Director, Trade and Economic Policy, UK Steel (Maternity cover)
Full time
Hybrid – Westminster, London
Salary TBD
About UK Steel
UK Steel, a division of Make UK, is the sector association for the UK steel industry. It represents all the country’s steelmakers and a large number of downstream steel processors. We are a small, friendly and focused team. UK Steel values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
JOB PURPOSE
To lead UK Steel’s work on trade policy, with a strong focus on trade remedies, and economic analysis, assuming primary responsibility for policy development and advocacy in this area. Steel is a highly trade-intensive product and with trade challenges for the global steel industry on the rise, a robust trade policy is of fundamental importance to the future of the UK sector.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- The development and advocacy of UK Steel policy positions in relation to trade, investment, and the wider business environment. This will include working on subjects such as trade remedies and wider trade defence policy, market access and FTA priorities, rules of origin, sanctions regulation, National Wealth Fund investments.
- Lead trade remedies function by supporting member companies with applications to the Trade Remedies Authority for anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations.
- Production of high-quality written material including, briefing papers, consultation responses, in-depth policy reports, website content and press releases. This will include both qualitative and quantitative research and analysis.
- Provide economic and statistical analysis to support UK Steel aims and objectives. This will include topics like: the economic value of the sector, the importance of steel to manufacturing supply chains, supply and demand market forecasts, import and export flow analysis.
- Act as the principal contact with relevant government departments and agencies and industrial stakeholders, building upon existing and developing new relationships.
- Engage with member companies to gather economic and market intelligence, gaining an in-depth understanding of steel companies concerns, to support the organisation’s policy work.
- Management of the UK Steel Trade and Commercial Committees.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Experience
- Experience of working in a related policy role in industry or trade association, covering trade policy and trade remedies is hugely advantageous. However, applications will also be welcomed from those with sufficient transferrable skills from others roles in industry, government or elsewhere.
Knowledge
- Essential: A good level of knowledge in at least one of the following policy/regulatory areas: international trade, economics, industrial/manufacturing, business environment.
- Essential: Demonstrable understanding of policy development within the UK and the parliamentary processes.
- Advantageous: Knowledge of the steel sector and/or the manufacturing sector, would be useful, but is not essential. However, it is important to have a good understanding of the key market drivers and business concerns and demands placed upon employers.
Skills and attributes:
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Qualitative and quantitative analytical skills are of paramount importance to this role. A good level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential.
- Economic analysis and forecasting skills are of value although not essential.
- A self-starter with an ability to work with minimal guidance and supervision. The role will provide the individual with considerable autonomy and it is essential that this is used in a proactive manner to develop the policy dossiers and maximise results for the steel industry.
- Strong advocacy skills – possibly gained through representation experience.
- Ability to engage with UK Steel members; work effectively with a wide range of colleagues as well as individually, and without close supervision.
Other Information
London based (SW1H), but with flexible working arrangements available. You will be required to travel on a regular basis in the UK and have occasional trips outside of the UK. Hours are 37.5 hours per week: 9am – 5:30pm.
Benefits
- Excellent contributory pension scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Holiday 26 days pus bank holidays
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