Main purpose of job

On behalf of the UK government, to develop relationships with Australian capital investors and identify opportunities for investment into the UK.  To help to develop the Australia capital investment strategy.  To work closely with colleagues in areas such as trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) and across the Australia and global network, to deliver a joined-up UK government proposition. To plan account engagement and accurately report on activity, and to track progress to inform future engagement.  To organise business and governmental delegations, events and briefings.  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.

The role is similar in content and seniority to others in the DBT and wider UK Government operation in Australia.  People applying for this position will be considered for other vacancies in the Network.

If shortlisted, you can expect to be interviewed in early July.

Our network and team

You don’t have to be a government specialist to work in our team.  You don’t have to be someone with very extensive and specific skills for unique roles.  We recruit people from a wide variety of backgrounds, with relevant and transferable skills.  If you are motivated with good core competences, we can help you to develop the network and the expertise needed to thrive.

Our team members enjoy a large degree of delegated responsibility and personal involvement with senior staff and visitors.  They have the chance to develop a wide range of marketable skills and networks for professional advancement – useful for their jobs, and for when they choose to progress their careers externally.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the UK Government

DBT is the part of government primarily responsible for promoting UK trade and investment.  DBT brings together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment, helping businesses to succeed around the world.  The UK–Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), UK–NZ FTA and AUKUS agreement offer unprecedented opportunities to strengthen economic ties between our countries.  The successful candidate will join a team of forty trade and investment experts, working across five diplomatic missions in Australia as part of DBT’s wider Asia Pacific region team of over 200 people and twenty-two locations.

The DBT team is a core part of the UK Government’s overseas engagement, activity and diplomacy.  If successful, you will work closely with the UK High Commissioner and with Consuls General, and will collaborate on a range of public VIP visits.

You will work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, working together as one team.  DBT and the Australia network are inclusive and equal-opportunity employers.  We have a supportive workplace that offers learning, development and mentoring opportunities.  We do not tolerate bullying, harassment or discrimination.

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

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.

Previous experience of investment and / or a sales or account management environment would be advantageous.

The role sits within the Capital Investment team, which helps Australian investors to identify and invest in suitable UK opportunities.  You will work with the Director of Investment and the wider team to develop the capital investment strategy.  You will lead account planning and engagement with NSW-based capital investors and support them to investment success in the UK.

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

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 1 x Executive Officer (EO)
Management of a small support and events budget.

• 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.