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 high spending consumer market and an open, economy with 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 seventh 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 http://www.gov.uk/DBT).  

Based at the British Consulate-General in Los Angeles, you will play a vital team role supporting both the Senior Trade & Investment Officer covering Defence, Security & Space throughout the West Coast (50%) as well as the Regional Director, Southwest (50%) through developing business and fostering relationships in the Defence, Security & Space sectors and contributing to regional projects and team initiatives that foster an excellent work environment. You will also work closely with colleagues based around the UK. 

Roles and responsibilities:

Defence, Security & Space focused duties (50%):

• Identify and reach out to innovative Defence, Security & Space companies interested in establishing or expanding operations and Research and Development opportunities in the UK to build pipeline of ambitious foreign direct investment projects.
• Support the Senior Trade & Investment Officer in developing US market opportunities for a broad range of UK exporters.
• 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.
• Develop knowledge of the US Defence, Security & Space markets along the West Coast region of the US.
• Support positive relationships with US and UK business leaders, trade associations, and other key partners and buyers.
• Support initiatives such as trade missions and participation at trade shows to foster economic opportunities for the UK and US.
• Consult with clients to manage and coordinate client events.

Support for the Regional Director (50%):

• Assist with initiatives that emphasise maintaining a communicative, inclusive team that values learning and development and an open, respectful feedback culture.
• Provide project management support for regional events, projects and senior visit programmes.
• Act as central project manager for UKInSoCal including membership, on-boarding new members, maintaining the membership directory, running the mentorship programme, and events support.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrated professional experience in a business, economic development, project management or client management role.
• Excellent administrative skills, time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a professional and helpful manner.
• Ability to undertake research and follow market trends to identify new opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills, proactive and meticulous attention to detail.
• An interest in, or understanding of, the Defence, Security & Space sectors.
• Ability to use a variety of online and social media tools.
• Must be able to participate in events and calls outside of office hours, including early calls with colleagues in the UK, and undertake travel within the US and UK, up to 5-10% of your time.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Legal status to live and work in the US in your own right, from time of application.

Please note: 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. 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.