Senior Trade Specialist Food And Drink

Application Deadline: 5th August 2026 (23:55 hrs IST)

Main purpose of job:

Scottish Development International (SDI) is looking for a Senior Trade Specialist to lead on developing and delivering Scotland’s Food & Drink strategy in India. This will include supporting Scottish Food & Drink companies to enter the India market and grow their export sales as well as proactively identifying trade opportunities with key customers in market.

Based at the British Deputy High Commission, the candidate will lead on Food & Drink trade support and trade development activities for SDI in India. The successful candidate will develop and maintain strategic relationships that will grow Scottish trade, identify export opportunities and provide market insights within the food & drink, retail and foodservice sectors. Key objectives will be to provide trade support and trade development activities involving market research, buyer engagement, participate in trade shows and other marketing activities.

In addition to working directly with Scottish F&D companies to help them secure new business in India, there will also be an ask to support enquiries and activities in the wider AsiaPac region, as appropriate.

We are looking for a confident, target-driven communicator who can build and maintain strong rapports with colleagues, customers and external stakeholders such as buyers, importers and distributors. A background in the food & drink sector in India or experience supporting food & drink companies to enter the India market will be key.

The jobholder will report directly into SDI’s Consumer Industries APAC Regional Manager who is based in Singapore and will be part of a team of food & drink and consumer lifestyle specialists based across the Asia region. The jobholder will also be part of the SDI India team, with oversight of our Head of India based in Mumbai.

The British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. Scottish Development International (SDI), Scotland’s international trade agency, plays an important part in the British High Commission’s (BHC) commercial outreach and works in close collaboration with the UK’s Department for Business & Trade (DBT) and Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO).

We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

The main purpose of this job is to lead on the development and delivery of Scotland's Food & Drink market strategy for India, identifying priority sectors, routes to market and growth opportunities to maximise export outcomes for Scottish businesses

Focusing initially on the spirits, salmon and premium grocery categories, this will involve building and maintaining relationships with key retail and foodservice buyers, distributors, importers, and other influencers in the India F&B industry, and by creating new trade opportunities for Scottish exporters.

Trade Development (at least 50% of role):

• Identify key customers operating in the retail and food service sectors in India, independently managing major commercial relationships and taking a strategic account management role.
• Develop strategic partnerships with key industry and trade associations in Scotland and India with responsibility for managing complex, high-profile stakeholder relationships in order to achieve our growth targets.
• Identify and attend sector-specific trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences.
• Produce data-driven insights from market intelligence to scope/explore new opportunities for Scottish F&D companies.
• Identify and articulate specific business opportunities to colleagues in Scotland.
• Deliver webinars and use social media to highlight key market opportunities.
• Take a creative approach to support trade development work and create new opportunities for Scottish companies.

Trade Support (50% of Role):

• Act as overseas lead within a wider account team for Scottish companies, providing expert trade advice and guidance on the India market.
• Support Scottish companies with market entry and growth strategies.
• Work with colleagues in Scotland to deliver visit programmes, trade missions, and learning journeys.
• Update SDI’s internal reporting system with details of all company support provided.
• Develop close working relationships with other partners including Department for Business & Trade, GlobalScots, and other in-market industry trade bodies.

Other

• Deputising for either Head of India or Regional Head for Consumer Industries as appropriate.
• Any other duties as assigned.

*These percentages are indicative and may shift over time depending on team priorities and organizational needs.

Essential on arrival:

• At least 5 years food & drink export experience or working in a similar Government trade support role within the F&B sector.
• Excellent project management skills from scoping an idea to evaluating the results.
• Proven customer relationship management skills
• Diagnostic, strategic challenger, influencer, and facilitation skills
• Ability to apply analytical skills in complex situations
• Market and sector knowledge in relation to international trade
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Ability to travel, both domestically and internationally
• A relevant degree level qualification (or equivalent level of experience)
• A team player with a collaborative approach who can work successfully with a virtual team environment to achieve common objective.
• Excellent written skills, IT literate and comfortable using Microsoft packages such as PowerPoint, Excel and Word plus SE/SDI internal management systems (Microsoft Dynamics).
• Must have the legal status to live and work in India

Desirable skills:

• An experienced networker with established relationships in the Food & Drink sector in India
• Native or business-level fluency in one of the regional languages
• Experience of working in an international trade promotion environment.

Language requirements:

Language: English & Marathi

Level of language required: Expert

Learning and development opportunities:

The BHC offers comprehensive learning and development opportunities that will be fully available to the jobholder. All staff are required to take a role in the BHC’s crisis preparation and response. Full training will be provided for this and regular opportunities will be available to test and develop your skills.