Main purpose of job:

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) embraces and values diversity in all forms. We welcome and pride ourselves on the positive impact diversity has on the work we do, and we promote equality of opportunity throughout the organisation. DBT China would value applications from people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture, experience and gender. 

This is an exciting time to join the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) as Head of Infrastructure, for DBT China and Hong Kong. Our aim is to promote UK trade and investment across the world which is vital for the prosperity of the UK. DBT brings together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world to help businesses succeed. This is a great opportunity to be part of an international team that contributes to the success of the UK’s trade goals.

DBT operates in 108 countries. Establishing new relationships around the globe, DBT promotes UK trade to ensure the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to us, securing and improving economic well-being, stability, and helping to create tens of thousands of jobs. DBT has one of the largest representations of the 18 government departments working in China, which are coordinated and led by His Majesty’s Ambassador who is responsible for the UK’s relationship with China. 

His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) is responsible for Trade and Investment work in China, one of nine global regions and the largest DBT overseas network in the world. With c.190 staff across six posts – Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan – DBT, as part of the UK government network in China offers a fast-paced place to work at the heart of UK-China Government relations.

The job holder as Head of Infrastructure will play a key leadership role in designing and delivering the DBT China-wide Business Plan, leading two teams and working with internal and external partners to deliver targeted engagement.

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

The UK and China have complementary advantages in infrastructure and environmental sectors. Ensuring businesses from both countries operate efficiently is vital. Addressing market access challenges, a priority for DBT, so the jobholder will be expected to work on solving any issues to facilitate trade. 

Besides, this role is a national role and responsible for developing and implementing a China-wide strategy that identifies key opportunities for British exporters in these areas. Working with the British Chamber and UK businesses, the role will help to establish the business environment and market access barriers affecting industry and developing a strategy to tackle key issues.  In addition, this role will help to deliver DBT China’s investment strategy and lead implementation, working closely with DBT’s Capital Investment team and project promoters in the UK.

1. Infrastructure (50%)

The UK and China have demonstrated complementary strengths in engineering and architectural design.  Helping our respective businesses to operate efficiently in each other’s markets is an important principle. This requires identifying and establishing links with key stakeholders in China, including national and local government agencies such as the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, businesses and relevant industry associations driven by the interests of specific industries.

2. Environment (30%)

Waste treatment/resourcing, water pollution control and air pollution control are top three sub-sectors where UK enviornment companies could add value i.e. project management, quantity surveying and enviornment technoloies. There are regional developments/ future cities with high political importance, e.g Sichuan, Greater Bay Area, Beijing where UK built environment strengths and standards resonate.

3. Team management (10%)

The role will lead both Infra and Environment China teams in developing regional strategy, hosting regional events, and driving China-wide trade and investment targets through strategic partnerships with key local stakeholders, including sector related Chinese government agencies, associations, major businesses and the UK supply chain.  

4. Corporate Contribution (10%)

• Provide support where necessary in delivery of the wider objectives of the Corporate operations and DBT China team, including cross-cutting issues.
• Promote and contribute to the China Country Business Plan and network values, actively and constructively participating in Post activities.

The job will be the national lead, together with stronger leadership role for the EIT sector more broadly in the local post.

The successful candidate will have a passion for working with both UK and Chinese contacts, an understanding of international trade and investment from inside and/ or outside government, as well as a practical, resourceful style that inspires people to think in new ways.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

Line manage 1 EO in Beijing and 1 SEOs Guangzhou respectively, with budget responsibility for the infrastructure and environment China teams, working closely with the Head of Infra & Transport to coordinate the Infrastructure & Environment team budget.

• Excellent/highly proficient in English and Mandarin
• The successful candidate should be passionate, self-motivated, enthusiastic individual with strong trade experience and can thrive in a fast moving, challenging and exciting environment with a focus on delivering demanding commercial outcomes.
• Experience in team development and management, incl. remote people management, fostering a strong inclusive team culture, and supporting individual and team development.
• Excellent networking skills and experience in relationship managing key clients at C-suite level.
• First rate written and verbal presentation and communication skills in English
• IT and administratively self-sufficient. Good IT skills, familiar with MS Office applications.