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.

Job Category Department for Business and Trade roles (DBT) Job Subcategory Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Are you passionate about driving international trade, shaping the future of key industries, and making a real impact in a dynamic, high-profile environment? If you thrive on strategic leadership, collaboration, and delivering results, the UK’s Department for Business & Trade (DBT) in Germany invites you to join our senior team and help accelerate economic growth across Professional Business Services, Clean Energy, and Life Sciences.

We are currently seeking a Head of Trade & Project Management Office (PMO) to be based at the British Embassy in Berlin. In this pivotal role, you’ll lead strategic initiatives, inspire high-performing teams, and work at the heart of UK‑Germany trade relations—delivering tangible outcomes for business and policy in one of Europe’s most influential markets.

Who are we?

The Department for Business and Trade’s (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 210 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.

Main purpose of job:

As a member of DBT Germany’s Senior Management Team, you will shape the strategic direction of export activity, oversee one or more key sector teams, and lead the Project Management Office (PMO). You’ll provide senior leadership across account management and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with Ministerial priorities and market developments in both the UK and Germany. Roles within DBT Germany are dynamic, requiring adaptability and a collaborative approach to meet evolving business and policy demands.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking for a leadership role where they can make a real impact, ensuring the smooth running of a large and international team to deliver tangible commercial and policy outcomes. Working as part of a world-wide network that represents British political, economic and consular interests overseas, this is an exciting role that offers significant scope for development.

We are looking for a candidate who is delivery-focused, able to inspire and motivate a team and build positive relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including at the most senior levels.

What You’ll Do:

Provide senior oversight and strategic direction for teams focused on specific industrial sectors based at the Embassy in Berlin. Guide the translation of departmental priorities and the UK’s Industrial Strategy into clear Germany-specific strategies and narratives.
Implement and oversee DBT Germany’s Exports Strategy in line with the UK government’s Industrial Strategy. Represent Germany on DBT Europe’s Regional Export Steering Committee. Maintain oversight of the pipeline capturing forthcoming export deals and drive key export workstreams across DBT Germany.
Lead and manage the PMO team made up of part‑time colleagues based in both of the DBT Germany locations. Inspire, guide, and motivate them to coordinate and manage cross‑functional projects including strategy days, L&D initiatives, internship recruitment, and senior visits.
Implement best‑practice Account Management and stakeholder engagement frameworks to ensure the team are as close to industry within Germany as possible.
Represent the team in DBT Germany’s Senior Management Team and across DBT Europe when necessary.
Actively contribute to the life of DBT Germany and the Germany Network, including corporate responsibilities and oversight of local Corporate Services in Berlin.

What You’ll Love About This Role:

Impactful Work: Play a pivotal role in shaping UK‑Germany trade relations and driving export success in one of Europe’s largest markets.
Global Network: Be part of an international organisation with opportunities to collaborate across Europe and beyond.
Professional Development: Access to learning and development programmes, leadership training, and career progression within the UK Government network.
Inclusive Culture: Join a diverse and supportive team that values collaboration, innovation, and wellbeing.
Dynamic Environment: Work on high‑profile projects and initiatives that influence policy and deliver real‑world outcomes.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

We are seeking an inspiring leader who brings:

Proficiency in English and German (both written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
Extensive experience in Account Management, including leading teams and navigating complex multi‑stakeholder environments;
Over 10 years of recent line management experience, overseeing multi‑disciplinary teams;
Strong commercial acumen with a proven track record of delivering business outcomes, gained through either business or policy‑making roles;
Sectoral experience in Professional Business Services, including Financial Services and FinTech;
Experience in contributing to Senior Leadership teams, with a demonstrated ability to influence strategic direction;
Resilient, empathetic, and purpose‑driven leadership style, focused on driving change, sustaining delivery, and supporting team morale;
Strategic thinker with a talent for setting priorities and translating them into actionable plans;
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills;
Confident engagement with senior stakeholders across sectors;
Highly resourceful, with strong analytical and research capabilities;
Keen interest in Germany–UK trade relations and broader economic developments;
Committed to diversity, inclusion, and the continuous development of staff.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Nice to have:

Knowledge of or previous experience in trade or economic policy‑making;
Knowledge of Account/Relationship Management best practice;
Experience working with companies in Germany.

Required behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Leadership, Seeing the Big Picture

Application deadline 28 January 2026 Grade Senior Executive Officer (SEO) Type of Position Full‑time, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal Working hours per week 37.5 Region Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia Country/Territory Germany Location (City) Berlin Type of Post British Embassy Number of vacancies 1 Salary Currency EUR Salary € 113,736.- rising to a maximum of approx. € 127,760.- gross per annum after a qualifying period in addition to performance related pay (salary is not negotiable). Type of Salary yearly Start Date 1 April 2026 Other benefits and conditions of employment

This is a full time (37,5 hours a week), fixed‑term 2 year contract with the possibility of a permanent contract subject to performance and funding. € 113,736.- rising to a maximum of approx. € 127,760.- 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 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 has a strong ethos of Learning and Development, including our Learning & 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 Embassy 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, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government’s Germany network and supporting the Embassy’s positive working environment.

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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Jobs:

Head of Trade and Project Management Office (PMO) (DEU25.428)

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