You will work within the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) and as an integral part of the DBT Africa team in the pursuit of the objectives set out in DBT’s Trade Plan for Africa and the Country Plan for South Africa. DBT is the commercial arm of the UK High Commission, that works to support UK companies trade and invest with South Africa and South African companies to invest in the UK. DBT South Africa is seeking a highly organised, proactive and confident individual to serve as Deputy Country Director and Trade Adviser for Professional & Business Services (PBS) and Advanced Manufacturing. The Deputy Country Director and Trade Adviser will be a self-starter with strong commercial instincts, able to work with limited supervision, engage credibly with senior stakeholders, and drive work forward creatively and strategically. You will combine excellent communication skills with strong attention to detail, leveraging UK strengths and South African market opportunities to originate and deliver tangible trade and investment outcomes. Collaboration, initiative, and the ability to spot and develop opportunities for UK businesses will be central to success in this role. You will report to DBT’s Country Director for South Africa, who also oversees several Southern Africa markets, but will have day-to-day task management from within the broader DBT South Africa team. Roles and responsibilities The primary objective of this role is to support private sector–led growth by promoting and protecting UK trade and investment interests, positioning the UK as a trusted partner and investment destination. Reporting to the Country Director and working in support of the UK’s Growth Agenda and Industrial Strategy, you will play a critical leadership role across DBT South Africa’s portfolio. The role is split between Deputy Country Director responsibilities and Trade Adviser leadership for PBS and Advanced Manufacturing . In addition to South Africa–focused responsibilities, the role will support regional delivery across Southern Africa , including markets where DBT does not have a permanent in‑country resource. This will require flexibility, strong regional awareness, and the ability to operate independently to advance UK trade and investment objectives across multiple jurisdictions. Deputy Country Director You will support the Country Director in leading DBT South Africa and embedding South Africa’s work within the wider pan-Africa DBT regional framework. This includes deputising for the Country Director as required. Key responsibilities include: Leadership and Representation Strategic Direction and Coordination Team Leadership and Delivery Partnerships Trade Adviser – PBS and Advanced Manufacturing As sector lead, you will oversee DBT’s work in Professional & Business Services (with a focus on infrastructure‑related services) and Advanced Manufacturing . Key responsibilities include: Opportunity Origination and Deal Delivery Market Access and Policy Engagement Investment and Relationship Management Cross-Cutting Responsibilities Design and deliver (or attend) sector‑specific trade and investment shows, conferences and exhibitions to promote the UK proposition and grow networks. Conduct detailed sector and market research to inform strategy and deal development. Develop creative and innovative approaches to increasing UK exports and investment. Scope and support major cross‑sector opportunities. Contribute to broader HMG priorities, including Ministerial and VIP visits and cross‑HMG deliverables. Provide regional surge capacity by leading or supporting trade, investment and market‑access activity in neighbouring Southern African markets where DBT coverage is delivered on a non‑resident or hub‑and‑spoke basis. This is a demanding and rewarding role offering variety, senior engagement and significant regional travel. You will be a strategic thinker, confident leader and strong relationship builder, able to motivate teams and partners while also managing delivery and performance at a detailed level. This is a fast‑paced dynamic job and the above list of responsibilities is a guideline and there will be other tasks and responsibilities beyond this. Resources Managed Line management of at least three in‑country DBT Trade Advisers Responsibility for managing devolved programme and operational budget This role offers a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of strategy, diplomacy and commercial delivery, shaping the UK’s trade and investment relationship with South Africa while contributing to wider regional and global growth objectives. Essential qualifications, skills and experience Experience in services, infrastructure and/or advanced manufacturing sectors Strong private‑sector or private‑sector‑facing experience (e.g. consultancy, investment promotion, commercial government roles) Proven client facing experience with senior stakeholders Willingness and ability to operate regionally across multiple markets, including travel and independent delivery in countries without in country DBT teams Experience working with or within government, NGOs or international organisations Strong collaboration skills and experience working across teams and institutions Excellent drafting and communication skills Commercial acumen and fluency in the language of trade and investment Interest in (or experience of) international development and sustainable growth Resilient, adaptable and proactive “can do” approach Strong interpersonal and leadership capability in multicultural environments Desirable qualifications, skills and experience At least five years’ professional experience Experience in business development, deal origination and pipeline management Commercial or advisory experience (including investment appraisal or deal brokering) Familiarity with investment services delivery mechanisms Experience working in matrix‑managed organisations #J-18808-Ljbffr