The primary focus of the position will be:

• Trade development across the AME sector, helping Northern Ireland companies to increase export sales to the region; and
• To raise Northern Ireland’s profile for business purposes.

This is a role where commercial focus is of paramount importance, a significant part of the role is to undertake research, conduct business development work to identify sales opportunities for Northern Ireland companies and provide market access advice to exisitng exporters and new market entrants to China. The post holder will be required to monitor expenditure and deliver activities within a pre-allocated budget. The post-holder will develop and co-ordinate targeted activities such as marketing, promotional events and exhibitions, represent Invest Northern Ireland at exhibitions and conferences, speak at events as needed, prepare activity reports and summarise information for the Regional Director.

The post holder will work closely with the wider Invest NI teams based in its Belfast headquarters, China, Asia Pacific and other locations. The post-holder is also expected to undertake travel on a regular basis, either within China, to the UK and other countries. 

Exports & Investment

• Develop and implement specific sectoral business strategy and trade journey for the AME sector, including but not limited to the subsectors of Crushing and Screening equipment, Aerospace, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Automotive, Advanced Materials & Polymers, and General Manufacturing to promote Northern Ireland and to increase export sales in China.

• Proactively conduct Business Development work to identify sales opportunities for NI companies and provide market access advice to existing exporters and new market entrants.

• Develop strong C-level relationships with targeted companies, stakeholders and influencers in the region and enable Northern Ireland companies to engage with them;

• Work with INI APAC Marcoms Director to develop marketing strategies for AME sector in China that aligns with business development activity to promote exports and strengthen Northern Ireland’s impact in China;

• Engage effectively with colleagues and stakeholders based in Northern Ireland to provide market and sector briefings and to ensure that activity in the market aligns with corporate plans;

• Support Northern Ireland companies interested in the region by providing information they require to make informed business decisions by handling market research and assessment enquiries, conducting visits and arranging business development meetings and writing appropriate reports. In this regard the post holder will be able to leverage the Invest NI’s appointed Trade Advisory Support providers in China in the delivery of support services to NI client companies and in relation to sector relevant market research;

• Identify and attend sector trade exhibitions and conferences, deliver in-market physical events and virtual webinars,  arrange and attend client and customer meetings to promote industry excellence from NI and to highlight key market opportunities for NI companies;

• Support the achievement of InvestNI business outcomes relating to trade performance targets, client engagement, export successes, marketing and communication and stakeholder engagement. 

• Co-ordinate VIP (including Ministerial delegations) visit programmes to China, prepare briefing and manage the necessary logistics and protocols;

• Support business delegations by providing English / Chinese translations in an effective manner as required;