Main purpose of job:

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional individual to join the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) team in the British High Commission in Singapore as the Senior Trade Manager for Defence, Security & Aerospace – a newly created role. DBT supports UK-based businesses to export globally and encourages overseas investment across all parts of the UK.

This position will lead on the delivery of a defence, security and aerospace export campaign in support of companies looking to export to Singapore across the spectrum of these sectors, including cyber, defence-tech, space, and other sub-sectors identified as key areas of opportunity for UK exporters. 

Being responsible for the local sector strategy and business plan, the successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to UK companies, from SMEs (Small or Medium sized Enterprise) and start-ups through to MNCs (multi-national corporations), to support them in their journey to exporting to Singapore and promote the UK as a partner of choice for Singapore in this area. They will have a proven track record of strong interpersonal and relationship building with senior public and private stakeholders. Experience in defence, security and/or aerospace will be an advantage. 

In addition to working with teams across the APAC region including the Regional Defence & Security Lead based in Manila, this role will complement and reinforce existing workstreams undertaken by teams across the British High Commission in Singapore i.e. the Ministry of Defence, UK Export Finance, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and Devolved Administrations (Scottish Development International and Invest Northern Ireland). This role will also work closely with UK Defence & Security Exports (DSE), part of DBT based in the UK. 

The successful candidate is expected to provide leadership and line management of one Trade Manager (yet to be appointed – EO grade) to support the delivery of the campaign’s objectives.

We reserve the right to review and amend roles and responsibilities from time to time to reflect business needs. 

Roles and responsibilities / what will the job holder be expected to achieve?

1. Delivering strategic trade opportunities

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Singaporean defence, security, and aerospace landscape and how to successfully pursue and win business in Singapore.
• Design and own the Defence, Security and Aerospace campaign strategy to advance exports to Singapore in this sector, complementing wider BHC Singapore and UK Government objectives in these areas. This role will lead the country export campaign, setting the overall direction, building capability, monitoring performance, developing trade activities and a pipeline of opportunities, working with colleagues across the APAC region and the UK to match these with UK capability.
• Build a strong and diverse pipeline of opportunities through market intelligence, research, company engagement and relationship management of stakeholders. Support UK business to secure projects in Singapore. Work collaboratively with colleagues across BHC Singapore, APAC posts and the UK, to ensure opportunities are maximised across the network. This will support the delivery of an ambitious export target across these sectors.
• Monitor Singapore government policy and regulation to anticipate new challenges and opportunities for market shaping, liaising as appropriate with UK players to identify any short term or substantive barriers to UK exports. Work with trade policy colleagues to devise and implement strategies to address any potential market access barriers.

2. Effective relationship management

• Complementing existing work and relationships across BHC Singapore in support of wider UK Government objectives, foster a network in the Singaporean military, police, government, security agencies and private sector to develop an in-depth understanding of their strategic intentions and business requirements.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of key UK companies which have the interest and capability to secure business in Singapore, providing practical, expert advice and matching relevant, high-value opportunities in Singapore for UK exporters.
• Leverage high-level engagement (e.g. High Commissioner, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner, Ministers and senior military and officials etc.) with more complex / senior relationships as appropriate.

3. High impact events and visits

• Develop propositions for and deliver impactful activities (e.g. trade missions, events, and relevant exhibitions and major events in Singapore and the UK) which promote UK capability and positions UK companies to win business in Singapore.
• Support high-profile visits, including UK Ministerial and VIP delegations through arranging high-level meetings, organising activities, and preparing high-quality briefing materials.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

• 1 x EO Trade Manager (to be appointed)

• Proficient in written and spoken English
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build strong relations across BHC Singapore and senior public and private stakeholders;
• Demonstrable relevant and appropriate experience, knowledge and/or qualifications in international trade and business development, including a proven record of engaging customers, stakeholders and partners;
• A successful track record of strategy or campaign design, implementation and evaluation (including market research and analysing market);
• Experience of managing teams, as well as strong teamwork and collaboration skills, including confidence in suggesting new ideas and challenging senior stakeholders;
• A proactive, can-do approach, combined with high standards for delivery and meeting deadlines;
• Ability to work independently at pace and to prioritise appropriately;
• Good judgement and political awareness; and
• Excellent organisational, IT and administrative skills.