Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful trade and investment programmes while managing project teams and client relationships.
- Company: Join Adam Smith International, a global advisory firm transforming economies and societies for nearly 30 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and a dynamic team environment focused on growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team making a real difference in the world with exciting career growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in trade or private sector growth, with leadership experience and a relevant master's degree required.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are core values; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: London, UK
Service Area: Economic Development
Background
Adam Smith International is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies safer, and governments more effective. We work on behalf of governments, foundations and companies that share our ambition to take on the big challenges facing the world. They come to us to develop strategies and to design, deliver and evaluate programmes that, in turn, stimulate economic growth, stability and good governance. For nearly three decades in almost 100 countries, we have been working in partnership with governments, the private sector and civil society in countries at all stages of development. Our core team of staff and technical experts, in multiple offices around the world, ensures the quality of delivery and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. We bring together a global network of specialist experts, who contribute their experience and know-how, where and when it is needed.
The Economic Development Team
Our Economic Development Team specialises in the design and delivery of innovative programmes focused on three core practice areas: Infrastructure & urban development, climate resilience & adaptation, and trade, investment & private sector development. We deliver impactful, results-driven programmes across Africa, South Asia, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and the Americas for clients including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, European Commission, European Investment Bank and various other multilateral development banks and bilateral donors.
About the Role
We are currently looking to fill a Senior Manager role in our private sector growth pillar, to oversee the delivery of our growing portfolio of programmes and help support business development activities. There will be a particularly strong focus on business development, along with technical delivery of trade and investment programmes. This is a growing area for ASI, and there is a clear opportunity for the postholder to develop quickly in this role as the portfolio expands.
Our Senior Managers typically oversee the day to day running of major projects, with responsibilities including:
- Running the project management unit, including line managing more junior project managers and overseeing their management of budgets, invoices, contracts and recruitment processes.
- Quality assurance of project deliverables.
- Working closely with Technical Team Leaders on work and resource planning.
- Supporting evaluations and client reporting.
- Client relationship management: maintaining relationships with donors on a day-to-day basis, helping to manage reporting and deliverable flows, anticipating issues and problems.
- Strategic quality assurance: working with the Team Leader and Project Director assessing programme direction and providing guidance, managing risks and issues.
In addition, our Senior Managers play a key role in new programme and funding development: either by delivering existing projects to high standards or by preparing for and leading our responses to complex competitive public tenders.
About You
Technical experience working on trade, investment or private sector growth is essential – either in a consulting environment or working for a donor or international organisation. This role requires a high level of responsibility and would suit someone in their mid-career with leadership experience and a relevant masters degree, ideally in economics or a related discipline. 5+ years of relevant sector experience. Extensive experience as a project director or senior project manager overseeing large scale (£10m plus) development programming, including FCDO-funded programmes. Exceptional organisation skills. Excellent written English and fluent spoken English. Excellent interpersonal skills. You must have a pre-existing right to work in the UK.
Desirable
Relevant international experience. Language skills (e.g. Arabic, French, Ukrainian).
What We Offer You
Our people are at the heart of our strategy and our decisions. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a dynamic and friendly team environment, the opportunity to support a highly successful portfolio of programmes, and support to develop your skills and progress in your career. The diversity of our workforce makes ASI a great place to work, more creative and resourceful, and underpins strong partnerships. We keep a sharp focus on diversity and inclusion, including through our Equality Action Plan and our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and through leadership from our Executive Team and oversight by our Board. We recognise the importance of your life outside of work. We are proud to support flexible working arrangements, and commit to make a success of flexible working arrangements wherever possible. We’ve built a culture to reflect our values, full of likeminded professionals who are smart, passionate and great at what they do. This is an exciting role managing a number of interesting and innovative programmes and with considerable growth potential within ASI. ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention and development of a diverse range of talented people. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.
Deadline for applications is 12th January 2025.
Senior Manager - Trade and Private Sector Growth employer: Adam Smith International
Contact Detail:
Adam Smith International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager - Trade and Private Sector Growth
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the economic development sector, especially those who have experience with trade and private sector growth. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about industry trends.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Adam Smith International's recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their approach and values will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your leadership experience in managing large-scale development programmes. Highlight your ability to oversee project management units and ensure quality assurance, as these are key responsibilities for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your interpersonal skills by preparing to discuss how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Being able to demonstrate your ability to maintain strong connections with donors will be crucial for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager - Trade and Private Sector Growth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in trade, investment, or private sector growth. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and project management experience, especially with large-scale development programmes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for economic development and your understanding of Adam Smith International's mission. Discuss how your background aligns with the role and mention any relevant international experience or language skills.
Showcase Your Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention the size of budgets you’ve managed or the scale of projects you’ve overseen to illustrate your capability in handling significant responsibilities.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Ensure there are no grammatical errors and that your writing is clear and professional. This reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Adam Smith International
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience in trade, investment, or private sector growth during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've managed, especially those involving large-scale development programming, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Senior Manager role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role requires overseeing junior project managers, it's crucial to convey your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed budgets, and ensured quality assurance in past projects to illustrate your ability to guide others effectively.
✨Prepare for Client Relationship Management Questions
Expect questions about maintaining relationships with donors and managing client expectations. Prepare examples of how you've navigated challenges in client interactions and ensured smooth reporting and deliverable flows, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Given ASI's focus on diversity and inclusion, be ready to discuss how you have contributed to creating inclusive environments in your previous roles. Share any initiatives you've been part of that promote diversity, as this aligns with the company's values and mission.
