techUK Overview
techUK is the trade association which brings together people, companies, and organisations to realise the positive outcomes of digital technology. With over 1100 members (the majority of which are SMEs) across the UK, techUK creates a network for innovation and collaboration across business, government and stakeholders to provide a better future for people, society, the economy and the planet. By providing expertise and insight, we support our members, partners, and stakeholders as they prepare the UK for what comes next in a constantly changing world.
Programme Overview
Through our International Policy & Trade Programme, we help UK tech companies access global opportunities, shape international trade policy, build relationships with governments and partners around the world, and navigate international markets. From trade missions and commercial delegations to major international events and trade agreements, we support members looking to grow globally.
Role Overview
We are looking for an energetic, commercially-minded Programme Manager to help grow techUK's international trade programme.
This is a varied and outward-facing role, combining member engagement, business development, stakeholder management and international programme delivery. The successful candidate will help UK technology companies identify opportunities in overseas markets, develop relationships with international partners, organise trade missions and commercial delegations, and deliver an ambitious programme of events that creates real value for members.
While an understanding of international trade and government policy is important, this is not primarily a policy role. We are looking for someone who enjoys bringing people together, spotting commercial opportunities, building networks and making things happen.
No two weeks look the same. One week you may be leading a delegation to an international trade show, the next hosting a ministerial roundtable, organising a market-focused webinar, meeting prospective members, or working with government and overseas partners to create new opportunities for UK tech companies.
Role Purpose
The Programme Manager will help deliver techUK's international trade programme by supporting members to expand internationally, building strategic relationships across government and industry, delivering high-quality events and international delegations, and contributing to the commercial growth of the programme.
The role will also play an important part in ensuring members understand and benefit from the UK's international trade agenda, including Free Trade Agreements and wider international market opportunities.
Programme Delivery
- Lead the delivery of a portfolio of international trade programmes covering key global markets and thematic areas.
- Design and deliver a high-quality programme of member events, roundtables, webinars and international engagements.
- Plan and deliver international trade missions, commercial delegations and inward missions, including logistics, stakeholder engagement and programme development.
- Develop new initiatives that help members access international markets and grow exports.
- Identify opportunities to expand techUK's international engagement through new partnerships and activities.
Member Engagement
- Build strong relationships with techUK members, understanding their international priorities and connecting them with relevant opportunities.
- Act as the primary contact for members participating in your programmes and international activities.
- Work proactively with new members to maximise engagement and retention.
- Support business development by identifying prospective members and demonstrating the value of techUK's international work.
- Support recruitment of new members, as well as member retention and satisfaction.
International Trade & Partnerships
- Develop and maintain relationships with UK Government departments, overseas governments, embassies, trade associations, chambers of commerce and international partners.
- Work with government and industry to identify practical opportunities for UK technology companies overseas.
- Assist the development of export support policy, drawing on insight into what members — particularly SMEs — need to succeed internationally.
- Support implementation and utilisation of Free Trade Agreements by helping members understand new market opportunities.
- Help shape bilateral technology partnerships between the UK and international partners, including contributing to related policy work, to strengthen the UK's technology ecosystem and support exports.
Commercial Delivery
- Contribute towards programme revenue targets through member recruitment, sponsorship opportunities and commercial activity.
- Support development of new commercial partnerships and international initiatives.
- Ensure all programme activity demonstrates clear value for members and contributes to the commercial sustainability of the programme.
Communications
- Work with Marketing to promote international activity across newsletters, social media and the techUK website.
- Produce member-facing communications highlighting international opportunities, delegations and events.
- Represent techUK externally at conferences, trade shows and stakeholder meetings.
Core Competencies
- Highly organised with excellent project management skills.
- A confident relationship builder who enjoys networking and meeting new people.
- Commercially minded, with a strong focus on delivering value for members.
- Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to identify opportunities and take ownership.
- Comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- A collaborative team player.
- A keen interest in international affairs.
- An interest in, and ability to work with, people from different cultures.
- Willingness to travel internationally on occasion.
Essential Knowledge and Experience
- Experience managing complex projects or programmes from inception to delivery.
- Experience organising events, conferences, trade missions or commercial delegations.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, including working with senior industry leaders and government officials.
- Experience developing partnerships across public and private sectors.
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of how membership organisations, trade associations or business networks create value.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
Desirable Knowledge and Experience
- Experience working in international trade, export promotion, inward investment or international business development.
- Knowledge of UK trade policy and Free Trade Agreements.
- Experience working with SMEs.
- Experience working within the technology sector.
- Experience working with government, embassies or international organisations.
- Existing network across the UK's international trade ecosystem.
- Experience delivering international conferences or overseas delegations.
What we're looking for
This role would suit someone who is naturally curious about the world and gets energy from meeting people and building relationships.
You'll enjoy creating opportunities for others, bringing ambitious programmes to life, and helping UK technology companies succeed internationally. You will be comfortable operating with senior executives one day and fast-growing SMEs the next, always looking for ways to expand our community and strengthen techUK's international presence.
This is a full time role based out of techUK’s London offices, however techUK operates a flexible working policy.
This role profile is a guide to the work that is required but does not form part of any contract of employment and may change from time to time to reflect changing circumstances.
The successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK prior to the commencement of employment.
The salary range for this role is £35,000-£42,000 per annum based upon experience plus discretionary bonus and comprehensive benefits.
To apply for this role, please click below on the 'Apply Now' button.
techUK is a membership organisation that brings together people, companies and organisations to realise the positive outcomes of what digital technology can achieve in collaboration with our sister company TechSkills.org. We collaborate across business, government and stakeholders to fulfil the potential of technology to deliver a stronger society and more sustainable future. By providing expertise and insight, we support our members, partners and stakeholders as they prepare the UK for what comes next in a constantly changing world.
