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Are you interested in a career in international trade? Would you like to make an impact in a fast-moving, high-profile international environment? We are looking for an enterprising team member with commercial experience to join the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) team in either Munich or Dusseldorf, as a Trade Advisor for International Markets DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) Region.
Who are we?
The British Government in Germany is based at the British Embassy in Berlin and our Consulates in Dusseldorf and Munich.
The Department for Business and Trade promotes British trade and investment around the world; helps to build demand for British goods and services globally; and works to encourage foreign investment into the UK. DBT also brings together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment and to help businesses to succeed. The DBT team in Germany comprises some 40 staff working in Berlin, Düsseldorf & Munich.
DBT’s mission in Europe is to improve market access for businesses, champion free and fair trade, and encourage trade and investment between the UK and Europe. This is critical to our economies, supporting millions of jobs, driving economic growth, raising wages and improving living standard across the globe, whilst at the same time promoting wider goals – e.g. tackling climate change and improving economic security. For more information about DBT’s objectives, see here.
The (DBT) team is looking for a Trade Adviser on a two-year fixed-term contract, to support the enquiry work of the newly established Export Support Service – International Markets (ESS IM) in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, also known as the DACH region. This new position will work help high potential British exporters to win business in DACH region.
Main purpose of job:
The job holder will prioritise enquiries from UK Exporters related to the Swiss and Austrian markets and also support enquiries for the German market where necessary. A core element of the role will be to deliver practical support to companies. This will include researching market and sector information, identifying companies who can provide in-market representation and identifying clients. The role also includes helping companies overcome any market access issues.
The job holder will also work proactively to identify and to communicate high value opportunities to business and will support DBT’s promotional programme in the DACH region and the UK.
The job holder will work closely with Europe’s regional enquiry hub based in Prague and with DBTs Export Support Service – International Markets in the UK.
In parallel, the job holder will seek to expand networks of commercial partners in the region, including private sector providers of commercial services. As with all DBT positions, there will be a focus on working collaboratively with colleagues across the DACH (Germany, Switzerland, Austria) region to maximise opportunities for the UK.
The work will be varied and demanding and the successful candidate will need to be a flexible, committed self-starter, able to juggle priorities and to work on demanding timelines.
Within the DBT Europe network you will work in a friendly and welcoming environment with an excellent team spirit.
As part of the DBT team you will have the opportunity to work with colleagues across the DBT Europe Region’s 33 markets as well as with teams at DBT HQ in London and across the UK. As such, this role offers an excellent opportunity to build your commercial and trade experience well as your knowledge of the UK’s commercial and business relationships within the region.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Support the Europe enquiry hub in providing guidance, information and support to high potential British exporters – including innovative small companies, entrepreneurs and MSBs, in coordination with export team across the DACH region.
- You will prioritise the Swiss and Austria markets while supporting enquiries for the German market where necessary.
- You will independently organise key meetings with UK exporters to establish and support their export plans for the selected markets within the DACH region.
- You will carry out desk based research as well as in person discussions with potential distributors, customers and trade associations on the behalf of UK exporters.
- You will support a limited number of business events (trade shows, webinars etc.) that support UK exporters engaging potential customers and partners in the DACH region.
- Help to create and maintain strong and mutually beneficial relationships with DBTs export support network in the UK to identify, target and engage a pipeline of high potential clients. Contribute to efforts to communicate opportunities in the European market through support for an imaginative regional promotional programme.
- You should be comfortable engaging and presenting to senior stakeholders on a regular basis and be able to articulate your advice and recommendations based on your experience and own analysis in a clear and concise manner.
Our ideal Candidate shows:
- Fluent written and spoken German and English (minimum C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages);
- Knowledge of either the German business speaking environment and/or UK business environment;
- Strong analytical and research skills including the ability to identify trends based on your own and 3rd party research;
- 1-3 years of Business to Business and/or business to government experience;
- Strong organisational skills and experience leading projects including events and trade fair participation;
- An interest in the field of international trade, business and/or exports specifically;
- Experience in presenting to stakeholders with a range of interests;
- Excellent interpersonal skills and excels working as part of a team;
- Self-starter and ability to work well on own initiative;
- Excellent IT skills, especially Excel PowerPoint and modern CRM systems.