Ambassade à Londres

Hub.brussels, the economic development agency of the Brussels Capital Region, is inter alia responsible for promoting export and the image of Brussels abroad. It’s represented globally by its trade and commercial counsellors, mostly embedded in the Embassy of Belgium. As a result of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, the Brussels Capital region can benefit of European funds (Brexit Adjustment Reserve), that aim to mitigate the negative economic impact of Brexit on the Brussels socio-economical ecosystem. In this context, hub.brussels will set up a range of information sessions, actions and events that aim to inform, update and support Brussels companies on trade-related matters with the UK.
One of these actions will be the organisation of different pop-up stores in ‘Brussels House’ located in central London to promote Brussels’ products and expertise. The pop-up stores must be up and running from July to December 2023 and will promote Brussels’ strategic economic sectors, such as the food and beverage sector, fashion and design, arts and crafts, etc. The location might also be used for other diplomatic receptions, export-related actions or to promote the image of Brussels in London.
Consequently, the hub.brussels’ team in London is looking for a multitalented and versatile collaborator that will be active on the operational side of the pop-up stores. The contract will be valid from the 1st of May 2023 until the 31st of December 2023.

FUNCTION DESCRIPTION

The pop up store collaborator will support hub.brussels and assist the Brussels economic and trade counsellor in London, principally in the following indicative activities :

• Ensure an effective day-to-day operational management of the Brussels pop-up stores. This could include administrative and fiscal management (reporting, VAT, excises, taxes, etc…), dealing with licences (e.g. alcohol license), complying with phytosanitary regulations and requirements, customs and importations of Brussels products, and other legal and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate and assist the different Brussels companies that will be present in the pop-up shops
• Coordinate and assist with other Brussels public agencies and institutions who will organise activities in the pop-up stores
• Coordinate and assist with other external consultants of the pop-up stores
• Prepare and assist in promotional actions of hub.brussels and the Brussels Capital Region
• Assist Brussels’ companies in their internationalisation efforts to the UK market providing them tailor-made approach (e.g. information about the local market situation; assist in the preparation of business visits of Brussels companies and delegations to the UK; assist in and prepare matchmakings with local enterprises, etc…)
• Assist in proactive prospection of the UK market and its key stake holders
• Assist in maintaining and expanding a professional network in the UK and Belgium

COMPETENCES AND PROFILE

• Academic degree (Master)
• Excellent working language of English. French and Dutch are a plus.
• Holder of a UK residency permit (required)
• Practical knowledge and insight in the Belgian and UK markets is a plus
• Commercial and positive attitude: hands-on, problem-solver, flexible, client-oriented, proactive, stress-resistant, dynamic
• Independent yet collaborative attitude (e.g., working in team, coordinating with different public and private entities, etc…)
• Tech-savvy (MS Office programs, social media, E-meeting platforms, electronic databases, website maintenance, etc…)
• Networker
• Experience in events, pop-ups, sales, financial management is a plus

Interested persons can send their CV, a cover letter (1 page max.) and their salary expectations before the 10th of April 2023 to Mr. Samuël SERVAES (sservaes@hub.brussels).