Director, Trade & Investment (QLD)

Overview

Classification: Austrade Overseas Performance Level B (AOPL B)

Location: Riyadh

Salary: SAR 404,506 - 491,187

Based in the Austrade Riyadh office, you will be a 'State Specialist' and lead the interests of Queensland in the Saudi Arabia market through the identification, promotion and facilitation of trade and investment opportunities in the Queensland Government's key industry sectors (resources, energy, Sports Economy, Professional services, innovation, and investment).

Trade and Investment Queensland is the Queensland Government's dedicated global business agency for international investment and trade.

TIQ facilitates personalised connections to drive global business opportunities for export markets and attract international investors, buyers and talent to Queensland.

This role reports to Austrade's Trade & Investment Commissioner in Riyadh, and under direction of TIQ's Trade Commissioner - Middle East, based in Abu Dhabi.

Duties

• Develop and implement trade and investment strategies and action plans, initiate, and manage the coordination and implementation of strategic projects in Saudi Arabia in priority and emerging sectors. Specific sector coverage will be determined in consultation with TIQ's Commissioner, Middle East to ensure alignment with regional priorities (infrastructure, manufacturing, innovation, professional services, resources and investment).
• Be responsible for fostering the growth of emerging sectors by managing and assisting Queensland companies, to secure export deals within the Saudi Arabia market.
• Possess a well-established network of relationships with key stakeholders and clients across relevant sectors.
• Have proven experience in developing new business opportunities that deliver tangible commercial outcomes, along with a demonstrated commitment to high performance.
• Establish and maintain effective high-level relationships with TIQ's sector teams.
• Liaise with Queensland Government departments, overseas government agencies, trade and investment offices and industry organisations to assist Queensland clients and exporters.
• Identify and recommend business and marketing and public relations opportunities or initiatives and assist in business/contract negotiation.
• Provide advice on significant developments in the economic and business environment that impacts on the Queensland Government and Queensland business interests and regular market updates on changes in Government policy, skills shortages and other commercial opportunities across Saudi Arabia.
• Under direction and in consultation with TIQ, work closely with, and support, Queensland agencies, industry groups and research and policy groups that are seeking to interact and undertake exchanges and cooperation with counterpart organizations, including though state to state memoranda and cooperation agreements.
• Assist senior representatives from Queensland organisations for outbound and inbound projects and visits, including recommendations of key contacts to include in visit programs.
• Under direction of TIQ assist in delivering trade missions, ministerial visits and allied relationships in Saudi Arabia including preparation of visit programs and accompanying ministers and business delegations in those markets.

For more detailed information please view the Job Information Pack.

While we are aware people will utilise AI tools to assist with job applications, we need to see the candidate's authentic responses to help us make a true assessment of the applicants applying.

Eligibility

• Work Authorisation - to be eligible for employment with Austrade in Riyadh, candidates must be legally authorised to live and work in Riyadh at the time of appointment.
• Language - the successful candidate must be a highly motivated team member, fluent in written and spoken English and Arabic.
• Security Clearance - the successful applicant must be willing to complete an Entry Level Screening Pack and be confirmed as a suitable person to access Government resources prior to commencement in the role.

Closing date

Applications close on Sunday, 22 February 2026 at 11:30pm (Riyadh Local Time).

Only candidates who complete their application in Austrade's online recruitment system will be considered. Email applications cannot be accepted.

This is a locally-engaged position governed by Austrade's Overseas Engaged Employees terms and conditions of employment and Riyadh labour law. Candidates must currently have the right to live and legally work in Riyadh. Austrade will not be able to provide any sponsorship letter nor be involved in the work visa application process.