Head of Trade - Asia Pacific

Location: Edinburgh or London. To download a full job description and application form please go to our website linked below.

The Head of Trade – Asia Pacific advocates on behalf of the Scotch Whisky industry to advise on and deliver the right trade outcomes within Asia Pacific. Key outcomes include providing support to member companies, influencing government policy, acting on issues such as Free Trade Agreement negotiations, and tackling market access, trade barriers and regulatory issues, through activities including: 

• Market Analysis and Trade Policy Strategy: Monitor trading conditions and engage with member companies and partner associations to develop and implement strategies to remove barriers to trade for Scotch Whisky in Asia Pacific markets. 
• Government Engagement: Ensure that upholding and enhancing market access for Scotch Whisky in the Asia Pacific region is a policy priority for the UK Government, alongside working with third country governments and relevant international organisations (WTO, OECD) to resolve market access issues. Maintain and build relationships with UK officials in London, and British Embassies/High Commissions in markets for which responsible. 
• Member Engagement: Engage with members and partner associations to update on relevant changes to policy and to develop clear strategies for advocacy to tackle market access barriers and influence UK government trade policy. 
• Relationships: Maintain close liaison with industry and government representatives globally, including in member companies, partner trade associations, and officials working for Scottish, UK and foreign governments. 

The SWA is seeking applications from individuals with experience of developing and presenting imaginative and detailed policy proposals on complex issues and executing strategies to advance agreed priorities. Ideally the candidate will also have knowledge of international trade and/or economics, with an understanding of regional export markets and experience in government service/trade association/public affairs. Candidates should have the ability to build and maintain successful relationships with and influence a wide range of stakeholders. They will hold effective representational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with impact on SWA priorities to a wide range of audiences in a range of mediums and have the ability to find imaginative solutions to complex policy and market access problems.