Main purpose of the job:

This role will support the Trade & Investment Sector Lead (Infrastructure) in supporting UK headquartered companies within the infrastructure sector to secure contracts in the Australian market. 

You will have the opportunity to collaborate across our networks on a range of trade and investment campaigns, soft power initiatives, trade missions and VIP visits. You will work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds whose professional experience is the foundation of our shared capability. We deliver as one team. 

The role is part of a flexible UK team covering a wide range of trade and investment sectors across Australia and is similar in content and seniority to others in the UK government operation in Australia. Applicants for this position will be considered for other vacancies in the Network.

If shortlisted, you can expect to be interviewed in late May.

Our network and team

This is an exciting time to join the UK Government’s network in Australia. AUKUS and our Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Australia & New Zealand (entered into force in May 2023) have presented a unique opportunity to build broader and deeper economic ties with ANZ.  

The successful candidate will join a team of over 40 trade and investment experts, working across five diplomatic missions in Australia as part of the UK’s network in the wider Asia Pacific region of over 200 people in 22 locations.  

UK in Australia is an inclusive and equal-opportunity employer. We actively encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Our culture of inclusion is underpinned by our excellent staff networks which cover disability, faith and belief, gender equality, social mobility, age, race, LGBTQ+, and how to be an ally. 

We are committed to building a supportive workplace that offers continuous learning and development opportunities for all our team. We embrace flexible and remote working and have a zero-tolerance policy towards bulling, harassment and discrimination.   

We recruit people with a wide variety of experience and skills that are relevant and transferable. Government experience is not essential. If you have strong motivation and core competences, we can help you develop the network and expertise needed to thrive in our team.  (NOTE: Standard text not to be changed)

The role will primarily focus on supporting UK headquartered companies in the Infrastructure sector to enter the Australia market (note that support may also be provided to the New Zealand market). Examples of the typical activities for the role include: 

• Feed into and support the Infrastructure business plan 

• Develop and deliver an effective engagement strategy

• Organise and support trade missions 

• Undertake key account management and provide the appropriate levels of support 

• Carry out market analysis to identify opportunities / events / stakeholders / sector information that offer value to UK headquartered companies 

• Write briefing documents for High Commissioners and His Majesty’s Trade Commissioners 

• Facilitate B2B matching 

• Organise and support governmental delegations 

• Attend, and sometimes present at, external events 

• Build relationships at industry forums  

• Handle commercial in confidence data in an appropriate way 

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing 

• Support broader investment activities where appropriate 

The job holder will be a part of the Infrastructure team but will work in a flexible and agile way as part of the wider DBT, the UK Government network in Australia & New Zealand, and the British Consulate General in Sydney. There will also be a need to work in close collaboration with the DBT team across the APAC network to deliver DBT priorities. 

The role requires strong communicator with good interpersonal skills to enable them to develop trust and business relationships across government and industry. We are also looking for someone with a strong sense of collaboration. Previous trade experience is preferable, but not essential on arrival. 

The role is similar in content and seniority to others in the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and wider UK Government operation in Australia. People applying for this position may be considered for other vacancies in the Network. 

The job holder will have a small budget for business activity and travel and will work with marketing colleagues on managing relevant activities.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

• Resilient self-starter – able to work at high intensity using own initiative, judgement and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills – able to work closely with team leaders and senior management and help drive accountability.  When required, deal with difficult situations with tact, diplomacy and a high degree of confidentiality.

• Able to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

• Able to deal confidently with businesses, senior figures, Ministers, VIPs, and their offices.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Able to conduct research and analysis to support and generate business opportunities.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience  

• Some knowledge of the infrastructure sector in Australia

• Commercial experience, particularly in a sales / account management environment (highly desirable)

• Experience of export activities

• Knowledge of the Australian business environment