Manager, Start-up and Innovation (1-year contract)

Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is seeking a dynamic Manager, Start-up and Innovation for a fixed-term 1-year contract. The role focuses on organising marketing/promotional programs and activities for local start-ups, and community building within Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem.

Key duties include promoting start-up projects, planning conferences, recruiting speakers, arranging venues, and providing on-site and administrative support while engaging with start-up communities

Qualifications

• University degree with at least 8 years’ experience in sales/marketing or exhibition/event organisation or public/corporate relations.
• Strong understanding of Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem and innovation/tech development.
• Creative, flexible, and able to deliver under time/resource pressure.
• Start-up mindset with the ability to think outside the box.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute promotional activities for start-up projects.
• Marketing and communication tasks for start-up projects.
• Plan event/conference programmes, including speaker recruitment.
• Manage event logistics such as venue setup and information materials.
• Provide on-site support and other admin tasks as needed.
• Outreach to start-up communities in Hong Kong and abroad for events.

Skills

Sales & Marketing

Event Planning

Communications

Project Management

Education

University degree

Job description

Manager, Start-up and Innovation (1-year contract)

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 51 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub.

The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels.

As we celebrate our 60th anniversary in 2026 and begin a new three-year business cycle, our mission remains as strong as ever to help Hong Kong thrive in trade and businesses succeed in the ever-changing landscape.

We are seeking a dynamic, high-calibre and experienced professional to join our team.

The appointee will be responsible for organising HKTDC’s marketing/promotional programs and activities for local start-ups and community building for Hong Kong start-up ecosystem, including:

Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute promotional activities for different start-up projects;
• In charge of marketing and communication tasks for start-up projects;
• Planning of event / conference programme, including recruitment of speakers;
• Handle and supervise event logistics such as venue setup and information preparation, etc.;
• Provide on-site support and other administrative support as and when necessary;
• Outreach to start-up communities in Hong Kong and aboard for promoting HKTDC start-up events.

Requirements

• A recognised university degree with at least 8 years’ working experience, preferably with sizable organisations, in any of the following areas: sales and marketing; exhibition/event organisation or public/corporate relations etc.;
• Strong inclination and understanding of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development, Hong Kong and global start-up ecosystem covering various industry verticals, and markets and business opportunities for Hong Kong start-ups;
• Creative, innovative, flexible and be able to deliver under time and resource pressure;
• A start-up mindset and always think out of the box;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Chinese, including Putonghua; knowledge of a third language an advantage;
• Mature with superior skills in sales, marketing and communication;
• A strong team player with excellent organisational and interpersonal skills;
• Self‑motivated and outgoing with good project planning ability;
• Previous experience in organising start‑up related events and large-scale exhibitions or conferences an added advantage.

Remuneration and Benefits

The successful candidate will be appointed on fixed‑term contract basis, renewable subject to operational needs. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.