About the job

Job summary

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.

Job description

• 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. 

Person specification

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.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £39,384, Department for Business and Trade contributes £10,633 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Interviews for this vacancy will be conducted virtually. We will, however, consider in-person interviews by exception.

Please ensure that you check your emails regularly as all updates from us will be sent to you this way.

To apply for this post, you will be asked to complete the following as part of the online application:   

• A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Provide employment history that relates to the essential criteria, and that any gaps in employment history within the last 2 years are explained. The CV should not exceed more than 2 x A4 pages.
• A Personal Statement of up to 500 words explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role in reference to the essential criteria.

It is likely that the sift will take place 1-2 weeks after the closing date and interviews 3-5 weeks after the closing date though this is subject to change.

In the event of a large number of applicants, an initial short sift will be conducted on the CV only. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.  

As part of your interview, you will be asked to deliver a short oral presentation, details will be provided prior to your interview.

This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

Reasonable Adjustments

We are committed to supporting candidates so they can perform at their best throughout the recruitment process. This includes making reasonable adjustments to our process. In order to request an adjustment: 

Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section on the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. 

Alternatively contact the Government Recruitment Service at DBTrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.  

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Candidate Support

You may want to join a virtual Candidate Support Session. These sessions include helpful tips and advice on the recruitment process, from application to interview.  

Please see attached Candidate Pack for further information on: Diversity and Inclusion; Benefits; Learning and Development; Working Patterns and what we deliver as a department.

Further Information:

• A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Reserve Lists will be for each location and appointments made in merit order based on location preferences.   
• Any move to the Department for Business and Trade from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments.
• The Department will not consider sponsoring a visa or issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. We are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases.  
• New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.  
• Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty. Any applicant who has details held on the IFD will be refused employment.   
• A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.  
• Terms and Conditions are attached.  Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.

Please note – the successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 18 months before being released for another role.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.