Head of Clean Growth, Energy and Infrastructure

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

**Main purpose of job**:
Be part of the Department for International Trade’s mission to drive more trade and investment between North America and the UK. With a mature, high spending consumer market and an open, liberal economy, world-class talent and a business-friendly regulatory environment, the UK is the leading destination for foreign investment in Europe, the second highest investment destination in the world and the world’s sixth largest exporter and the second largest services exporter.

This is a challenging and rewarding role leading a small, dynamic team across Canada and represents an opportunity to directly contribute the way the UK Government collaborates and negotiates with Canada on key issues related to Trade and Investment promotion. The Head of Canada, Clean Energy and Infrastructure will work across the North American Clean Energy & Infrastructure (CEI) sector, at a time where these markets are significant priorities for both the UK and Canada. The successful individual will account manage some of Canada’s largest companies and will build strong relationships with leaders in the business community to help increase the exposure and presence of Canadian investors in the UK and exporters in Canada. Whilst this sector encompasses the subsectors of nuclear, renewables, carbon capture utilisation & storage, hydrogen and battery storage and waste to energy as well as construction, water and transport infrastructure, this role will be responsible for actively prioritising the subsectors and individual opportunities that offer the most value either for UK exporters or for inward investment into the UK. They will be expected to exercise their sector knowledge and judgement to deploy their resources for maximum impact to the UK economy, in support of Ministerial and HMG priorities. This will include acting as lead investment/trade officer for the subsectors and/or region that fits your expertise, abilities, and locations.

**Roles and responsibilities**:
Management and Leadership
- Forge positive relationships with North America and UK business leaders, trade associations and other key partners.
- Key account management of Canada’s largest companies in the clean energy and infrastructure sectors by building positive relationships at multiple levels while coordinating closely with North American colleagues and DIT headquarters in London.
- Be a trusted referrals partner to prospective and existing investors and exports; manage and drive a pipeline of curated investment and export opportunities to successful closure.
- With the Sector Directors shape and deliver an ambitious integrated sector business plan for Canada in consultation with stakeholders and wider UK Government Departments.
- Lead and develop an agile Canadian team in partnership with the Sector Directors to curate and deliver a pipeline of high value, high impact, and knowledge-driven investment projects across Canada including setting and overseeing the delivery of targets for the Canadian CEI Team.
- Work closely with the Director of Trade and Investment Promotion and the Canadian Country Director to provide regional and corporate leadership, including in support of Consul General Engagement, to develop and deliver regional trade and investment and broader strategies.

Sector Specific Knowledge and Execution
- Provide sector specific expertise across North America, with a focus on the Canadian economy through sharing sector knowledge, fostering strong industry connections and maintaining a detailed understanding of the Canadian economy and political system.
- Seek to influence trade policy in the UK as it relates to the sector by establishing positive relationships and providing expertise and input from the North American market and companies.
- Maintain current knowledge of market trends, incentives, and centres of excellence across Canada and the UK. Promote UK strengths effectively to a North American audience.
- Provide in-person support across North America for major events, VIP/Ministerial visits, or high value investment and export deals.
- Represent the Department for International Trade and the British Consulate at external functions, including occasional speaking engagements.
- Undertake travel in Canada and the US and occasional travel overseas (approximately 10-20% of the time).
- Any other duties as assigned.

Resources managed:

- Direct line management and strategic leadership of Canadian sector Team (2-4 staff).
- Counter-sign and provide support to members of the wider team (2-4).
- Management of local team running cost budgets.
- Senior Reporting Officer for programme activity from multiple funding sources (FCDO Prosperity Fund, UK core events marketing budget, other government stakeholders, commercial sponsorships)

Essential qualifications, skills and experience
- Demonstrated professional experience, gained within a business or economic development role
- Prove