Business Development Associate - Life Sciences -
Chicago -
Foreign and Commonwealth Office -
Closing Date :26 Mar 2017
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Background:
The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government’s international business development agency. DIT USA, working closely with DIT and other agencies in the United Kingdom, is charged with transatlantic trade development between the UK and the US; and with assisting US companies looking to invest in the UK. (See https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-international-trade)
This position is based at the British Consulate General in Chicago.
The Business Development Associate (BDA) will have the opportunity to be part of two vibrant teams – a 16-person Trade & Investment team based in Chicago and a 20-person life sciences team spread across the US. We define life sciences as comprising two main sub-sectors: 1) biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, 2) healthcare (including medical devices, diagnostics and health IT).
The BDA will support the Trade & Investment Officer for Life Sciences and Healthcare in Chicago. This role is an administrative position, but offers the opportunity to support our work with large pharmaceutical companies, as well as fast-growing US and UK health tech companies. The candidate will get exposure to C-level industry executives, gain insight on companies’ strategies, learn about innovative science and technologies, and work for a large government department.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Identify US life sciences companies that may be interested in establishing or expanding operations in the UK. Make initial contact, organize visit programs and schedule meetings for the US healthcare sector lead. Attend meetings where appropriate.
- Support account management of Chicago-area life sciences companies and delivery of investment projects.
- Conduct research on industry developments, best routes to market and potential US business partners for UK life sciences exporters looking to enter the U.S. market.
- Assist with initiatives such as trade missions, seminars, webinars, receptions and other events to promote the UK’s strengths in life sciences. Provide event management and logistical support where necessary.
- Maintain client relationship management records, lists of industry contacts and other data.
- Liaise with internal teams and external contacts at an executive level, including cold calls and networking at events.
- Support and facilitate visits by senior government officials and other VIPs, including by organising logistics and scheduling company meetings.
- Provide operational and administrative support to the Trade & Investment Officer, and if necessary to the wider Chicago Trade & Investment team.
- Assist with consular support services in times of crisis.