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, liberal 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 sixth 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 (see Department for Business and Trade – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Based at the British Consulate-General in Houston, the Senior Trade and Investment Officer (STIO) for Infrastructure will proactively identify export opportunities in the South-Central Region (consisting of Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma) for market ready UK companies to achieve new business and work with US companies seeking to launch into or expand in the UK market. You will be part of the North America Infrastructure team as well as a valued contributor to the Houston-based DBT team, working closely with colleagues from around the US and UK. The role will co-manage one Trade and Investment Officer for Clean Energy & Infrastructure. 

Roles and Responsibilities:

As the Senior Trade & Investment Officer – Infrastructure, you will:

• Provide a comprehensive account management service to key US prospects in the Infrastructure sector looking to maintain or grow their footprint in the UK.  
• Successfully build and manage a pipeline of knowledge-driven projects that have the potential to bring high-value jobs and R&D to the UK.  
• Assist high-growth and innovative UK SMEs and established British businesses to develop US market entry strategies and/or grow US market share; and support established British companies in-market to address any concerns around US trade policy or market access barriers.  
• Support positive relationships with US and UK business leaders, trade associations, regional providers and other key buyers/partners within the Infrastructure industries. 
• Develop and implement high impact, targeted marketing programs and events in conjunction with stakeholder partners to build our brand awareness, promote key messaging, and showcase UK competitiveness in the Infrastructure industries.
• Keep pace with market trends, incentives and centres of excellence in North America and the UK to identify commercial opportunities and provide informed advice to clients and stakeholders. 
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-impact programming, including developing and hosting round tables, seminars and trade missions, and contributing to VIP visit programs.  
• Support cross-team projects to advance UK economic and trade policy goals. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.  

Resources Managed:

• Co-management of one Trade & Investment Officer, Clean Energy & Infrastructure.
• Manage events and travel budgets.

• Demonstrated professional experience in a business, economic development or project management role.
• Thorough knowledge of the infrastructure industry, major companies and trends in the US 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.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and complete work while traveling. 
• An understanding of international relations and UK Government policy preferred.   
• Must be able to attend events outside of office hours and undertake travel in the US and internationally up to 20% of your time.  
• Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents, A and NATO visa holders with EAD cards, and L2 visa holders with an up-to-date I-94 form. FOR UKMIS ONLY (use the next line in addition to the above)- Visa sponsorship for this role may be considered but cannot be guaranteed. Please be clear on your application if you do not have the right to work in the US and/or would require visa sponsorship to undertake this role. You may refer to our website for additional information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.

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