Main purpose of job:

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 150 people across North America, all united by our vision of a future where we champion open and fair global trading that drives growth, creates better jobs and higher wages, and improves living standards in the UK and around the world.  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 up markets; improve international trading standards and fight unfair trading practices.

Based at the British High Commission in Ottawa, the Head of Trade for Defense, Security and Space will lead Canada’s highest performing export sector. This role will involve engaging with ministers, high ranking military and law enforcement personnel and senior executives. You will also work with key stakeholders across Whitehall and directly manage strategic accounts for the sector. 

This is a challenging and rewarding role leading a small, dynamic team across Canada and represents an opportunity to directly contribute the way the UK Government collaborates and negotiates with Canada on key issues related to Trade and Investment promotion. You will account manage some of Canada’s largest companies and will build strong relationships with leaders in the business community to help increase the exposure and presence of exporters in Canada.

Roles and responsibilities:

Management and Leadership

• Forge positive relationships with Canada and UK business leaders, trade associations and other key partners.
• Key account management of Canada’s largest companies in the defence, security and space sectors by building positive relationships at multiple levels while coordinating closely with North American colleagues and DBT headquarters in London.
• Manage and drive a pipeline of curated and export opportunities to successful closure.
• Shape and deliver an ambitious integrated sector business plan for Canada in consultation with stakeholders and wider UK Government Departments.
• Lead and develop and deliver a pipeline of high value, high impact, and knowledge-driven export projects across Canada including setting and overseeing the delivery of targets for the defence and security sector.
• Work closely with the Canadian Country Director to provide regional and corporate leadership, including in support of Consul General and High Commissioner Engagement, to develop and deliver regional trade and investment and broader strategies.

Sector Specific Knowledge and Execution

• Provide sector specific expertise across North America, with a focus on the Canadian economy through sharing sector knowledge, fostering strong industry connections and maintaining a detailed understanding of the Canadian economy and political system.
• Seek to influence trade policy in the UK as it relates to the sector by establishing positive relationships and providing expertise and input from the North American market and companies.
• Maintain current knowledge of market trends, incentives, and centres of excellence across Canada and the UK. Promote UK strengths effectively to a North American audience.
• Provide in-person support across North America for major events, VIP/Ministerial visits, or high value investment and export deals.
• Represent the Department for Business and Trade and the British Consulate at external functions, including occasional speaking engagements.
• Undertake travel in Canada and occasional travel overseas (approximately 10-20% of the time).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

• Line management of one Trade Officer
• Manage events and travel budget

• Demonstrated experience in a professional and client focused environment with relevant public and/or private sector, economic or business development capacity.
• Thorough knowledge of the defense and security sectors and major companies and trends in Canada and preferably in the UK.
• Excellent stakeholder management abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and networking skills.
• Excellent management and collaboration skills with the ability to deliver results.
• An excellent network of industry contacts and the ability to develop new networks, with senior business and industry leaders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and complete work while traveling.
• Proficiency in Office 365 and Microsoft Teams is essential.
• Must be able to attend events outside of office hours and undertake travel in Canada and internationally up to 20% of your time.

Language requirements: 

Language: English 

Level of language required: Must be fluent in English, both written and verbal.