Head of Advanced Manufacturing

Job Description Main Purpose of Job: Working to the Investment Counsellor, you will lead the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Team, to promote investment by Japanese companies in those sectors in the UK. The main focus of the team will be automotive and automotive supply chain, particularly in the context of the UK’s ambition to transition its automotive industry to zero emissions over the next decade. In addition, you will ensure that the team is focussed on the investment opportunities that will create the most value for the UK economy, which may include machinery and electrical devices, aerospace, batteries, electronic components, supply chain security, chemicals and plastics. What the Jobholder will be Expected to Achieve: ・Strategy and planning. You will lead the Advanced Manufacturing sector for the BIST Japan Investment team. Using data and analysis and through engaging with UK experts, you will work with the Investment Leadership Team and the BIST APAC Operations Team to set the strategy of the team to maximise delivery against investment targets and economic growth for the UK. ・Delivering against targets. You will design and promote campaigns including automotive supply chain and advanced manufacturing to attract Japanese businesses, private sector R&D, capital and talent to the UK. ・Account management. You will be responsible for managing the team’s most important company accounts, influencing senior business leaders to invest more in the UK, understanding corporate strategies and barriers to investment. ・Driving performance. You will drive the performance of the team to deliver against your targets, through setting team priorities, using data and analysis to track, and through regular performance reviews. ・Sector lead. You will act as a focal point for the UK Government’s activity in the Advanced Manufacturing sector in Japan and proactively build and sustain a strong network across the sector. ・Sector expertise. Leveraging strong UK networks, you will develop big picture knowledge and expertise of your sectors in the UK, and stay up to date on developments. ・Team management. You will line manage all members of your team (initially one HEO, one EO and one AO). You will be responsible for agreeing objectives, performance management and employee development. ・Deputy for Head of Investment. Together with the two other Investment Team leads, you will support the Head of Investment with investment team leadership priorities. Job Requirements Essential qualifications, skills and experience: ・Experience of inward investment promotion, and understanding of the investment promotion journey, or other relevant sales experience ・Experience working in advanced manufacturing or automotive industries in UK or Japan, OR experience working in UK government ・Proven ability to work with business, either in the private sector or public sector ・Proven stakeholder relationship management skills ・Proven ability to lead and manage a team Language Requirement: This role requires written and spoken proficiency in both English and Japanese. Fluency (minimum of C2 level for CEFR framework) in one and business level (minimum of C1) in the other.