Scottish Development International (SDI) is a joint venture between the Scottish Government and Scotland’s economic development agency. SDI leads on Scotland’s international trade engagement with a focus on increasing Scottish exports, inward investment and international commercial connectivity.

The specialist will help a broad range of Scottish companies, which loosely fall into the category of lifestyle/consumer goods, to access market opportunities across Europe (with a particular focus on Germany and Italy), in line with the SDI Consumer Sectors Operational Plan.  Companies in this cohort could include textiles manufacturers and suppliers (knitwear, weaving, apparel and technical), tourism companies with export potential, cosmetics/toiletry manufacturers and premium fashion & accessories and home & lifestyle. Companies vary by size, life-stage and level of international experience; some are veteran exporters while some are scaling up and getting ready to export for the first time.

You will work as part of the SDI field team and will have high-end, ‘premium’ buyer contacts. You will build close relationships with colleagues in SDI, Visit Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency. You will also work closely with the wider EMEA team, with colleagues, stakeholders and partners in Scotland, enhancing existing relationships with key trade associations and industry bodies.

Based at the SDI office in central Düsseldorf, you will also be collaborating with colleagues from across UK Government including the UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), as well as national / regional governmental entities. You will be expected to deliver and also attend key activities including webinars, conferences, roadshows, (digital) trade missions and speaking opportunities and support the wider SDI team in Germany with visits into the region by Scottish Ministers.