About the job

Job summary

This is an exciting time to join the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the UK network in China and Hong Kong. Our aim is to promote British trade and investment across the world which is vital for the prosperity of the UK. DBT brings together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world to help businesses succeed. This is a great opportunity to be part of an international team that contributes to the success of the UK's trade goals.​​

 ​As one of the nine global regions, operating in 108 countries, this role is central to the work of the China and Hong Kong. Led by His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner, we have 180 staff across six posts- the British Embassy in Beijing, plus Consulates in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan. As an integral part of the One HMG network in China and Hong Kong, we offer a place to work at the heart of UK China Government relations and at an important time in the countries trading relations.​​

The China Network believes that having people from different backgrounds (gender, race, sexuality, socio-economic, educational, geographical, family circumstances) makes it a better team in every way. I encourage all applications.

Job description

This role is a hugely important leadership role in the China Network. You will provide sector leadership across the UK’s teams in China on Financial Professional Business Services and Energy and Infrastructure. This activity supports our objectives to increase UK exports, bring new exporters to market, remove market access barriers and increase inward investment. You will also be the Cross-network SRO for Inward Investment driving for our campaign to secure inward investment in 7 priority sectors. ​​

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will be expected to help set the overall strategy for the China network, represent the network externally and within HMG with confidence and clarity and actively participate in change management programmes. You will be expected to model and drive excellence in delivery and inclusive behaviours.  ​​

This role will be the SRO for investment for the mainland China team (working closely with the Director General of Trade & Investment in Hong Kong). This means taking responsibility for delivery of our investment strategy so that we secure the (cross-sectoral) keystone investments the UK needs. ​​

You will work closely with the SRO for exports and across a senior leadership team to continue to ensure that that the DBT network in China is a great place to work.

Person specification

Essential Criteria​

• Experience of a successful senior leadership role in a complex organisation.​​
• Evidence of a first class understanding of international trade and investment.​​
• Evidence of having built successful business relationships and strategic contact networks at a very senior level across at least one of the relevant sectors.​

​Desirable Criteria​

• Strong background in the Financial Professional Business Services areas or Infrastructure and Energy.​​
• Mandarin language skills would be highly desirable for this role.​​
• Evidence of having work on economic security issues.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £75,000, Department for Business and Trade contributes £20,250 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

How to apply​

Please follow the online instructions on the Civil Service Jobs website to apply for this role.  Applications must be submitted no later than 23:55 on 14/01/2024.You will be asked to upload the two documents outlined below. It is essential you add your full name to both documents:​

1. A CV setting out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role.  Please provide reasons for any gaps within the last two years.​
2. A Supporting Statement of around two pages of A4, providing examples of how your experience meets the essential criteria.​

Failure to submit both documents will mean the panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification. ​

If you encounter any issues or are unable to apply online, please contact SCSRecruitment@businessandtrade.gov.uk  in the first instance​.​

To support a diverse field, Lewis will talk to candidates before the application about wider issues individuals including the working environment in China, that may affect an individual's decision to apply. This discussion will not cover specifics of the role.  Please contact China.HMTC@fcdo.gov.uk to arrange a call.

For further information, please see attached the Candidate Information Pack. 

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

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.