Trade and Investment Officer, Technology (British Consulate-General NY)

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.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

• 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.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience  

• Sales experience, whether in B2B or B2C is highly desirable.
• Customer service, account management, or lead generation experience.
• Event management or planning.
• Experience working in a tech company or studying in a tech-related field.
• Experience working in government, nonprofits and/or NGOs.
• Ability to use a variety of online and social media tools and knowledge of MS office.

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

Other benefits and conditions of employment  

The British Embassy and its US Network embraces hybrid working. You are required to work from the office 3 days a week. We are an organization that also recognises the critical value of teamwork, and we embrace and endorse collaboration by ensuring that all staff attend the office flexibly yet regularly. 

The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We actively encourage learning & development and will develop a specific plan in collaboration with the successful candidate. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).   

The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.  

Additional information  

Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive; we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6-12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, e.g. some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.

The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.            

Job Category  

Department for Business and Trade roles (DBT)

Job Subcategory  

Department for Business and Trade (DBT)

Required behaviours  

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together

Application deadline  

2 December 2024

Grade  

Executive Officer (EO)

Type of Position  

Full-time, Permanent

Working hours per week  

40

Region  

Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories

Country/Territory  

United States

Location (City)  

New York

Type of Post  

British Consulate-General

Number of vacancies  

1

Salary  

USD $67,825 per annum

Start Date  

3 February 2025