Description
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.
Job Category: Business Development Manager (Food & Drink, Agri-tech) – Department for International Trade roles (DIT).
Main purpose of job
This is an exciting opportunity to work on improving bilateral trade and investment between the United Kingdom and Brazil, especially through increasing UK exports. The Food & Drinks and Agri-tech Sector Team works to support High Value UK and Brazilian companies with significant trade potential as well as large UK investors in Brazil.
Working with the Commercial Sector Leader, you will be responsible for supporting UK companies to export and invest in Brazil (Trade Promotion) as well as identifying and proposing ways to resolve the market access barriers faced by these companies (Market Access). You will use key account management processes and techniques to deliver an excellent service to customers. You will also identify suitable Brazilian companies that can invest in the UK.
You will manage and improve an existing pipeline of commercial opportunities in Brazil for UK companies with particular focus on, but not limited to, Food & Drink and Agri-tech companies.
Roles and responsibilities
Trade Promotion (50%)
You will be responsible for account managing an existing pipeline of companies as well as researching and validating new accounts that meet the High Value criteria. Your success in this position will be measured on the total value of exports and direct investment you assist British companies to achieve in the Brazilian market. These companies will be clustered around the Food & Drink and Agri-tech sectors; others may also be included depending on market opportunities.
This will require developing a network of contacts that will allow you to identify new commercial opportunities as soon as they arise. You will need strong communication and organisational skills as well as a high level of emotional intelligence that will allow you to pitch your approaches effectively. You will often be in contact with ministers and senior level management in companies so resilience and professionalism are essential.
You will work closely with the wider Strategic Accounts team and have the support of a team of 2 headcounts. Also, working closely with other parts of the Brazil Network makes being able to collaborate and partner an essential skill.
Market Access & Investment (50%)
You will need to identify the barriers to trade & investment that exist in the Food & Drink and Agri-tech sectors (SPS standards, regulatory compliance issues, customs & duties, etc.) and have propose ways of resolving these barriers through medium-to-long-term interventions. You will do this working closely with the wider Trade Policy team in the Brazil Network.
On Inward Investment, you will identify suitable Brazilian companies that are good candidates for direct investment in the United Kingdom.
The position will suit an energetic, motivated self-starter with an ability to chart his/her own course with little oversight. It will require a positive and proactive attitude that thinks in terms of unlocking opportunities for UK companies in Brazil.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure)
- Travel & entertainment budget – TBC;
- Marketing budget – TBC;
- Line management of 1 A2(L) analyst and 1 intern.
Qualifications
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
- University degree in International Relations, Business Administration, Economics or related areas;
- At least 5 years work experience in a business development and/or client relationship management role;
- Key account management;
- International trade & investment promotion;
- Doing business in Brazil requirements (legal, regulatory);
- Fluency in both English and Portuguese.
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
- Post-graduate qualifications (MBA or similar) as well as knowledge of policy issues affecting business environment are a plus;
- Spanish language.
