Senior Investment Officer, Financial Services, Department for Business and Trade, Berne

n this role, you will act as the sector lead for financial services and capital investment, driving the delivery of high-quality inward investment projects aligned with Switzerland’s Country Trade Plan and DBT Europe’s Regional Trade Plan. You will develop and implement the Switzerland & Liechtenstein investment business plan, ensuring measurable outcomes and contributing to regional objectives.

A key part of the role is building and maintaining strategic relationships with existing and prospective C-level investors. You will identify opportunities, build and maintain pipeline of projects, advise on business development plans, and support the successful landing of projects in the UK. You will also organise high-level engagements and visits involving Ministers and senior UK Government officials, helping shape impactful programmes and announcements that resonate with our global audiences.

Collaboration is essential. You will work closely with colleagues across the Embassy, in Europe and with other UK Government departments to maximise value and deliver shared objectives. Regular reporting to the Head of Investment on pipeline progress and project delivery will be required.

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence investment decisions and contribute to the UK’s trade and investment ambitions.

What will you be expected to achieve?

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) – 30%
  • Act as the sector lead for financial services, driving the delivery of high-quality FDI projects into the UK. Ensure alignment with Switzerland’s Country Trade Plan and DBT Europe’s Regional Trade Plan, working closely with the Head of Investment and the Country Director.
• Capital Investment – 30%
  • Lead the Capital Investment focus, managing delivery of high-value investment projects into the UK and build relationship with selected institutional investors locally. Collaborate with the Head of Investment and Country Director to ensure consistency with Switzerland’s Country Trade Plan and DBT Europe’s Regional Trade Plan.

• Strategic Relationship Management – 20%
  • Build and maintain a strong network of influential financial services and capital investment stakeholders in Switzerland. Support senior official engagement with key decision-makers and stakeholders. Use your organisational skills to manage strategic engagement tools and respond promptly to stakeholder queries.

• Visits and High-Level Meetings – 10%
  • Play a pivotal role in supporting VIP visits and engagements involving Ministers and senior UK Government officials focused on financial services in Switzerland. Help design and deliver impactful programmes, site visits, announcements, and associated communications for a global audience.

• Wider Embassy Support – 10%
  • Contribute to cross-HMG and cross-Embassy activities, working collaboratively with relevant teams across the UK Government and the Embassy to achieve shared objectives.

Essential skills and experience:

• Knowledge and understanding of the Swiss business environment (particularly the Financial services sector);
• Fluent written and spoken English as well as German/French (minimum level required C1 under the CEFRL* or equivalent);
• Experienced networker with the ability to establish relationships in Switzerland & Liechtenstein;
• Fast learning, self-starter who can demonstrate initiative, resilience, and project management skills;
• Good communicator, written and verbal;
• A team player with a collaborative approach who can work successfully within a geography and ‘virtual team’ to achieve common objectives.

This is a full-time and permanent contract of 40 hours per week inclusive of four compulsory 45-minute lunch breaks. There is a 3-month probationary period, during which either party may bring the agreement to an end, in writing with 7 days’ notice.

The Embassy operates flexible working patterns within an extended working day and a ‘compressed hours’ working week (currently closing at 13:00 Friday). Working from home for one or two days a week is possible, depending on business needs. 

<

p>Typical hours are 09:00 – 18:00 with a compulsory p j4id10022238a j4it0102a j4iy26a