Main purpose of role:

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 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 is also the world’s seventh largest exporter and the second largest services exporter.    
  
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 Director of Trade will  act as the senior point of contact and advisor to the British Consul General on regional trade and investment opportunities. You will lead a dynamic team of nine to strengthen UK-US trade and investment across California, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming in Northern California and the US Northwest region. You’ll drive strategic partnerships, manage key accounts, and shape policy to unlock new opportunities, working closely with senior stakeholders across the UK Government’s US network, including the British Embassy in Washington DC to deliver growth and innovation in a collaborative environment. 

Roles and responsibilities:

• Champion the UK’s trade and investment ambitions across Northern California and the US Northwest, acting as a senior adviser to the British Consul General.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team of 9 to spot opportunities, build connections, and showcase the UK as a destination for investment, exports and growth.
• Drive ambitious State Level Strategy outcomes, from securing MOUs to opening procurement opportunities, tackling market barriers, and advancing professional qualifications agreements.
• Support your team in building and converting a strong pipeline of export and investment opportunities, including relationships with some of the largest US investors into the UK.
• Turn trade policy into commercial impact by connecting business opportunities to priority sectors and State-level partnerships.
• Grow and influence a powerful regional network of policymakers, business leaders, chambers of commerce, trade associations, and think tanks.
• Represent the Department of Business and Trade as a visible and credible voice for UK business interests, while contributing to wider prosperity, innovation, and growth goals.
• Lead delivery of high-quality programmes for Ministerial and senior UK Government visits.
• Build and develop an inclusive, high-performing team with a strong culture of learning, communication, and respectful feedback.
• Management of regional budget.
• Other duties as assigned.

Resources managed:

• The successful candidate will lead a team of 9 with direct line management of 5 Senior Trade and Investment Officers each representing a different priority sector. The sectors are Financial Services; Healthcare and Life Sciences; Capital Investment; Tech; & Creative, Media and Sport.

Essential on arrival:

• Significant professional experience, gained within a business or economic development role.
• In-depth knowledge of business in Northern California and the US Northwest.
• Excellent management and leadership skills with the ability to deliver results through others.
• Proven competence in leading strategy development and business planning.
• Excellent stakeholder management abilities.
• Proven advisory and influencing skills at senior levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and networking skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Manage budget and make resource recommendations to senior leadership.
• An excellent network of industry contacts and the ability to develop new networks with senior business and industry leaders.
• Level of English required – expert
• Must be able to attend events outside of office hours and undertake travel in the US and internationally for up to 20% of your time.

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