Business Development Executive, New York - New York in Whickham

About London & Partners

London & Partners is London's international growth agency. Our mission is to attract investment, visitors, and international business to London while helping ambitious UK companies grow around the world. Working with the Mayor of London, commercial partners, and an international network of businesses and investors, we connect people and opportunities across borders to create jobs, economic growth, and lasting partnerships.

Our North America team helps US and Canadian companies expand into Europe, supports UK businesses entering the North American market, and showcases London as one of the world's leading destinations for innovation, investment, and international business.

The Opportunity

Are you curious about how businesses scale internationally? Interested in technology, startups, venture capital, and the future of global trade? This is an opportunity to build a career at the intersection of business development, international expansion, and innovation.

As an International Business Development Executive, you will help identify and build relationships with some of the most exciting high-growth technology companies in the United States and Canada. You will introduce ambitious founders and business leaders to opportunities in London and Europe, helping them understand how London can support their next stage of growth. You will also work with UK companies looking to expand into North America, connecting them with potential customers, investors, partners, and other key stakeholders.

Based in New York City, you will have a regional focus spanning major innovation hubs including New York, Boston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Detroit, Miami, Nashville, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Raleigh-Durham, and Washington, D.C. This is a highly visible role with the opportunity to develop relationships across the technology, venture capital, corporate, and public sectors. You will attend major industry events, meet founders and investors, contribute to international trade delegations, and help shape London's reputation as a global business destination.

What You'll Learn and Experience

This role is designed for someone who wants to develop quickly and build a broad understanding of international business. You will gain experience in:

• Business development and relationship management.
• International trade and investment.
• Technology ecosystems and venture capital.
• Go-to-market strategies for growing companies.
• Market research and business intelligence.
• Event management and public speaking.
• Working with senior business leaders, investors, and public officials.
• Building and managing an international professional network.

You will work closely with experienced colleagues and senior leaders while developing your own territory, network, and expertise. No two days will be the same. One day you might be researching an AI startup in Boston; the next, attending a venture capital conference in New York, organizing a delegation of UK companies in Chicago, or helping a London-based fintech meet potential customers in the United States.

Key Tasks

Business Development and Relationship Building

• Identify and build relationships with high-growth technology companies, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders.
• Research companies and markets to identify businesses with potential for international expansion.
• Develop creative and effective outreach strategies using a combination of networking, events, research, and direct engagement.
• Promote London as a leading European base for international growth.
• Understand the challenges facing scaling companies and connect them with relevant partners and opportunities.
• Maintain and grow a professional network across your territory.

International Trade Delegations

• Help plan and deliver trade missions for UK companies exploring opportunities in the United States.
• Arrange high-value meetings with potential customers, investors, corporate partners, and local stakeholders.
• Support visiting UK businesses with market intelligence and introductions tailored to their growth objectives.
• Track the results of trade missions and use data and feedback to improve future programs.

Stakeholder and Event Management

• Represent London & Partners at conferences, networking events, and industry gatherings.
• Build relationships with economic development organizations, industry bodies, investors, and corporate partners.
• Help coordinate visits by senior UK and London leaders, including the Mayor of London and London & Partners' leadership team.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across North America, the UK, and international markets.

Research and Industry Insight

• Develop an understanding of emerging sectors including artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, life sciences, sustainability, and frontier technologies.
• Conduct research using AI platforms and other market intelligence tools.
• Prepare insights and briefings on technology trends, investment activity, and international expansion opportunities.
• Contribute to international expansion playbooks covering market opportunities, competitors, partnerships, and go-to-market strategies.

Communication and Public Speaking

• Represent London & Partners at virtual and in-person events.
• Develop presentations and briefings for business and general audiences.
• Share insights on the London and North American technology ecosystems.
• Build confidence and credibility as a knowledgeable voice on international business and emerging technology.

Youll have/bring

We are looking for someone who is ambitious, curious, energetic, and excited by the opportunity to work internationally. You do not need to have all the answers on day one. What matters most is your ability to learn quickly, build relationships, take initiative, and deliver results.

Essential Skills and Experience

• A degree or equivalent qualification. Degrees in business, economics, international relations, law, marketing, or related subjects are welcome.
• Interest in technology, startups, venture capital, or international business.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Confidence engaging with people from different backgrounds and levels of seniority.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A proactive, entrepreneurial approach to identifying opportunities.
• Comfort working independently in a largely remote environment.
• Willingness to travel regularly across the United States and Canada, with occasional travel to the UK.

Experience That Would Be Helpful

You may have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Sales or business development.
• Marketing, communications, or partnerships.
• Technology startups or scale-ups.
• Venture capital or financial services.
• International trade or economic development.
• Events, conferences, or networking.
• Research, consulting, or market intelligence.

We welcome applications from recent graduates and early-career professionals, as well as candidates with more established experience.

The Person We're Looking For

You might be someone who:

• Enjoys meeting new people and building genuine professional relationships.
• Is naturally curious about how businesses grow and succeed internationally.
• Can turn research and information into practical insights.
• Is comfortable picking up the phone, sending an email, or walking into a room to start a conversation.
• Brings energy, optimism, and professionalism to everything they do.
• Is motivated by tangible outcomes and enjoys seeing ideas turn into real opportunities.
• Wants a role where they can build expertise, responsibility, and an international network quickly.

Youll Get

• 30 Days Annual Leave: Generous paid time off to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.
• Competitive Salary: We value your contributions and ensure you are rewarded accordingly.
• Learning & Development Opportunities: Continuous growth is at the heart of our culture, with ample opportunities for professional development.
• Strong Culture of Belonging: We foster an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and supported.
• Various Networks for Staff: Connect with like-minded colleagues through our numerous staff networks.
• Competitive Pension Scheme: Secure your future with our robust pension plan.
• Networking Opportunities: Expand your professional network within your chosen field.
• Geopolitical Insights: Gain unique perspectives on global economic and political trends.
• Hybrid Working Arrangement: Enjoy the flexibility of working both remotely and in-office.

WorkFlex: Take advantage of opportunities to work abroad and experience different cultures.

London's diversity is its biggest asset. At London & Partners, we aim to ensure our workforce reflects the diversity of the city that we promote. We encourage applications from people of any age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or assignment, faith or disability. We also appreciate that many people require flexibility in their working patterns and encourage you to talk to us at interview about any flexibility you may need, be it full-time, job-share, or part-time.

We encourage applications from all sections of the community.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. This is to ensure our teams can manage application levels while maintaining a positive candidate experience. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.