Main Purpose of Job:

We are currently recruiting for the following roles in the Department for Business and Trade in Japan:

• Senior Trade Adviser Technology – Trade Team, EO (Tokyo based)
• Senior Investment Adviser Technology, Innovation and Life Sciences – Investment Team, EO (Tokyo or Osaka)

The British Embassy Tokyo is a busy and diverse post at the heart of HMG’s work in the Indo-Pacific. Our work on security, digital and technology, trade and economic, and climate and energy partnerships with Japan is at the centre of our commitment to the region.  

The Department for Business and Trade operates in 108 countries. Establishing new relationships around the globe, DBT promotes UK trade and investment 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. His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) is responsible for Trade and Investment work in the APAC region. With over 280 staff over 14 markets, DBT APAC is a fast-paced, exciting place to work, offering exposure to senior individuals within industry.
This is a great opportunity to be part of an international team that contributes to the success of the UK’s trade and investment goals. 

Senior Trade Adviser Technology – Trade Team, EO:

As Senior Trade Adviser – Tech, you will be part of the Tech Team within the wider Trade Team. The focus of the team to promote tech exports from the UK to Japan, eliminate market access barriers and raise UK Tech awareness. You will support innovative UK tech companies to enter and succeed in the Japanese market by providing expert advice, delivering events / trade missions and leveraging a strong network across Japanese and British industry, government and tech sector stakeholders. 

The UK is Europe’s leading tech sector with world-class strengths in technologies including AI, quantum, fintech and many others. The sector recently passed the $1.1 trn valuation mark and is home to more than 170 unicorns, many of which have spun out of the UK’s excellent universities and are supported by a strong venture capital sector. You will promote the sector for future UK-Japan collaboration.

Senior Investment Adviser Technology, Innovation and Life Sciences – Investment Team, EO:

As a Senior Adviser Tech, Innovation and Life Sciences, you will be part of the wider Investment Team. You will work to promote foreign direct investment by Japanese companies and funds in those sectors in the UK. The focus of the team is securing FDI and venture capital investment from Japanese tech and life sciences corporates and funds, particularly in support of the UK’s ambition to be a science and tech superpower. You will work with existing investors as well as exploring opportunities in emerging areas such as AI and quantum. 

What the Jobholder will be Expected to Achieve:

Senior Trade Adviser Technology, Trade Team:

• You will be part of a three-person Tech Team, and you will support and work closely with the Head of the team and another Trade Adviser.
• Support the Head of the team devising strategy/approach for technology exports, market access/market shaping and raising awareness of UK Tech & Innovation.
• Develop a pipeline of export projects – you will research, analyse, meet with and develop a target list of key British companies looking to collaborate with Japanese companies across key sectors, such as AI, Semiconductor, Quantum and Fintech.  Provide support for these UK businesses.
• Develop and maintain good relationship with key Japanese corporates/governments who potentially collaborate with UK tech businesses. Research and analyse the technology gap of the Japanese market.
• Lead the planning and delivery of major events/activities, including inward/outward missions, seminars, working closely with EDD/Investment teams/HQs.
• Lead for Quantum and AI sub-sectors – manage day-to-day activity as well as representing the Tech Team with internal and external networks, including deputising for seniors as required.
• Build sector expertise – research and remain well connected to developments across tech sectors in Japan and the UK by engaging with industries, government and multipliers. Proactively develop knowledge of the wider technology sectors and verticals (particularly Fintech and Mobility) and support the wider team.
• Build strong relationships across the Japan Network to leverage senior stakeholders and other teams in support of your goals, in particular DBT colleagues.
• Contribute to the broader goals of the Japan Network, including a role in crisis response and supporting visits and cross-Network events.

Senior Investment Adviser Technology, Innovation & Life Sciences – Investment Team:

• You will be part of a seven-person team, supporting and working closely with the Head of the team and one other Senior Investment Adviser.
• Account management – you will be responsible for supporting Japanese businesses who currently invest in the UK or have the potential to do so. You will manage company accounts and develop strong relationships with these companies to C-suite level, selling UK opportunities, building strategic relationships and ultimately delivering more investment into the UK.
• Develop a pipeline of investment projects – you will research, analyse and develop a target list of key Japanese companies for engagement across key sectors, such as AI, Datacentres, Biotechnology and quantum.
• Support the delivery of campaigns in priority technology and life sciences themes to attract Japanese businesses, private sector R&D, capital and talent to the UK. Support sector investment activity, such as seminars, inward missions, and company meetings and engagements.
• Venture Capital: you will engage regularly with Japanese venture capital investors, match-making their interests with UK start-ups; and supporting high-profile venture investments that can transform UK industry.
• Sector expertise – you will develop a strong understanding of your sector in Japan as well as the UK, and a strong network in industry and across government. You will use your expertise to develop a strategy for the clients you manage, to help deliver our business plan.
• Proactively build and sustain a strong understanding and network in the UK and Japan across the tech, innovation and life sciences sectors (including industry, government, and multipliers) to drive investment outcomes to deliver the strategy.
• Build strong relationships across the Japan Network to leverage senior stakeholders and other teams in support of your goals, particularly DBT colleagues working on trade/exports.
• Contribute to the broader goals of the Japan Network, including a role in crisis response and supporting visits and cross-Network events.

Note: Candidates can apply for, and will be considered for both roles, but can express a preference in the application form.

• Experience of inward investment or trade promotion experience as relevant to the role, or other relevant sales experience
• Proven ability to work with business (either in the private sector or public sector)
• Proven stakeholder relationship management skills
• Excellent communication skills

Language Requirements:

• English and Japanese
• Level of language required: Fluent in one and business level in the other