The United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade is seeking to appoint an experienced leader to serve as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner to India. This senior role involves overseeing the UK’s trade and investment strategy across South Asia and reporting directly to the high commissioner to India, while remaining accountable to the secretary of state for business and trade.

The successful candidate will be responsible for capitalizing on opportunities emerging from the UK-India free trade agreement, managing a team of approximately 170 staff, and advancing efforts to boost exports, investment, and market access within the region. This position requires strategic oversight of complex, matrixed organisations and geographic teams across multiple countries.

Applicants must demonstrate a strong track record in leadership through periods of change, the ability to navigate challenging situations, and the capacity to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders. Competence in managing significant budgets and empowering subordinates will also be essential. Additionally, exceptional communication skills are required to effectively represent and advocate the UK’s trade interests to a wide range of audiences.

The Department for Business and Trade has set a deadline of September 6 for applications. The recruitment reflects the UK government’s broader ambition to deepen economic ties with South Asia, particularly given the recent free trade agreement with India, which aims to enhance bilateral trade and investment flows.

This appointment underscores the importance placed on international trade leadership roles that combine diplomatic responsibilities with commercial objectives, positioning the UK to respond dynamically to evolving global economic opportunities and challenges in the South Asian region.