International Trade Adviser

This role is fundamental to the delivery of DBT’s objectives by engaging with, encouraging and mentoring businesses across the English Regions to help them grow through international trade. 

DBT’s mission is to give exporters the tools, support and opportunities to succeed through global trade and to maximise the opportunities of new trade deals. The ITA role supports companies to increase their international competitiveness and help them win business overseas. 

ITAs source suitable businesses located in the English Regions through their own business development activities and help businesses create their international trade strategy with the aim of helping them maximise their international success and contribute to economic growth in the English Regions. 

Although clear targets and objectives are set for the role, a degree of autonomy is also required as ITAs will be expected to develop their own plans and strategies for identifying suitable companies to work with, and also their approach to account management and lead generation.

• Support the delivery of DBT’s export targets by working with businesses to assist them to develop their international growth potential through the provision of capacity-building activity, providing advice, development of export action plans and making best use, where appropriate, of DBT and other developmental packages of support

• Deliver all the outcomes and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as agreed with the ITA Advisory Team Manager, in line with the business plan for English Regions 

• Use specific skills and adviser experience to undertake in-depth diagnostics, mentor and intensively work with a portfolio of Account Managed companies to facilitate a strategic approach to exporting, which in turn aids growth, improves competitiveness and significantly increases sales and profits via International Trade Activity

• Plan, prepare, compile, and submit proposals for the delivery of outward and inward trade missions/exhibitions or events for one-to-many engagement, and manage these projects to completion

• Represent DBT and present at, local, regional, national and international meetings and events with sector groups and strategic partners. 

• Represent DBT as a lead adviser for nominated sectors, markets or projects, as required, coordinating communications and opportunities, supporting the capability development of the team in respective market/sector/project and developing local client sector cohorts where appropriate

• Ensure accurate and timely recording of business activity in accordance with regional and national procedures, on DBT’s various Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
• Undertake continuous personal development to maintain a high level of knowledge and skills to assist with continuing to fulfil the role successfully

Hybrid Working

The role will be home-based, but based within the sub-region (i.e. North East, Yorkshire & Humber, North West) that is being serviced by the ITA to allow for frequent face-to-face activity, attendance at meetings and events etc. In addition, the DBT Northern Powerhouse offices are located in Darlington, Leeds and Manchester, so travel to these offices will be needed from time-to-time. 

Working arrangements will be available as agreed with the vacancy manager and in line with the requirements of the role. 

Essential Criteria 

• Excellent communication, cultural awareness and presentation skills
• First-hand experience of developing international trade for products and/or services 
• Competent IT skills
• Commercial/business-like approach with the ability to build relationships, develop leads and positively influence at all business levels  
• Able to carry out an in-depth assessment of a company’s readiness to trade internationally and conduct market research to support strategic development of their international trade activity
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the mechanics of international trade and the impact on this for businesses when there are changes to global policies, exporting processes and global trade issues
• Knowledge of developing new business opportunities and strategic marketing plans 
• Organised approach with the ability to multitask and problem solve
• Project and event management capability 
• Car owner/driver with full license – must be insured for business use  

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience of working in an international trade-related role, ideally exporting products or services 
• Experience of delivering business support services or consultancy in a grant funded environment 
• Experience of living or working abroad 

Personal Attributes & Skills 

• Client Focus and Service. Exceeds client expectations and delivers to the highest standard. Client-centred, does not compromise the real client need in order to achieve a target or output. Manages expectations, acts as a sounding board for clients, encourages them and provides clarity and direction when uncertain.

• Drive for Results. Fully understands the need to deliver against DBT’s objectives and plans their approach to suit. 

• Developing and Maintaining Relationships. Actively builds professional and effective working relationships and maintains them over time. Takes actions that demonstrate consideration of feelings and needs. Actively participates as a full member of a team, effectively contributing and sharing information even when it is of no direct personal interest. Has cross-cultural awareness. 

• Communicating. Able to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally, face-to-face, by telephone and in written communications, and actively listens to others. Digitally competent and comfortable in the use of digital channels to communicate with a broad range of clients.

• Influencing and Negotiating. Aims for a win-win outcome and is able to convince others of their own point of view. Maintains a network of contacts to develop their own skills and knowledge as well as providing a source of help and leads. Actively influences events, rather than passively accepting them, sees opportunities, acts on them and originates action.

• Planning and Organisation. Able to accomplish the goal by efficiently establishing an appropriate course of action for self and others and making efficient use of resources.

• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving. Effective in identifying problems, seeking pertinent data and recognising important information to solve complex problems and deal with new issues. Chooses the best course of action by considering all available information, strategy and stakeholders.

• Self-Management. Effectively managing self and time to meet DBT targets and outputs. Demonstrates a positive attitude and approach to develop their own performance as an ITA and the support they provide to DBT clients and stakeholders. Proactively networks, raising the profile of DBT and able to develop and manage a client portfolio.

• Technical Ability: Skilled use of Microsoft suite of business applications and CRM. Able to interrogate databases and utilise to help source new clients to work with.

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities

Please refer to the attached candidate pack for further information on our benefits.

Job contact :

• Name : Stephen Muir
• Email : Stephen.Muir@businessandtrade.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dbtrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk