Managing Director of the British Chamber of Commerce in China
Job Description
About the British Chamber of Commerce in China
The British Chamber of Commerce in China is a membership organisation with a focus on providing advocacy, knowledge and networking opportunities for British businesses in China. We operate as an independent, not-for-profit organisation with a strong and diverse membership, representing British companies across the country.
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 supporting one another to grow and thrive in one of the world’s fastest growing markets.
We have representative offices in Southwest China and Guangdong.
For more information on the Chamber, please see: www.britishchamber.cn .
The Managing Director (MD) operates in a high-profile role and must be capable of strengthening and expanding partnerships and alliances with key business, government, and community stakeholders, driving membership growth, and leading the Chamber within the community.
Responsibilities include:
- Setting vision and strategy: Collaborating with key stakeholders and the Board to formulate and execute the Chamber’s strategic vision.
- Leadership and daily operations: Providing strategic leadership and overseeing daily operations to ensure value is delivered to staff, committees, members, and other stakeholders.
- Stakeholder management: Balancing the interests of the Board and external stakeholders, fostering inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration. Stakeholders include but not limited to our current and potential corporate members, Chamber team, UK and Chinese government officials, NGOs, think tanks and academia.
- Ensuring financial and business health: Maintaining the Chamber’s relevance and financial stability through strategic and financial performance metrics.
- Advocacy and representation: Championing the interests of the British business community to UK and Chinese governments through effective advocacy, public relations, and media engagement, including social media.
- Membership growth and retention: Driving membership retention and growth, while boosting revenue through sponsorship funding and other creative means. Emphasis on engaging a diverse membership base through high retention rates, event participation, and positive feedback.
- Event planning and execution: Collaborating with members, sponsors and the Board to organise a calendar of engaging and profitable events that deliver true value to members.
- Organisational culture and staff well-being: Fostering a positive work environment that enhances staff satisfaction, engagement, and productivity, leading a diverse team with varied backgrounds and experiences.
- Innovation-led, innovation-driven: Leveraging technology, innovative processes, and novel approaches to boost productivity and impact within the organisation.
- Governance and risk management: Leading the Chamber with robust governance practices and risk management frameworks to uphold high community standards, adopt best practices, and protect the Chamber’s reputation, members, data, and financial health.
This role requires a dynamic and visionary leader with excellent communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive forward the Chamber’s mission and objectives in the UK-China context.
Relevant experience and skill sets:
Essential skills:
- Native fluency in English, with a strong command of Mandarin Chinese.
- 6 to 8 years of experience in strategy, business development, and communications in a high-profile and dynamic environment.
- Degree-level education or higher.
Desirable characteristics of ideal candidate:
- Exceptional strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a proven track record of devising and implementing effective business strategies.
- Good understanding of China’s business environment, with the capability to navigate complex situations and dynamic environment.
- Excellent leadership and people management skills, with a history of building and motivating high-performing teams in diverse, inclusive, and collaborative settings.
- Outstanding communication skills to effectively articulate and implement the Chamber’s vision and purpose, presenting authoritatively to the Board, key stakeholders, and members. Media skills and experience are highly valued.
- Digital literacy and a curiosity for technology and innovation, with experience leveraging technology to enhance productivity and efficiency.
- Proven ability to comprehend financial reports, manage budgets in challenging environments, and strategically enhance the organisation’s short- and long-term financial health.
- Strong business development skills, with experience in securing corporate sponsorship from various stakeholders, including businesses, governments, and other international organisations.
- Experience using social media to grow audience and engagement.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and consultation skills, with experience working with various partners across different industries and objectives.
- Clear demonstration of integrity and the ability to engender trust, with proven experience in managing complex and multiple projects and agendas with adaptability and determination.
What can we offer?
- Salary range of RMB 30,000-40,000/ month.
- 30 days holiday per year (in addition to Chinese national holidays).
- Commercial health insurance.
- Free gym access to the Trainyard gym in Hotel Jen.
Reporting to:
- Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in China
Application deadline
- Please submit your CV and cover letter to recruitment@britishchamber.cn by Wednesday 18 September, 2024
- First round of interview – end of September
- Second round of interview with Hiring Committee – October
