Today we are launching the search for our new Managing Director, who will take over the reins from Steven Lynch when he steps down from the Chamber at the end of this year. Steven has brought energy and great leadership to the Chamber during his six years as MD, and we are now looking to recruit a great successor. The search will be led by a special selection committee of representatives from our Executive Committee, chaired by myself. The job description goes out today, and can be found in full below.
The position will remain open until the end of August, and we will then undertake a process to shortlist, interview and make a final appointment. This is a challenging but immensely fulfilling role for the right candidate, coming at a time when we have consolidated our position as the leading independent voice of British business in China, supporting members in advocacy, knowledge and community. The role is a prominent, public-facing leadership role. Together with our fantastic, dedicated and fun-loving team comes immense scope further to create and innovate in everything we do.
A message from BritCham China’s Chair,
Julian MacCormac
Managing Director
Location: Beijing
Major role responsibilities
- Work with chair, officers & executive committee to define priorities for Chamber and develop a strategy for their implementation
- Management of Chamber team; recruit and retain staff, set clear targets and regularly monitor performance and progress
- Overall responsibility for BCCC’s financial situation; preparing budget, monitoring monthly accounts and ensuring operational success in hitting targets
- Expand membership; grow new member recruitment, actively target new members and ensure appropriate materials & messaging
- Oversee a diverse events programme that engages members with regular and engaging events including both community social events and content-driven knowledge events
- Manage and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
- Play a leading role in relationship building and management with members, especially premium members.
- Play a high-profile external-facing role as the “face” of the Chamber –representing the Chamber’s views to media and government
- Cultivate media relationships and develop media strategy which serves the Chamber’s overall goals
Goals of the role
- Protect and build our core service offerings
- Enhance our influence and advocacy
- Deliver on-budget financial performance
- Improve membership offering and increase overall membership
- Manage a sustainable events, communications and marketing programme
- Ensure robust governance and good management
- Maintain sound financial management
- Pioneer our path to new customers and products
- Diversify to enhance our value to members and build a sustainable, diverse service platform
What do we need from you?
Essential skills:
- Fluency in English is essential and Chinese language skills highly desirable
- 8 – 10 years of experience in driving business development and sales results
- Degree-level education or above
Desirable characteristics of the ideal candidate:
- Energy, enthusiasm and resilience
- A track record in building key relationships which have generated revenue on a sustainable basis.
- Good understanding of UK-China relations
- Previous government engagement experience
- Public speaking and media experience
- Leadership and management skills and experience – plan strategically with the ability to work practically
- High level of integrity and emotional intelligence
- Proactive and problem-solving skills
- An enterprising and entrepreneurial nature
- Multi-tasking, prioritisation and time management skills are essential
- Ability and confidence to navigate and negotiate with multiple partners and stakeholders at senior level and experience of working in complex multi-partner environments
- Experience working to and exceeding targets
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong work ethic and resilience in the face of challenges
- Ability to thrive under a fast-paced work environment
- Experience working to and exceeding targets
“This is an incredible opportunity – in this role you can make a genuine impact on the UK-China relationship. I hope the candidate chosen to be the new Managing Director will continue to fight for the British business community in China, especially during these challenging times. It has been a real honour and a privilege to serve this passionate and purposeful community.”
A word from the outgoing Managing Director, Steven Lynch
What can we offer?
- Competitive salary
- 30 days holiday per year, plus national holidays
- Health insurance
- An incredible office in the CBD
- Free gym access to the Trainyard – in Hotel Jen
- Working daily with the senior leadership of British businesses and government
The process
- Aug
Applications reviewed, shortlist of five applicants created
- Sept
30-minute interviews with shortlisted candidates
- Sept
Three applicants undertake a 60-minute interview with the hiring committee presenting a 5 year plan for the Chamber covering: Strategy and Vision & Financial and Operational Management.
- Sept
Three references contacted on both professional performance and personal attributes
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to send a comprehensive cover letter, CV and salary expectation to steven.lynch@britishchamber.cn by Wednesday 31 August.
About the British Chamber
The British Chamber of Commerce in China is a membership organisation that provides advocacy, business support and networking opportunities for British businesses in China. We operate as an independent, not-for-profit organisation with a strong and diverse membership.
For 40 years we have supported British businesses succeeding across China. We advocate for the best possible market environment and are at the heart of the British business community.
To find out more about the Chamber, please use WeChat to scan the QR code below or click ‘Read More’ to visit our website.
