International trade specialist

Role: International trade specialist

Reporting to: Senior international trade manager

Based: Durham plus hybrid working

Department: International trade

Contract: Permanent

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri

Salary: £38,000 - £40,000 per annum dependent on experience

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced international trade specialist to join our dynamic international trade team.

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We’re looking to bring expertise in-house to deliver and support the development of our rebranded Trade Ready training programme and consultancy services, positioning the Chamber as the go-to destination for international trade training, and helping businesses across the region trade overseas with confidence.

The successful candidate’s main aim will be to deliver international trade training and consultancy services on a day-to-day basis, ensuring they align with members' needs and support membership growth strategies.

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You will drive customer engagement and service uptake by actively promoting international trade services and opportunities to members and users, increasing participation and fostering long-term engagement to support revenue growth and membership expansion.

With the aim to contribute to the development and continuous improvement of NECC’s international trade proposition, ensuring services evolve in line with market demand, member expectations, and the Chamber’s wider business objectives

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WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Responsibilities for the successful candidate include:

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·      Lead and deliver high-quality training and consultancy services in line with the Chamber’s objectives, upholding our quality standards and enhancing our reputation.

·      Take ownership of content development that positions the Chamber (NECC) as a leader in international trade training and consultancy.

·      Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of training and consultancy services, ensuring they remain relevant, impactful, and commercially viable.

·      Apply subject-matter expertise to collaborate with the Policy team in the creation of knowledge resources, toolkits, and supporting materials.

·      Proactively identify opportunities to enhance customer value through upselling, supporting the achievement and potential exceeding of revenue targets.

·      Provide expert guidance on international trade matters, conducting customs compliance audits, CBAM consultancy, and other tailored services aligned with market needs.

·      Identify and deliver tailored solutions that support businesses throughout their international trade journey, leveraging Chamber services effectively.

·      Maintain up-to-date knowledge of international trade trends, policies, tariffs, sanctions, and regulatory frameworks to inform service delivery and strategic planning.

·      Collaborate with senior team members to monitor industry trends and competitor offerings, ensuring NECC’s services remain competitive and aligned with revenue and membership growth goals.

·      Represent the Chamber at relevant events, conferences, and networking opportunities to strengthen NECC’s presence and reputation in the international trade space.

WHAT WE NEED TO SEE

The Chamber team is passionate about the North East, our business community and our members. We work hard to achieve outcomes for our business and our members.

Skills and experience are important but what is important above all else is character and willingness to learn and achieve. It is vitally important that we find the right person who fits into our beliefs and culture here at the Chamber.

Some of the other skills and experience that we are looking for include:

Qualifications

·      Minimum of 5 GCSE’s (grade A – C) or equivalent, including Maths and English.

Skills and experience (required)

·      Proven experience in developing and delivering international trade consultancy and training services.

·      Comprehensive knowledge of international trade regulations, frameworks, agreements, and procedures.

·      Strong understanding of risk mitigation, with experience designing and implementing compliance processes and controls.

·      Skilled in analysing market trends, data, and competitor activity to maintain a competitive edge and identify growth opportunities.

·      Experience managing and enhancing service portfolios, with a focus on customer value, efficiency, and innovation.

·      Commercially focused mindset with a strong understanding of customer needs and organisational goals.

·      Strong relationship-building skills to drive service usage, retention, and acquisition.

·      Capable of planning, prioritising, and managing workloads across multiple projects and deadlines.

·      Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills across diverse stakeholders.

·      Demonstrated initiative, forward-thinking, and commitment to fostering a collaborative team culture aligned with Chamber values.

·      Proficiency in representing NECC at conferences, trade shows, and industry events.

·      Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly.

·      High level of IT literacy, including MS Office and CRM Dynamics.

·      Comfortable working in fast-paced, target-driven environments.

Other requirements

·      Must reside in the North East.

·      Passionate about the region and supporting business growth.

·      Be able to work flexible hours and locations.

·      Dedicated, focused and the determined to succeed.

·      Ability to identify solutions to setbacks and challenges, seek new opportunities and instigate change.

·      Optimistic can-do attitude to tasks and responsibilities.

·      Comfortable working independently and as a team.

·      Access to a car and hold a current driving license.

WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER

We have a great culture at the Chamber and supporting a healthy work life balance is important to us. We actively promote a professional, engaging, friendly and supportive environment, with our people and our members at the heart of everything we do. We offer several benefits including:

·       25 days annual leave, increasing with each year of service, up to 30 days plus public holidays each year

·       An additional days leave on your birthday

·       Life assurance four-times basic salary

·       Contribution to one professional membership each year

·       Employee assistance programme

·       A motivating, encouraging environment to work in

·       Flexible working supporting work life balance, with a mix of home and office working

·       Salary exchange pension scheme with 4% Chamber contributions

·       Long service awards

·       Salary sacrifice schemes, such as: cycle to work and car leasing

·       Health cash plan paid by the Chamber and provided by Westfield Health

·       Colleague events including summer social and Christmas party