Who are we? 

The British Consulate General in Milan is part of a world-wide network representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas.

The British Consulate General (BCG) Milan is looking for a dynamic & pro-active Head of Investment to join our team based in our Milan office. This is a unique and exciting role within the worldwide UK Government network, with opportunities to travel across Italy and Europe and to engage with diverse and high-level contacts.

Main purpose of job:

As a Head of Investment, you will be expected to provide the DBT Italy Investment team with senior leadership, in-line with PM priorities and wider restructuring of the overseas investment network. The job holder will lead the team responsible for identifying and supporting Italian companies interested in investing in the UK or expanding their existing operations overseas. The successful candidate will lead a dynamic and inclusive team based in the British Consulate in Milan and work closely with colleagues across Europe and in the UK.

The jobholder will be making a significant positive contribution to the UK and Italian economies and gaining experience in innovative business sectors. 
This role provides opportunities to contribute to corporate initiatives that help to make the UK in Italy network a better place to work. 

Roles and responsibilities: 

• Lead the Investment team in DBT Italy to develop inward investment opportunities into the UK, a central aspect of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and a key part of the mission to deliver economic growth. The role will focus particularly on opportunities in the priority sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy.
• Develop and maintain an extensive and influential network across the Italian investment community with the aim of generating, attracting and facilitating high value Italian Foreign Direct and Indirect Investment. Through this network, identify, pursue and deliver a pipeline of agreed value Investment successes.
• Represent DBT and the wider Italy Network at external events, including organising and presenting at sector-based events such as seminars and briefings.
• Actively engage with DBT’s wider Europe Region and investment team, implementing Europe-wide strategy locally, facilitating collaboration across country teams and sharing expertise with other DBT country teams
• Actively contribute to the DBT leadership team in Milan, deputising for the Country Director and Deputy Country Director where required. This will necessitate contribution to wider Italy Network objectives and programmes.
• Work closely with the Head of Strategic Relations to maximise investment outcomes through our Strategic Relationship Management programme, both in Italy and in the UK.

Team and Resources: 

Ensure effective use of resources and provide strong and inclusive leadership to support the Investment team (7 staff) to deliver DBT Italy’s ambitions and develop the team’s potential in the long-term. The job holder will have direct line management responsibility for 3 members of the team. Work with UK Government colleagues in other Embassies and in London, including other investment teams & sector specialists, and facilitate VIP/ ministerial engagement where appropriate, to support & manage the investor journey. Leverage the UK and the Italy network’s communications activities to raise the profile of the UK and DBT’s investment offer in Italy.

Our Ideal Candidate shows: 

• Full professional proficiency in English and Italian (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework* or equivalent);
• Experience of line/team management and an ability to motivate and empower team members;
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience of working with or in the private sector;
• Build and maintained network of cross sector contacts;
• Highly-developed sales and customer relationship management skills acquired in a business or institutional environment, with a clear commitment to excellent customer service;
• Sound organisational and communication skills;
• Ability to work effectively and supportively with colleagues and contacts in the immediate and wider team;
• Ability to adapt quickly to the changing priorities showing flexibility, effectiveness and independence, whilst being part of an international team split across multiple locations;
• Proficient command of MS office package and main digital communication platforms (e.g. LinkedIn).