Main purpose of job:

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) embraces and values diversity in all forms. We welcome and pride ourselves on the positive impact diversity has on the work we do, and we promote equality of opportunity throughout the organisation. DBT China would value applications from people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture, experience and gender. 

This is an exciting time to join the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) as DSO for DBT China and Hong Kong. Our aim is to promote UK trade and investment across the world which is vital for the prosperity of the UK. DBT brings together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world to help businesses succeed. This is a great opportunity to be part of an international team that contributes to the success of the UK’s trade goals.

DBT operates in 108 countries. Establishing new relationships around the globe, DBT promotes UK trade 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. DBT has one of the largest representations of the 18 government departments working in China, which are coordinated and led by His Majesty’s Ambassador who is responsible for the UK’s relationship with China. 

His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) is responsible for Trade and Investment work in China, one of nine global regions. With c.180 staff across six posts – Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan – DBT, as part of the UK government network in China offers a fast-paced place to work at the heart of UK-China Government relations.

The successful applicant will play a key role in providing administrative support to Retail & Consumer team and Food & Drink team, e.g. providing internal support such as procurement support, finance/budget management, and team performance monitoring/management.  They will also provide administrative support to the deputy HMTC based in Shanghai, including calendar management, logistical arrangements for their business meetings and travel etc. 

The Directorate Supporting Officer (DSO) will work as part of the wider DBT team, playing a role in delivering high profile activity and visits.  As such, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to be part of a busy and ambitious team, working in exciting sectors and engaging with world leading brands on relevant industries.    In addition to core work, the successful applicant will also have the opportunity to play a part in a diverse range of work such as supporting on the development of sector specific business plans, i.e. running major events and engaging the business community. If you are flexible, enthusiastic and if you will embrace the ‘DBT Spirit’ that is to be Expert, Engaging, Enterprising and Inclusive, we want to hear from you.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

1. Sector Team Support-Food & Drink (35%)

• Provide administrative support to Food & Drink team by being the docking point for requests from the Corporate Operations team on procurement management, and team’s finance/budget management.
• Support the Food & Drink team in delivering key visits, key sector events and marketing campaigns (online/offline).
• Prepare visiting programmes for official visitors & DBT China Senior Leadership Team and provide logistic support.

2. Sector Team Support-Retail & Consumer (35%)

• Provide administrative support to Retail & Consumer team by being the docking point for requests from the Corporate Operations team on procurement management, team performance management by using internal CRM system etc.
• Support the Retail & Consumer team in delivering key visits, key sector events and marketing campaigns (online/offline).
• Prepare visiting programmes for official visitors & DBT China Senior Leadership Team and provide logistic support.
• Support internal Retail team activities which may include team away day, team L&D programmes etc.

3. DHMTC PA and DSO Support (20%)

• Provide administrative support to the Deputy HMTC based in Shanghai post. This may include supporting on delivering practical, logistical arrangements and taking the meeting records. It could also include arranging meetings, tracking and sharing management information gained from sector teams. It also includes input data onto the DBT customer relationship database in support of the sector teams.
• Other administrative support to other sectors teams within CCL directorate.  This could include working with the sectors (Education, Creative, Sports) on guest registration for key events, procurement management, CCL meeting calendar coordination, weekly calendar update to HMTA PA etc.

4. Corporate Contribution (10%)

• Provide support where necessary in delivery of the wider objectives of the Corporate Operations and DBT China team, including on cross-cutting issues.
• Promote and contribute to the China Country Business Plan and network values, actively and constructively participating in Post activities.

• Excellent/highly proficient in English and Mandarin
• A diplomatic, tactful manner when dealing with contacts and colleagues
• Good organisation skills, positive approach to teamwork, and a pro-active attitude;
• Ability to pay strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Good administrative and IT Skills (Word, Outlook, Excel, and Powerpoint)