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

Based at the British Consulate-General in San Francisco, the Senior Trade & Investment Officer for Technology will proactively identify opportunities in the US for market ready UK companies to achieve new business, and work with companies seeking to launch into, or expand in, the UK market.  You will be part of the North America technology team providing key account management within the region in addition to providing strategic advice and assistance to companies. You will also be a valued contributor to the San Francisco based regional team and work closely with colleagues based around the UK.

Roles and Responsibilities:

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

• Provide a comprehensive account management service to key US clients in the technology industry (including software, emerging technologies) 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 companies to develop US market entry strategies and/or grow US market share; and support established UK companies in market to address any concerns around US trade policy or market access barriers.
• Enable positive relationships with US and UK business leaders, trade associations, and other key buyers/partners within the technology sector.
• 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 technology.
• Keep pace with market trends, incentives and centres of excellence in the San Francisco region, as well as in UK to identify commercial opportunities and provide informed advice to clients.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-impact programming, including developing and hosting round tables, seminars and trade missions, and contributing to Ministerial and other VIP visit programs.
• Assist with cross-team projects to advance UK economic and trade policy goals.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

• Manage events and travel budget for the San Francisco region.

• Demonstrated professional experience, gained within a business development or economic development role, ideally in a related sector.
• In-depth knowledge of one or more key industries or technologies: AI; Cyber and Trust Architecture; Internet of Things; Telecoms; Next Generation Computing.
• 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.
• Proficiency in standard Microsoft applications.
• 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.