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- Tasks: Lead ICC UK, shaping strategy and driving international trade initiatives.
- Company: Join the International Chamber of Commerce UK, a key player in global business.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, influential role, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Be part of a respected organisation with strong growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on international trade and connect with global leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, international trade, and relationship building.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 140000 £ per year.
The International Chamber of Commerce United Kingdom (ICC UK) is seeking an exceptional leader to become its next Secretary General. ICC UK is the UK arm of the world’s largest business organisation, representing global business interests across international trade policy, arbitration and dispute resolution, and multilateral cooperation. At a time of significant geopolitical and economic change, ICC UK plays a critical role in supporting UK businesses operating internationally and in connecting them to the global ICC network.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a small but highly influential membership organisation with genuine international reach and impact.
The Role
The Secretary General is the executive leader of ICC UK, responsible for setting direction, delivering strategy and ensuring the organisation operates as an effective, commercially sustainable membership body within the global ICC federation. Reporting to the Chair, the Secretary General will work in close partnership with the Board, providing authoritative leadership across strategy, operations, finance, membership growth, governance and external representation. While strong policy understanding and credibility are essential, this is not a purely policy-focused role: the Board is seeking a proven organisational leader who can balance strategy with execution, empower a capable senior team and strengthen ICC UK’s commercial resilience. The role is based in Canary Wharf, London, and involves extensive international travel, reflecting ICC UK’s global remit and relationships, including close engagement with ICC Headquarters in Paris.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Setting and delivering a clear, focused strategy aligned with ICC global priorities and the needs of UK members
- Strengthening ICC UK’s membership proposition, growth, retention and engagement
- Driving commercial sustainability, particularly through membership and arbitration activity
- Representing ICC UK credibly with government, regulators, multilateral institutions, international partners and senior business leaders
- Leading and empowering a high-performing senior team within a lean organisation
- Working closely with the Chair and Board to ensure strong governance, transparency and accountability
- Ensuring ICC UK plays its full role within the global ICC network and reflects the realities of international commerce for UK businesses
The Person
This role will suit a globally minded, commercially grounded leader with a deep understanding of international trade, cross-border business and multilateral environments. You are likely to bring:
- Demonstrable experience leading an organisation or significant function, delivering strategic, operational, commercial and ambassadorial outcomes
- Senior-level experience of international trade, global business or cross-border commercial activity
- A strong track record of building and sustaining relationships with business leaders, governments, regulators and international institutions
- Experience operating effectively within international or federated organisational structures
- The judgement and credibility to act as a senior external representative and, when required, a disciplined media spokesperson
- A collaborative leadership style, combining authority with humility and sound judgement
You do not need to have held a formal Chief Executive title, but you must be ready to operate unequivocally at that level.
Why Join ICC UK?
ICC UK has strong foundations, a respected and engaged Board, and an increasingly prominent role within the global ICC family, including recent responsibilities as Regional Coordinator for Europe. The next Secretary General will have the opportunity to sharpen ICC UK’s proposition, strengthen its impact and lead the organisation into its next chapter at a time when international trade and cooperation matter more than ever.
How to Apply
Applications close 23:59 on 10 May 2026. To apply, please visit: www.berwickpartners.co.uk/95721 For an informal discussion, contact Thomas Ewen and / or Lisa Henry at thomas.ewen@berwickpartners.co.uk or lisa.henry@berwickpartners.co.uk
Secretary General employer: International Chamber of Commerce UK (ICC UK)
Contact Detail:
International Chamber of Commerce UK (ICC UK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Secretary General
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments. This will not only help you answer questions but also show that you’re genuinely interested in the role at ICC UK.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the Secretary General role. Highlight your leadership skills and your understanding of international trade – this is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your professionalism and enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Secretary General
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Secretary General role. Highlight your experience in international trade and leadership, showing us how you can contribute to ICC UK's mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to see your collaborative leadership style shine through in your application. Share examples of how you've empowered teams and driven strategic outcomes in previous roles, as this is key for the position.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your achievements and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you're the right fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures that we receive all the necessary information in the right format, making it easier for us to review your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at International Chamber of Commerce UK (ICC UK)
✨Know Your ICC UK Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into ICC UK's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their role in international trade and how they support UK businesses will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Secretary General, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've empowered teams and driven strategic outcomes in previous roles. Highlight your collaborative style and how it aligns with ICC UK's culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-world challenges. Think about scenarios related to international trade, membership growth, or stakeholder engagement. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies in these situations.
✨Engage with Current Affairs
Stay updated on global trade issues and geopolitical changes that could impact ICC UK. Being able to discuss these topics intelligently will not only impress the interviewers but also demonstrate your readiness to represent the organisation effectively on an international stage.