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, 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 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 markets; and promote free trade, economic security and resilient supply chains (see www.gov.uk/DBT).  

Based at the British Consulate-General in San Francisco the Trade & Investment Officer supports the technology team build customer relationships across the tech ecosystem. As stated in the UK’s International Tech Strategy AI, Quantum, Semiconductors, 5G/6G and Engineering Biology are all priority technology areas for the team. The Technology team is also responsible for all software and hardware as well as emerging technology. In this role you will both cultivate relationships with C-suite executives from top companies in the Bay Area and Pacific Northwest while also supporting UK companies in their efforts to grow in the US market. This is an exciting opportunity to work with some of the most innovative and high-profile global companies at the nexus of the world’s two leading technology economies. You will be part of the wider North America team with responsibility for Technology as well as being a valued contributor to the San Francisco based regional team including support for the regional director and cross sector priorities. You will also be working closely with regional colleagues based around the UK.

Roles and responsibilities:

As the Trade & Investment Officer – Technology, you will:

• Identify and reach out to innovative companies in the technology 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 and Deputy Tech Sector Director 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 technology ecosystem in Northern California and Pacific Northwest region and the UK; keep up to date with the latest trends in emerging technologies.
• 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.
• Support high-profile visits, including UK Ministerial and VIP delegations, including by 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.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

None

• Demonstrated professional experience/skills 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 technology sector in the US and/or 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 5-10% 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.