.
• Able to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Able to deal confidently with businesses, senior figures, Ministers, VIPs, and their offices.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Able to conduct research and analysis to support and generate business opportunities.