Head of Americas, Technology Trade and Investment

The UK’s tech sector is now worth $1 trillion in value (only the third country in the world to reach this landmark valuation) and we are the proud home of 116 unicorns, the third largest number in the world, more than France and Germany combined. As part of the Government’s ambitions to deepen our status as a Science and Tech Superpower, the Department for International Trade (DIT) continues to support this sector to grow and thrive.

The United States is the world’s largest technology market. It is highly competitive and innovative and presents excellent opportunities for export ready UK technology companies who are able to compete at this very demanding level. It is also a crucial market for attracting investment deal flows from the largest corporates such as Google, Meta and IBM to highly innovative scaling tech companies with IP rich, new to the world technologies looking to land in the UK.

Canada also presents strong investment opportunities with a diverse, scaling technology sector with companies looking to the UK as their first market into which to expand. Similarly, Latin America has a diverse range of tech eco-systems with major hubs of innovation in the likes of Brazil and Mexico.

We are recruiting for a driven, collaborative and conscientious individual who is keen to drive our Science and Technology Superpower agenda forward and oversee a high performing, dynamic team of 1 SEO and 2 HEOs.

The Americas team is one of 3 regional teams (Americas, EMEA and Indo Pacific). Each one is led by a G7 reporting in to the G6 Head of Technology Trade and Investment.
Job description
Key activities will include:

- Delivering DIT’s technology trade and investment strategy for the Americas by meeting, and where possible, exceeding trade and investment targets
- Overseeing trade activity such as “meet the buyer” events and coming up with new approaches to deliver the best outcomes for UK tech companies
- Taking responsibility for the regions investment ambitions (as it relates to the sector) by working closely with colleagues in post, the wider tech team, the Office for Investment and DIT’s Investment Services Team
- Leading a team of 1 SEO and 2 HEOs, manging their work across the region
- Developing and managing relationships with key US companies who have a significant presence in the UK, manging their requests and supporting them as they seek to expand their UK footprint
- Maintaining a strong knowledge of the UK tech eco-system, including companies, key technology clusters (including around financial investors), universities, accelerators and incubators
- Working with colleagues across Whitehall, most notably DCMS, FCDO and BEIS, to understand their tech objectives and collaborate to deliver trade and investment wins and broader HMG priorities

**Hybrid working**

Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas.

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

Most DIT employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending 2-3 days a week (pro rata) in an office, on average. If your office location is London, you will be eligible to receive London weighting.

**Responsibilities**:
**Essential Criteria**
- Confidence and experience in engaging and building relationships with stakeholders of all levels of seniority (internal and external), with demonstrable success of doing so within your current role
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team
- Interest in technology and enthusiasm to learn about the technology sector

**Desirable Criteria**
- Industry Experience: This could include experience of having worked in a start-up, larger tech business or closely with the sector (e.g. trade bodies, accelerators, incubators) or academia
- Knowledge of the Americas and experience working with the region

**Person Specification**

We are looking for someone who is hard-working, a team player with an interest and appetite to learn about technology and the opportunities in the Americas. They would ideally have management experience and (preferably) leadership experience of teams and/or projects.

They should be able to work effectively on their own and also as part of the wider tech team. They should have sound judgement as there will be occasions when they will not be able to consult with seniors before making decisions.

Behaviours

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

- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together

**Benefits**:

- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension

Things you need to know
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