Business Development Executive – Alcoholic Drinks

Scottish Development International

Business Development Executive – Alcoholic Drinks

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Scottish Development International (SDI) is the Scottish Government-sponsored organization which helps international companies invest and thrive in Scotland and supports Scottish companies to trade in global markets.

This is a unique opportunity to join a high performing team to grow Scottish alcohol exports to the US & Canada by proactively identifying trade opportunities for Scottish companies with key importers, buyers and distributors in the retail and food service sectors. The successful candidate will lead the delivery of specialist support to Scottish drinks companies looking to significantly grow their international exports in this region.

Reporting into the SVP of Consumer Industries for the Americas, the successful candidate will focus on supporting existing exporters to the Americas to grow their sales while also identifying opportunities for drinks exporters to open up new markets in the Americas for the first time.

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Identify key buyers operating in the retail and food service sectors in the US and Canada and take a strategic account management role, understanding any specific procurement and supply chain requirements whilst looking to identify potential opportunities for Scottish companies.
• Trade Development (at least 50% of role)
• Work with colleagues in Scotland to deliver visit programmes, trade missions and learning journeys for Scottish companies, providing added value for participating companies by introducing them to your network of contacts and setting up 1-2-1 meetings for them while in market.
• Act as overseas lead within a wider account team, providing trade advice and guidance to Scottish drinks companies looking to access opportunities in- market within the sector.
• Identify and articulate specific business opportunities to colleagues in Scotland, including trade advisers and trade organisations, and work with Scottish companies to help them respond to these opportunities.
• Develop partnerships with stakeholders and trade associations – both in Scotland and in-market to identify platforms for collaborative or strategic engagement in the drinks sector
• Identify and attend sector-specific trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences in the market/region to promote Scotland as a Land of Food & Drink; expand your network of contacts; and identify opportunities for Scottish companies.
• Update SDI’s internal reporting system with details of all company support provided and how it has helped to deliver against SDI’s objectives. Update account team members on the impact of any support provided.
• Trade support
• Take a creative approach to trade development work, supporting colleagues by looking for innovative ways to create demand for Scottish goods and services in your market/region.
• Support Scottish drinks companies with market entry and growth strategies and develop a deep understanding of routes to market, business environment and regulatory framework.
• Deliver webinars and use social media, including LinkedIn, to highlight key market opportunities to raise awareness of key market opportunities for Scottish companies,
• Grow a network of importers and agents across the US & Canada who would be a good fit for Scottish craft alcohol producers
• Produce data-driven insight from market intelligence to scope/explore new opportunities for Scottish companies. Report trends to the Global Food and Drink team in Scotland and to trade organisations as appropriate (e.g., Scotland Food & Drink, Scotch Whisky Association).
• Develop close working relationships with other partners including Department for Business & Trade, GlobalScots, and other in-market industry trade bodies who can add value to SDI’s work with Scottish companies in-market.

Essential Qualifications, Skills, And Experience

• Ability to travel, both domestically and internationally, when business requires
• Knowledge and understanding of the Alcohol industry in the US & Canada, and ability to engage credibly with senior representatives in the industry
• Diagnostic, strategic challenger, influencer, and facilitation skills
• Proven customer relationship management skills
• Ability to apply analytical skills in complex situations
• Excellent written skills, IT literate and comfortable using Microsoft packages such as PowerPoint, Excel, and Word plus SE/SDI internal management systems (Dynamics)
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Market and sector knowledge in relation to international trade to enable the provision of advice to companies, colleagues, and partners
• A relevant degree level qualification (or equivalent level of experience)

Salary: $100,391 + generous benefits package including 35 days for vacation/public holidays, comprehensive healthcare plan, and more.

Please note that as SDI is a government agency, salary levels are set and cannot be negotiated.

A hybrid working option is available, but candidates must live within regular commuting distance to our office in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Relocation and commuting expenses will not be paid.

APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE PERMANENT LEGAL RIGHT TO LIVE AND WORK IN THE USA AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.

Application Closing Date: Monday, June 26, 2023

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