Vacancies @ UKTI - Head of Consumer and Industrial Goods

An opportunity to join a customer-driven, innovative and vibrant team focused on supporting UK companies seeking to identify opportunities and grow their business in the US market.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the UK Government’s international business development agency. UKTI USA, working closely with UKTI and other agencies in the United Kingdom, is charged with transatlantic trade development between the UK and the US; and with assisting US companies looking to invest in the UK. (See www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk)
The UKTI network in the USA is run from headquarters in New York, and a further eight posts across the US market. This post, and the team that reports to it, is based at the British Consulate General in New York.

The Consumer & Industrial Goods Team is a core part of the UKTI USA network and has a US-wide remit to support UK companies seeking to develop or expand their US operations. The team works across a wide range of consumer and industrial goods sectors, including food and beverages, household goods, retail, fashion, textiles, construction products and equipment, marine, sport, leisure, education, training and food processing.  
As head of the team, the post-holder will be responsible for the management of strategic relationships with major British brands across these sectors, managing and overseeing the team’s workload, and undertaking his/her own projects.
Key aspects of the job

• Leading the team in delivering high quality research and trade services to UK companies seeking a foothold in the USA
• Participating in US Network-wide activity as part of UKTI USA’s leadership team
• Developing business strategies and planning of the team’s future activities
• Leadership and development of a team consisting of a Trade Officer and five Business Development Associates (2 of the Associates are managed by the Trade Officer)
• Guiding the team to develop, research, and deliver activities relating to market entry strategy and market trends, and identifying potential US business partners (agents, distributors, etc.) for UK customers
• Building and maintaining key relationships with relevant US and UK contacts and government bodies in order to respond to UK companies’ enquiries
• Handling of a range of enquiries on specific US sectors, as well as general business and export matters
• Building and maintaining knowledge of developments and trends in high demand sectors
• Attending US trade shows, to offer support to UK exporters, and relevant networking events or conferences to build industry knowledge
• Managing initiatives such as the development and execution of trade missions, receptions and other events
• Some travel around the US, and occasionally to the UK, will be required

Essential Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
• Minimum 5 years’ full-time professional experience, preferably in market research and/or at least one of the sectors covered by the team, and at least 2 years’ managerial experience
• Knowledge and understanding of the US and UK business environments
• A demonstrable track record of achievement and high quality delivery against stretching targets
• Ability to prioritise, effectively manage, delegate and execute multiple tasks
• Client account management experience: Strong interpersonal skills, with an ability to build relationships and develop networks at the most senior levels internally and externally
• Strong oral and written communication skills; and ability to present to varied audiences with confidence
• Excellent research, analysis and report writing/editorial skills
• Self-starter able to work on own initiative, while operating as part of a wider US/UK team
• Ability to work flexibly in a busy, demanding and fast-paced environment
• Computer literacy in standard Microsoft applications

Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A visa holders*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy.  Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk.  All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance.  
*A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates.  The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defence Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.  
The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package.  This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.
The target salary for this position is $83,100 annualized.  Salary will be confirmed upon offer of employment.
To Apply:
Resume and a cover letter with salary history should be submitted in a .doc (word) file format by 3 October 2012 to careersnyc@fco.gov.uk.  Please note in the subject line of your email “Head of Consumer & Industrial Goods”.  Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis as required.
Interviews will take place on 11 or 12 October at the British Consulate in New York.
Please identify in your cover letter whether you are currently eligible to work at the Embassy.  Internal candidates must address their resumes through their Head of Group before applying.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we can not guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.

The British Embassy is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a diverse workforce.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.