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.
Who are we?
The British Embassy in Berlin is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. The Embassy is now looking for a Head of Exports – Financial & Professional Business Services for the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) team based in Berlin.
We aim to be a diverse and inclusive employer, welcoming to people of all backgrounds. The senior leadership is committed to ensuring that we are a supportive and fair place to work. The Germany Network values are kindness, inclusivity, honesty, professionalism and responsibility. These values guide how we work on a daily basis, and all staff must adhere to them.
Main purpose of job:
Leading the development and delivery of Financial & Professional Business Services (FPBS) for DBT in Germany, focusing on supporting UK commercial export opportunities and managing the International Markets team. Driving strategic initiatives, fostering industry networks, and supporting UK SMEs in high-volume exporting services.
Why Join Us?
- Be at the heart of the UK’s economic growth strategy in Europe’s largest economy.
Shape the future of Financial Services & Professional Business Services exports, two 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 Love About This Role…
- Strategic influence: Set direction and deliver measurable outcomes in high-profile sectors.
- Leadership: Manage and develop small, high-performing teams.
- 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.
Roles and responsibilities:
- Develop and implement targeted strategies for the FPBS sector.
- Define the DBT Germany strategy and approach for targeting this sector in Germany and deliver this.
- Lead a small team of our Export Support Service (up to 2–4 staff), fostering high performance and collaboration.
- 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.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
Our Ideal Candidate shows:
- Full professional proficiency in English and German (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR* framework);
- 5 plus years of professional work experience in fast‑paced operational and stakeholder‑focused environments.
- Previous experience in Financial or Professional Business Services, Fintech/Technology and the UK business landscape.
- Direct line management experience, supervising colleagues, setting daily 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.
- Confident stakeholder engager, skilled at building relationships, shaping discussions, and driving collaborative outcomes.
- Clear, energetic communicator with a bias for action, effective across multi‑disciplinary teams and varied environments.
Nice to have:
- Knowledge of or previous experience in trade or economic policy-making.
- Experience working with companies in Germany.
For further details on this internship and information on how to apply, please follow the link.