Main purpose of job

Be part of the UK Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) mission to promote trade and investment between North America and the UK. With a mature, high spending consumer market, an open economy, a business-friendly regulatory environment, and world-class talent, the UK is a global leader and one of the most competitive destinations for international investment. As the world’s seventh largest exporter and the second largest services exporter, the UK is also renowned for its global presence and exports. 

We employ over 150 people across North America, all dedicated to increasing economic growth to ensure businesses thrive, markets are competitive, and consumers are protected. We seek self-motivated and collaborative team members with a desire to work in collaboration with others to support our mission to create a global appetite for British goods and services; foster investment; negotiate trade deals and open markets; and promote free trade, economic security and resilient supply chains (see www.gov.uk/DBT).  

Based at the British Consulate-General in New York, the Technology Trade and Investment Officer works to build relationships across the tech ecosystem. The New York technology team supports both US & UK companies as they grow internationally, focusing on companies in AI, Enterprise SaaS, Cybersecurity, Quantum, Semiconductors and other emerging technology.  You will be part of the wider North America technology team as well as a member of the New York regional team. You will also be working closely with colleagues based in the UK.

Roles and responsibilities

• Support two NY-based Senior Trade & Investment Officers to 1) Identify and reach out to US based technology companies interested in establishing or expanding operations in the UK. Use lead generation techniques to build a pipeline of foreign direct investment projects, and 2) Identify, contact and support UK tech companies expanding in the North American market through trade missions and proactive outreach.
• Support the North America Tech Sector Director in cross-team initiatives such as strategic projects, events and team operations.
• Provide operational administration and delivery support to the Sector Director and wider NY Tech team, including maintaining client and project databases.
• Keep pace with technology market trends and relevant government policy, in the US and UK, to identify commercial opportunities. Develop specialist knowledge of the technology ecosystem and emerging technologies in the New York Consular area (primarily New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut) and the UK.
• Proactively develop network of US and UK business leaders, trade associations, and other key partners and buyers.
• Support DBT Tech activity such as trade missions and UK presence at trade shows to foster economic opportunities for the UK and US.
• Support high-profile visits from UK Ministers and VIPs by scheduling meetings, organising visits, and preparing briefing materials.
• Support cross-team projects to advance UK prosperity and trade policy goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Professional experience in a relevant field.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a professional and helpful manner.
• Ability to undertake research and follow market trends to identify new opportunities.
• Great organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• An interest in the technology sector in the US and/or UK.
• Must be able to attend evening events (with advance notice) outside of office hours and undertake travel within the US up to 5-10% of your time.
• Fluency 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 has restrictions on the type of visas our non-diplomatic staff may hold. If you are not a US Citizen or a US Permanent Resident, or the dependent of a diplomat (with an EAD card), you may not be eligible for employment with the UK government. We cannot accept student Visas (J1, F or M) nor other forms of work Visas (I, H, P). If you hold a work visa it is best to check on your eligibility to work for a foreign government before applying for a position. The UK Government does not routinely sponsor work visas; the job advertisement will state clearly whether sponsorship is available.

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.