The British Embassy in Berlin is a large overseas mission in the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) network. Over 100 colleagues from all walks of life work together to promote the UK and build our connections with Germany.
We are offering you the opportunity to be part of a friendly and supportive working environment with opportunities for personal growth.
The UK's Department for Business & Trade (DBT) in Germany is looking for a Head of Defence & Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing (AEM) trade team based at the British Embassy in Berlin to will focus on German defence and security investment into the UK.
The DBT Germany team is made up of approximately 40 staff, based in the Embassy in Berlin and Consulates-General in Düsseldorf and Munich. It is the largest team in the DBT Europe Region (around 300 staff in 34 countries in total) and works closely with colleagues in London and across the UK to improve market access for business and boost exports and investment. In Germany, DBT is made up of sector-focussed teams, with cross-cutting support on Operations, the Strategic Communications Team and the Trade Policy and Market Access team. DBT Germany's work is crucial to supporting the UK economy: Germany is the UK's second largest trading partner, with bilateral trade accounting for more than £132bn in 2022 – 8% of total UK trade. The UK and Germany are long-standing partners with shared interests in free and fair trade, WTO and rulebook reform and supporting multilateralism.
This is a full-time role of 37.5 hours per week.
Securing strategic investment will be your key priority, followed by strategic leadership and management of a team member focused on Defence Exports & Market Access. All roles and responsibilities in DBT Germany are flexible and our staff adapt their work in line with Ministerial priorities and developments in the British and German markets. Role includes any other duties that may reasonably be required in support of the wider work of the Embassy, including crisis work.
Securing Strategic Investments:
- You will be ambassador of the UK's commercial defence potential in Germany.
- Develop a deep understanding of regulation, industry trends, and future developments.
- Craft compelling, tailor-made investment proposals and engagement plans for potential investors.
- Secure strategically important investments from German companies.
- Engage with senior manager and C-Level decision makers on behalf of the British Government.
Strategic Leadership:
- Lead your team with expertise and enthusiasm
Delivering a well-planned investment, export and market access strategy that focuses only on the highest-value opportunities for the UK. - Identify high-potential export opportunities, and identify market access barriers under your guidance.
- Close collaboration with policy leads in DBT, UKDSE, and other government departments such as MOD and FCDO
- Coordinate budgets, business planning and strategic commercial project efforts across various government stakeholders, ensuring we harness the full potential of UK industry and government policy.
- You will serve as the go-to expert and advisor for the Germany Senior Management Team on all things related to Defence and support the Deputy Director who oversees your sector.
- Support and accompany senior diplomats and Ambassadors, visiting Ministers, and officials from the UK.
- External speaking engagements.
- Support events and initiatives that foster collaboration between the UK and Germany, showcasing UK capabilities and values.
- Full professional proficiency in German and English (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
- Experience working on Foreign Direct Investment and/or experience working with Defence or AEM companies;
- Experience leading and developing a team;
- A university degree;
- Proven commercial/economic experience;
- Strong commitment to develop staff and capability building;
- Strong communication and presentation skills;
- Ability to demonstrate personal impact and develop and maintain effective relationships with senior stakeholders;
- Strong analytical and research skills;
- Strong organisational skills and experience leading projects;
- Excellent interpersonal skills and excels working as part of a team;
- Self-starter and ability to work well on own initiative.
Nice to have:
- An interest in trade policy;
- Experience working for or with government.
- € 83,844.00 rising to a maximum of approx. € 94,182.00 gross per annum after a qualifying period in addition to performance related pay (salary is not negotiable).
- The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check and security clearance. The successful candidate must have pre-existing work authorisation in Germany in order to apply.
- Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local German employment law.
- Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Germany and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.
- Equal employment: We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with protected characteristics.
- Working for the Civil Service: The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
- Learning & Development: The British Embassy in Berlin has a strong ethos of Learning and Development, including our Learning and Development Week. In addition, there will be many opportunities to attend external seminars and events on relevant issues. This is in addition to the induction programme offered to all Embassy staff.
- The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government's Germany network and supporting the Embassy's positive working environment.
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