Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
The British Embassy in Madrid is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now recruiting a Business Development Manager to integrate within the Invest Northern Ireland department.
Based in the British Embassy in Madrid and reporting to the Regional Director for Iberia and Italy, the post-holder will work with the Regional Director across all priority business sectors to proactively identify export opportunities for Northern Ireland companies through connections, market intelligence, research and outreach to deliver the Iberia & Italian trade strategy for Invest Northern Ireland ("Invest NI").
The post-holder will match in-market opportunities with Northern Ireland ("NI") companies offering innovative solutions and capable of selling in the Southern European region. The post-holder will support clients in closing these opportunities and securing sales. The post-holder will be assigned responsibility for a small number of business sectors, including 'Smart Cities', for which they will be responsible for developing knowledge and networks in the region, primarily in Spain, to draw a targeted group of clients to market as part of the trade strategy for Invest NI. Outcomes should include a demonstrated increase in export sales to the region.
For example, in the Smart Cities area, the work will involve building out a network of key cities, Construction and Engineering companies, Telcos, Energy companies and other relevant bodies in the region who have open opportunities that the identified NI companies can compete for. The post-holder must be proactive in sharing information and business opportunities, to allow NI companies to make informed business decisions, compete for business and ultimately grow their sales.
The post-holder will oversee and manage in-market support for trade missions, events and exhibitions and support buyer/influencer visits to Northern Ireland. The post-holder will also undertake focused market research, as well as working with external consultants and utilising Department for International Trade's ("DIT") resources, where relevant, attend and network at business events and conferences, arrange meetings and host visits, and be proactive in organising sector based activities (e.g. seminars, briefings, etc.) that will showcase Northern Ireland excellence.
The post-holder will work seamlessly with Invest NI colleagues based in Northern Ireland (particularly International Trade Advisors ("ITAs")) and other Invest NI overseas offices.
The post-holder will engage regularly and effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to share market insights, provide sector briefings and ensure that activity in the market aligns with corporate/sector plans. The post-holder will be required to work closely with Embassy colleagues, DIT, Northern Ireland government representatives, and business and trade organisations.
The post-holder will maintain data on the internal CRM system, prepare monthly returns and activity reports as required, and submit them on a timely basis.
Anticipated breakdown of the role:
50% delivery of trade services to include market research, identification of business opportunities, attendance at business meeting & events.
25% in-market support to NI companies such as visits and briefings.
15% event management and trade fair attendance.
10% CRM, Admin and other duties.
The post-holder is expected to undertake travel occasionally (Covid-permitting), within Iberia, to Northern Ireland and other countries as required by the management team. The post-holder will be required to comply with Invest NI policies (such as budget, expenditure approval, CRM reporting, Data protection) and the internal operating policies and processes as outlined by the British Embassy in Madrid.
Roles and responsibilities:
Work in close partnership with International Trade Advisors and Sector-focused colleagues, based in the Invest NI offices in Northern Ireland, with the ultimate objective of increasing Northern Ireland export sales.
Proactively identify relevant business opportunities for Northern Ireland companies in the priority business sectors through market intelligence, connections, networking and research.
Undertake market research, prepare sector briefings and assist Northern Ireland companies in Smart Cities and other business sectors to find new business and increase export sales.
Develop and deliver the in-market trade strategy to promote Northern Ireland capability in Smart Cities which contributes to the overall goals of the European territory.
Provide in-market support for company visits, trade missions, events and exhibitions, including the arrangement/procurement and management of the necessary logistics and protocols.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships within the British Embassy, DIT, Northern Ireland government.
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