Your role
A fantastic opportunity has become available for an Agri-Tech Specialist working for the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in their Agriculture, Food and Drink Investment Team. This is an exciting time for the team as Agri-Tech is a priority focus within DBT, and as the Agri-tech specialist you will provide expert sector and business knowledge to help attract and grow foreign direct investment (FDI) in the UK.
Most countries are looking to increase national food security and have put innovation at the centre of their agricultural strategies to turbocharge productivity and lower environmental impacts. This is leading to growth in investment in the sector, both in improving traditional farming systems but also in developing new production systems.
A Specialist will need to bring commercial acumen and significant sector experience and contacts. Ideally, the Specialist will have expert knowledge of precision breeding, crop science or engineering biology applied to agriculture, key subsectors of strength and opportunity for FDI in the UK.
The successful applicant will be familiar with the sector from a commercial background, ideally with international experience (but not essential) and will be able to map out FDI opportunities using up-to-date knowledge of technology trends and drivers of adoption. They will ensure that DBT's investor-facing teams in the UK and overseas are effectively equipped to promote UK Agri-Tech's most investable opportunities.
Responsibilities:
- Identifying target sub sectors, markets, and companies on which to focus DBT's inward investment resource for attracting investment - particularly within precision breeding, crop science and engineering biology.
- Identifying where in the Agri-Tech supply chain more FDI is beneficial.
- Promoting the UK's Agri-Tech expertise and generating new leads via conference speaker slots, roundtables and bespoke events in the UK and overseas.
- Developing and nurturing relationships at a senior level with significant existing and prospective Agri-Tech investors to build the new investment pipeline and drive growth of existing UK based investors.
- Providing ad hoc advice and support directly to companies setting up or expanding in the UK (or via DBT colleagues in the UK and overseas), including supporting inward missions.
- Supporting the development and delivery of sector or client-focused propositions and marketing materials in order to attract and retain investment.
- Actively upskilling DBTs knowledge and intelligence base by sharing sector-specific knowledge and expertise with colleagues and partner organisations.
- Providing ad hoc advice and guidance to policymakers on issues which could impact the UK's ability to attract FDI.
- Supporting best practice across the team and helping DBT review and improve effectiveness.
Skills, qualifications and experience:
- Ideally, expert knowledge, derived from experience in business, of crop science, precision breeding, or engineering biology.
- Well-developed understanding of the Agri-Tech sector in the UK and overseas through a successful career and contacts at senior level in industry.
- Credible at board-level within large multinational companies.
- Self-motivated and self-reliant - pursuing opportunities across the globe, working with a range of teams in the UK and with DBT overseas staff.
- A range of skills, from proactive business development and account management, through to delivery of highly professional 1-1 client presentations, public speaking at conferences and research and analysis.
- A good understanding of R&D providers and issues relating to technology transfer and consumer pressures is desirable.
What you'll get in return
A 3-month temporary assignment with the potential to be extended, the role is working inside IR35 and paying a competitive day rate through an Umbrella company. Though the role is largely remote, candidates must be based in the UK and willing to travel to London where required. Sponsorship is not available. Must be happy to go through Security Clearance.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call Sophie now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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