Head Of Services Implementation And Market Access

This opportunity is in the Trade in Services Team, which sits within the USID (US, Services, Investment and Digital) Directorate in the Department’s Trade Policy, Implementation and Negotiations Group. The Services team works to deliver an ambitious services trade agenda that generates economic and commercial benefit to the UK.  This is an important and varied role. The UK is the 2nd largest global exporter of Services. In turn, Services is the fastest growing area of international trade, forecast to reach 28% of global trade by 2035.

You will be responsible for one of the Services Implementation and Market Access teams. The team aims to open up markets for UK suppliers, improve rules on services trade and support the growth and success of the UK’s services sector, including through the implementation of the UK’s existing free trade agreements.

This role encompasses a wide and varied portfolio, including:

• Development and delivery of Market Access initiatives (outside of FTAs)
• Implementation of the UK’s trade agreements, including key economies such as Japan and Singapore, and flagship FTAs with Australia and New Zealand, by working across government, with businesses, and directly with international trade partners.
• Leading for the Services team on UK participation within CPTPP, as we prepare for accession and the General Review.
• Delivery for the Services sector within the UK’s new Economic Trade Partnerships, including with Taiwan and Thailand.

You will be working closely with colleagues across government in the UK and overseas to develop joined-up, evidence-based policy positions and delivery on the UK’s Trade in Services Implementation and Market Access objectives. You will also be part of a dynamic senior management team and provide leadership across the Services team.

The priorities within the Trade in Services team do evolve and there will be further opportunities to shape the teams work according to those demands and the interests of the successful candidate.   

We place a strong emphasis on learning and development. The successful applicant will receive a tailored induction programme, taking into account knowledge and experience.  

We are a hybrid team with current team members based in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, London and Salford and welcome applications from candidates for any office location. 

You will be a team leader, managing two SEOs and two HEOs to deliver on the implementation of trade agreements and securing Market Access for UK services suppliers. The job involves:

• Setting strategic direction for the team’s trade agreement Implementation and Market Access work, recognising the need to prioritise across countries, sectors and agreements to maximise value and growth for the UK economy.

• Providing leadership and team management to motivate and enable a high performing team to deliver on an ambitious programme which requires working effectively with many other teams both within the department and across government, in the UK and overseas.

• Being a recognised services trade policy expert and effective communicator, advising senior officials, and ministers, as well as leading discussions with partner countries on resolving trade Market Access barriers.

• Playing an active role in the Services Senior Management Team, leading by example to set the atmosphere and culture of the wider team and covering for colleagues and seniors where required.