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- Tasks: Lead trade policy development and advocacy for the UK steel industry.
- Company: UK Steel represents the UK steel sector, promoting a diverse and friendly work environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a great pension scheme, and 26 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on trade policy while working in a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in trade policy or transferable skills from related fields is essential.
- Other info: Hybrid role based in Westminster with regular travel across the UK.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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 plus bank holidays
Director, Trade and Economic Policy, UK Steel (Maternity cover) employer: Make UK
Contact Detail:
Make UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Trade and Economic Policy, UK Steel (Maternity cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current trade policies and economic challenges facing the UK steel industry. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the steel and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with key stakeholders, which can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with policy development and advocacy. Think of specific examples where you've successfully influenced policy or navigated complex regulatory environments, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being ready to discuss how you would approach economic analysis for the steel sector. Consider preparing a brief outline of how you would tackle a relevant issue, as this could impress during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Trade and Economic Policy, UK Steel (Maternity cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in trade policy and economic analysis. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of the steel industry and your ability to advocate for policy development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to UK Steel. Emphasise your skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis, as well as your experience in policy development and advocacy.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written communication is crucial for this role, include samples of your previous written work, such as briefing papers or policy reports, if possible. This will demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality written material.
Highlight Relevant Knowledge: In your application, mention any knowledge you have of international trade, economics, or the manufacturing sector. Even if you lack direct experience in the steel industry, showcasing transferable skills and understanding of market drivers can strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Make UK
✨Showcase Your Policy Knowledge
Make sure to brush up on your understanding of trade policy and economic analysis. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've engaged with policy development in the past, especially in relation to trade remedies or the steel industry.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Since this role requires strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills, be ready to share instances where you've successfully conducted economic analysis or market forecasts. Highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and any relevant tools you’ve used.
✨Engage with Real-World Issues
Familiarise yourself with current challenges facing the UK steel industry and global trade. Being able to discuss these issues intelligently will show your genuine interest and understanding of the sector, which is crucial for this role.
✨Prepare for Advocacy Scenarios
As advocacy skills are essential, think of examples where you've represented an organisation or influenced policy decisions. Be ready to explain your approach to building relationships with stakeholders and how you would engage with UK Steel members.
