Main purpose of job:

Be part of the UK Department for Business and Trade’s mission to drive more trade and investment between Canada 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, the second highest investment destination in the world, and 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 a passion and drive to help us promote exports to North America of British goods and services, two-way investment between the UK and North America, and mutual improved market access to help grow our bilateral trade (see www.gov.uk/DBT).

Based at the British Consulate-General in Toronto, the Trade Officer – Food & Drink will be responsible for trade promotion support in key sub-sectors: Whisky, Wine, Gin, Beer, No/Low Alcohol Beverages, Cheese, Red Meat. The job holder will strengthen commercial and government relationships with stakeholders in Canada and the UK to: identify market opportunities and demand trends; enhance the UK reputation for safe and high-quality products; increase the UK’s market access and ensure key UK exporters are kept informed of and contribute to trade policy conversations.

The primary objective of this role is to drive food and drink exports to Canada and build the UK’s food and drink reputation in Canada. You will be a key part of delivering export and trade objectives for food and drink and supporting trade policy and market access teams in post. 

Roles and responsibilities: 

• Support UK food & drink businesses in key subsectors with exporting to Canada through direct engagement, education, and business development; identification of market opportunities and barriers; and advising on navigating the regulatory landscape.
• Work with the Agriculture Attaché and Head of Food & Drink, Canada to provide input on market access barrier resolutions and lobbying plans for provincial barriers.
• Build strong relationships with relevant potential Canadian business partners (importers, distributors, retailers etc) and with UK food and drink companies in key subsectors to identify new export opportunities and inform both trade policy and trade promotion work.
• Conduct research on best routes to market and potential Canadian business partners for UK food and drink exporters looking to enter the Canadian market.
• Identify opportunities to showcase UK food and drink and support the growth of exports.
• Assist with the conception, planning and delivery of trade show activity, tastings, receptions, official visits, and other events to promote the UK’s strengths in food and drink.
• Support the Head of Food & Drink with the development and execution of trade missions to Canada and buyer trips to the UK.
• Provide support for Ministerial and senior official visits.
• Report any market access barriers identified by industry and networks and support the team’s contribution to market access barrier (MAB) resolution.
• Consult local industry on impact of new/proposed regulations and policies and their potential for these to result in additional barriers to entry.
• Work with marketing and other teams to maximise social media opportunities to increase awareness of UK food and drink brands in Canada.
• Manage administrative functions such as database entries and updating notes in customer relationship management systems.
• Attend key business events, occasionally outside of regular working hours.
• Undertake travel in both North America and the UK.
• Other duties as assigned.