Einleitung

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

Do you enjoy working at the intersection of government, industry, and innovation—whether in Financial Services, Professional and Business Services, Clean Energy, or Life Sciences? Can you see the big picture, tackle complex challenges, and influence outcomes in fast-moving environments?

If so, we invite you to explore our senior leadership opportunities in Berlin and Munich with the UK’s Department for Business & Trade (DBT) in Germany.

To deliver the UK’s recently announced modern Industrial Strategy in Germany, we are recruiting a number of new roles including four senior positions - Heads of Strategic Industries (Trade and Investment) - across our Clean Energy, Life Sciences, and Financial and Professional Business Services sectors, to shape, drive, and deliver sector specific initiatives at the core of this plan.  

Who are we?

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is a ministerial department of the UK Government, and its number one objective is to promote growth. The DBT Germany team is one of the largest teams in the DBT Europe Region (around 230 staff) and works closely with colleagues across departments to accelerate economic growth by improving market access for business and boosting exports and investment. In Germany, DBT is made up of sector-focused teams, with cross-cutting support from PMO, the Strategic Communications Team, and the Trade Policy and Market Access team.  

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require. 

 

Ihre Aufgaben

Main purpose of the role:

Head of Life Sciences (Berlin or Munich)

Lead UK-Germany trade and investment across pharmaceuticals, biotech, and MedTech, managing strategic accounts and building partnerships in one of Europe’s most dynamic sectors. 

Why Join Us?

• Be at the heart of the UK’s economic growth strategy in Europe’s largest economy.
• Shape the future of financial, professional & business services, clean energy and life sciences, some of the UK’s most important and innovative sectors.
• Work in a diverse, supportive, and high-performing team with opportunities for professional development, mentoring, and flexible working.
• Represent the UK at major industry events, build senior networks, and deliver real impact for UK businesses and the wider economy.

What You’ll Do? Across all four roles, you will:

• Develop and implement targeted strategies for your sector.
• Lead a small team (up to 2–4 staff), fostering high performance and collaboration, and supporting staff to adapt to change in a rapidly evolving economic context.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and barriers.
• Build and maintain strong networks with industry, government, and research partners in Germany and the UK.
• Represent DBT and the UK Government at major conferences, trade fairs, and bilateral meetings.
• Provide expert advice to UK businesses and investors, guiding them on market entry, partnership development, and long-term growth.
• Identify and address market access and regulatory challenges, working with stakeholders to create the conditions for success.
• Deliver high-quality reporting and briefings for senior audiences, including Ministers and senior officials.

What You’ll Love About This Role

• Strategic influence: Set  direction and deliver measurable outcomes in high-profile sectors.
• Leadership: Manage and develop small, high-performing teams and play a leadership role across the DBT team and the UK government network in Germany.
• Variety: Engage with senior stakeholders across government, industry, and research.
• Challenge: Tackle complex market access and regulatory issues in a fast-moving environment.
• Impact: See the results of your work in increased exports, investment, and innovation.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Ihr Profil

Our Ideal Candidate shows: 

• Proficiency in English and German (both written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• 5+ years of professional work experience in fast paced operational and stakeholder focused environments;
• Direct line management experience, supervising colleagues, setting priorities, and maintaining high quality delivery;
• Highly entrepreneurial and proactive, spotting opportunities, designing solutions, and driving work forward without waiting for direction;
• Strong problem solving mindset, able to break down complex challenges, create practical fixes, and sustain momentum through ambiguity;
• Exceptionally strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport quickly, influence decisions, and represent the organisation confidently;
• Adaptable and commercially aware, comfortable navigating change and guiding others through shifting priorities.

 Nice to have: 

• Knowledge of or previous experience in either Life Sciences, Clean Energy, Financial or Professional Business Services, Fintech/Technology or life sciences and/or the UK business landscape;
• Knowledge of or previous experience in trade or economic policy-making;
• Experience working with companies in Germany.

Wir bieten

This is a full time (37,5 hours a week), fixed-term 2 year contract with the possibility of becoming a permanent contract subject to performance and funding. € 87,156. - rising to a maximum of approx. € 97,902.- gross per annum after a qualifying period in addition to performance related pay (salary is not negotiable). Candidate must have pre-existing work authorisation in Germany in order to apply.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy & British Consulate General are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local German employment law. The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check, security clearance and 6 months probationary period.

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.

Start date is an indicative target start date.  

The application process comprises three distinct phases: the submission of application form, written assessment, and the interview stage. 

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. DBT Europe Network want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, regardless of their background.

Europe DBT network and the British Embassy in Germany are a rewarding and exciting place to work, offering:

• Scope for personal and professional development: Excellent networks and opportunities for support, including mentoring, coaching, job shadowing and secondments;
• Strong offer for learning and development, including dedicated L&D days;
• An equal, diverse and engaged workplace;
• Work-life balance.

Learning & Development

The British Embassy & British Consulate General 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 & Consulate General staff.

The Embassy & Consulate General  offers learning and development opportunities throughout the year and invites you to join committee led forums where you may have an interest and can help shape the organisations objectives.

The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the Embassy & Consulate General, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government’s Germany network and supporting the Embassy’s & Consulate General positive working environment. 

Weitere Informationen

Britische Botschaft - British Embassy Berlin

 

Wilhelmstr. 70
10117 Berlin
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-berlin.de

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