Policy Manager – International Trade

Job Title: Policy Manager – International Trade

Location: London

Salary: £32,000 – £42,000 per annum

Job Type: Permanent, Full-time

techUK Overview:

techUK is the trade association which brings together people, companies, and organisations to realise the positive outcomes of what digital technology can achieve. With over 900 members (the majority of which are SMEs) across the UK, techUK creates a network for innovation and collaboration across business, government, and stakeholders to provide a better future for people, society, the economy, and the planet.

By providing expertise and insight, we support our members, partners, and stakeholders as they prepare the UK for what comes next in a constantly changing world.

Role Purpose:

Digital trade is at the heart of UK’s growth agenda and techUK plays a key role in working with members and government in driving that agenda.

As Policy Manager for International Trade, you would work with techUK members to develop new avenues for international cooperation on tech and innovation. This will include facilitating industry roundtables with UK and overseas governments to drive the UK’s bilateral tech partnerships.

Key responsibilities:

• You would also support techUK members in identifying new export opportunities in overseas markets through partnering with a wide network of stakeholders across the Department for International Trade, overseas trade associations, trade development agencies as well as advisory firms
• You will work on researching and comparing the programmes that other countries around the world are implementing to digitise and grow their economy
• This role would cover both trade policy and trade facilitation issues, to help drive a UK trade policy with digital at its heart and assist the tech sector in taking full advantage of UK’s trade deals. You will be at the core of key debates with Government and Parliament, the wider trade community, as well as international partners
• The role would involve balancing trade policy research and insight with an events agenda focused on the key issues and key markets for the tech sector. techUK runs a number of forums focused on key markets, such as UK-Japan, UK-India and UK-APAC
• This role will involve coordinating with members, UK government and international partners in preparing these engagements
• You would report into Associate Director – International and be a key part of techUK’s international policy and facilitation work
• You will work with a diverse selection of companies and stakeholders both in the UK and internationally, manage research and develop thought leadership, as well as organise international engagement and events
• This role requires someone who has the communication skills, confidence and drive to grow their own profile and that of techUK. The role also requires the ability to take initiative

Key competencies:

• Highly motivated with a positive, can do attitude
• A team player who is comfortable working with diverse teams and stakeholders
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with competing demands
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to get to grips with complex technical information and to communicate it effectively

Person Specification:

Essential Knowledge and Experience:

• Good understanding of UK policy and political landscape
• Experience in public affairs, regulatory affairs, stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation
• Track record in managing complex relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Experience in coordinating events, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong interest in technology and innovation, current affairs and international relations
• Strong interest in international markets and different cultures
• Broad understanding of the technology industry landscape and the positioning and role of trade bodies

Desired Knowledge and Experience:

• Knowledge of trade policy issues and key international markets for the UK tech sector
• Experience working in or with the technology sector
• Good grasp of the workings of Whitehall

This is a full-time role based out of techUK’s London offices with flexibility for hybrid working.

This role profile is a guide to the work that is required but does not form part of any contract of employment and may change from time to time to reflect changing circumstances.

The successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK prior to the commencement of employment. Due to the volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within 3 weeks of applying, please deem your application as unsuccessful on this occasion.

If you’re interested in the role and would like to put yourself forward please hit APPLY.

Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles of; Policy Manager, Senior Policy Manager, Policy Adviser, Senior Policy Adviser may also be considered for this role.