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 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 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.  

The Trade & Investment Officer works with and supports the Senior Officers to increase cross-border economic cooperation, attract foreign direct investment into the UK economy, and help British businesses export to the US. Based at the British Consulate-General in New York, you will be part of the North America Financial Services team responsible for driving trade and investment across FinTech, Banking, Asset Management, Insurance, and Professional Services. As well as being a valued contributor to the New York based regional team, you will also work closely with colleagues across North America and the UK.

The UK is highly regarded for its strong financial services sector, which represents over 12% of the UK’s total economic output and 8% of all jobs. With a long history of innovation and buoyed by a pro-growth regulator in the Financial Conduct Authority, the UK’s 3,200+ fintech startups and 26 fintech unicorns represent one of the most exciting and fast-growing subsectors of the British economy and a leading source of export success across North America.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Identify and reach out to innovative companies in the Financial and Professional Services sector interested in establishing or expanding operations and R&D opportunities in the UK to build pipeline of ambitious foreign direct investment projects.
• Support the Senior Trade & Investment Officers 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 Financial and Professional Services markets in the New York region.
• Support positive relationships with US and UK business leaders, trade associations, regional Financial and Professional Services providers and other key buyers/partners within the Financial and Professional Services industries.
• Support trade group visits and trade show events to foster economic opportunities for the UK and US.
• Support high-profile visits, including UK Ministerial and VIP delegations through scheduling high-level meetings, organising activities, and preparing briefing materials.
• Consult with clients to manage and coordinate client events.
• Support cross-team projects to advance UK prosperity and trade policy goals.
• Provide operational and administrative support including maintaining client and project databases.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Professional experience/skills in a business, economic development or project management role.
• Excellent 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 organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• An interest in, or understanding of, the Financial and Professional Services industry, major companies and trends in the US – and preferably in the UK.
• Ability to use a variety of online and social media tools.
• Must be able to attend events outside of office hours and undertake travel within the US and UK up to 10% of your time.

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

Language requirements: 

Language: English
Level of language required: excellent verbal and written English

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.