Trade & Investment Officer – Financial & Professional Business Services

Boston, Massachusetts

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

Be a part of the Department for International Trade’s mission to drive more trade and investment between North America 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.

Purpose of the role

Based at the Boston Consulate the Trade & Investment Officer for Financial and Professional Services will proactively identify export opportunities in the New England region for market ready UK companies in the financial services sector, in particular in the insurance, professional services and asset management industries, to achieve new business for UK companies in the US and will work with companies from the New England region (MA, ME, NH, VT, RI, CT), seeking to launch into, or expand in, the UK market.

You will be part of the North America Financial & Professional Business Services team with responsibility for providing key account management in New England, identifying and providing strategic advice and assistance to U.S. companies interested in establishing or expanding operations in the U.K. You will conduct research on industry developments, best routes to market and potential U.S. business partners for UK exporters looking to enter the U.S. market. You will develop a pipeline of US market opportunities to a broad range of UK exporters, and occasionally work on other projects that advance UK prosperity and trade policy. You will be a valued contributor to the Boston-based regional team, the British Consulate Boston team and work closely with relevant colleagues based around the UK.

About the Department for International Trade

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/DIT).

Roles and responsibilities:

• Provide a comprehensive account management service to key US prospects in financial and professional services including, in particular, insurance, asset management and professional services companies looking to maintain or grow their footprint in the UK.
• Successfully build and manage a pipeline of knowledge-driven projects that have the potential to bring high-value jobs and R&D to the UK.
• Assist high-growth and innovative UK SMEs and established British businesses to develop US market entry strategies and / or grow US market share; and support established British companies in-market to address any concerns around US trade policy or market access barriers.
• Provide support (alongside partners) for the recently launched Insurtech Corridor between Hartford, CT and the UK, helping support US and UK companies as they launch into one another’s markets.
• Forge positive relationships with US and UK business leaders, trade associations, regional financial services providers and other key buyers/partners.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-impact programming, including developing and hosting round tables, seminars and trade missions, and contributing to VIP visit programs.
• Develop and implement high impact, targeted marketing programs and events in conjunction with stakeholder partners to build UK brand awareness, promote key messaging and showcase UK competitiveness in the financial services industry.
• 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.
• Support cross-team projects to advance UK economic and trade policy goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

Modest activity and travel budget. Additional funding for activities will be determined in collaboration with sector priorities and colleagues.

Essential Skills:

• Demonstrated professional experience in a business, economic development or financial services industry role
• Thorough knowledge of the insurance, asset management and/or professional services industries, major companies and trends in the New England region, and, preferably, in the UK
• Excellent stakeholder management abilities
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and networking skills
• Excellent management and collaboration skills with the ability to deliver results
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and complete work while traveling
• An understanding of international relations and UK Government policy preferred
• Must be able to attend events outside of office hours and undertake travel in the US and internationally up to 10% of your time

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

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (e.g., communciating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (e.g., software training, formal qualifications).

Working patterns (If the job is suitable for flexible working patterns, please provide details):

40 hour work week, Monday through Friday, occasional evenings and weekends,as required for events, client engagement, and travel.

The British Embassy and its US Network embraces hybrid working, allowing staff to typically work from home 2 or 3 times a week. We are an organization that also recognises the critical value of team work and we embrace and endorse collaboration by ensuring that all staff attend the office flexibly yet regularly.

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. Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg 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.

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.

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.