Global Network Manager

The Growth Company is pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for a driven and strategic professional to join the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub (GMBGH) as a Global Network Manager.

This role supports the Greater Manchester International Trade Service within GMBGH to meet the needs of growth and export-oriented start-ups and established businesses across Greater Manchester. It directly contributes to the delivery of Greater Manchester's International Strategy, supports sector development ambitions, and builds upon the Greater Manchester Enhanced Trade Partnership with the Department for Business and Trade, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The post holder will work alongside the Chamber of Commerce Network Manager to lead the establishment, development, and coordination of the GM Global Partnership Network. This network aims to identify and nurture relationships with key global strategic partners to strengthen Greater Manchester's overseas connections, drive exports, facilitate trade, generate market intelligence, and expand the city-region's international reach.

The contract is offered on a temporary basis until 31st March 2026.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and coordination of an active international Global Partnership Network of key stakeholders, including (but not limited to) overseas trade bodies, city-region economic development agencies, Department for Business and Trade overseas posts, and wider private sector organisations.
• Effectively utilise the Global Partnership Network to support Greater Manchester businesses with the identification of export opportunities and facilitate smoother market entry and global market expansion, working closely with the Business Growth Hub's International Growth Specialists and the wider Enhanced Trade Partnership.
• Implement effective systems and processes to leverage the Global Partnership Network to gain valuable market insights, improving Greater Manchester's intelligence on global export opportunities and enabling more effective in-market engagement, in collaboration with the Global Growth Trade Opportunity Analyst.
• Provide effective, timely, and expert support by developing long-term relationships that enable current and future collaborations aligned with the Growth Company and Growth Hub business plans to support economic and business objectives.
• Leverage global opportunity insights to stimulate local networks, supporting the Head of International Trade Services and Business Growth Hub International Growth Specialists to work with business, professional, local, and sector networks to identify and support international growth-focused businesses.
• Work with key stakeholders and the Global Partnership Network to coordinate overseas meetings, missions, and events, maintaining positive, supportive relationships to ensure business clients can access trade opportunities and appropriate support to succeed internationally.

About You:

• A credible and professional ambassador, passionate about internationalisation and supporting Greater Manchester businesses to grow overseas.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to influence and negotiate at all levels.
• Effective in building productive relationships internally and externally, with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Self-motivated and well-organised, able to manage competing priorities while delivering against agreed targets and objectives.
• Comfortable working in a multi-cultural environment with an understanding of cross-cultural nuances and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience working on international projects or with international stakeholders across both public and private sector settings.
• Confident in engaging with senior contacts and influencing key decision-makers to secure buy-in and collaboration.
• Strong knowledge of the international trade business support environment, including local, national, and international frameworks.
• In-depth understanding of global market trends, international trade regulations, and international business practices.
• Demonstrable experience in managing relationships, coordinating communications with stakeholders, and presenting with impact to diverse audiences.