Chief Trade - Negotiation Adviser

There can be few more vital or unique roles at this exciting and challenging time for the UK than that of Chief Trade Negotiation Adviser (also Second Permanent Secretary) of the new Department for International Trade (DIT). To support the Department’s aims of driving exports and inward investment into the UK, this individual will act as principal adviser to the Secretary of State for International Trade on negotiation of non-EU trade deals as the UK creates new trading relationships around the globe.

Working closely with DIT’s Permanent Secretary, to whom this role reports, and to the Secretary of State and Ministers, this individual will lead the Department’s Trade Policy Group establishing it as a centre of excellence for British trade, as well as ensuring the Department has the right resources and governance arrangements to underpin the development and implementation of trade policy.
S/he will also act as Head of Profession for Trade specialists across Whitehall, building and leading a strong team and promoting a collaborative culture across government and with the UK’s overseas network. As a Second Permanent Secretary, the post-holder will also play a critical role in contributing to the collective leadership of the Civil Service.

The successful candidate will:

• Have extensive experience of overseeing and leading complex and large scale trade negotiations on an international basis.
• Bring significant experience of influencing trade policy. 
• Have a personal reputation of the highest order among global trade professionals.
• Bring inspiring and empowering leadership skills with evidence of the ability to build, lead and develop high performing teams.
• Demonstrate the ability to forge strong relationships with a complex network of key partners nationally and internationally, across the private and public sectors.
• Be politically astute, with the resilience and ability to operate under high levels of scrutiny.

Whilst this is not a media facing role, experience of media handling is desirable.

This is a Senior Civil Service at Pay Band Level 4 role, and the salary will be up to £160,000. This is subject to ministerial approval, and more may be available for an exceptional candidate.

Russell Reynolds Associates is advising the Department for International Trade on this appointment. For further information about the role and how to apply, please visit www.rraresponses.com

The closing date for applications is Noon, 27th February 2017.