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.
The British Embassy in Berlin and the British Consulate-General in Munich, are a large overseas mission in the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) network, with a considerable number of official visitors including Royals and senior ministers. We are looking for a Senior Business Development Manager to promote Technology Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the United Kingdom.
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.
As the selected candidate you will be based at the British Consulate-General in Munich. This is a fixed-term 2 year contract with the possibility of a permanent contract subject to performance and funding.
Why should you apply?
The UK has one of the most vibrant Tech ecosystems in the world. This position is pivotal in shaping the UK-Germany bilateral relationship in the technology sector, acting as a strategic bridge between both countries’ tech ecosystems. You will play a key role in fostering innovation, investment, and collaboration between two of Europe’s most dynamic digital economies.
This job offers the opportunity to work at the heart of the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) strategy to strengthen partnerships in the tech sector between the UK and Germany and promote inward investment to the UK by focusing on technology sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Climate Tech, Deep Tech, and Cyber Security.
You will engage directly with Germany’s leading technology corporates and high-growth start-ups, identifying those with the potential to invest in the UK and create high-value jobs. The role offers autonomy and the freedom to shape your own direction within the Tech team, particularly in cultivating key contacts across business and government.
You will develop and manage a strong pipeline of investment projects, map new opportunities in the fast-evolving tech sector, and facilitate meetings for senior diplomats and ministers. You will also advise colleagues in London on commercial trends and policy developments.
You will be part of a friendly and supportive team at DBT Germany and a wider European network, with regular opportunities to travel. DBT Germany offers a modern and flexible working environment, including the option to work partially from home. As with all DBT roles, collaboration across the Germany Network is essential to maximise opportunities for the UK.
The work will be varied and demanding. The successful candidate will be a flexible, committed self-starter, able to manage competing priorities and deliver under tight deadlines.
Any other duties that may reasonably be required in support of the wider work of the Consulate-General, including crisis work.
Key Responsibilities:
- Secure Strategic Investments
Develop and present tailored investment proposals to German tech companies, particularly in high-growth areas such as AI, Climate Tech, and Cyber Security. - Engage with Senior Stakeholders
- Represent the UK Government in discussions with senior executives and C-level decision-makers in the German tech sector.
- Promote the UK Tech Ecosystem
- Act as an ambassador for the UK’s technology strengths, highlighting opportunities for German companies to invest and collaborate.
- Advise on Strategic Commercial Projects
Provide expert input on commercial initiatives and support senior diplomats and visiting UK officials with sector-specific insights. - Represent the UK at External Events
- Participate in events that promote UK-Germany tech collaboration and showcase UK capabilities.
- Monitor sector trends and regulatory developments
Monitor and analyse sector trends, investment pipelines, and regulatory developments relevant to UK and German commercial interests - Contribute to UK-Germany tech policy discussions
- Ensure business insights inform UK-Germany policy discussions and DBT strategy
- Shape overall technology sector engagement strategy
Contribute to performance reporting, briefings, and provide strategic advice to colleagues on technology sector engagement - Essential qualifications, skills and experience
- The ability to speak and write English and German (to at least level C2 CEFR*);
- Experience in the tech sector or in Foreign Direct Investment;
Commercial experience in Business Development or Relationship Management;
Excellent interpersonal and networking skills to be credible with the most senior business leaders; - Strong written, analytical and research skills;
- Very good IT skills, especially MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel;
- Self-Starter – ability to work well on own initiative;
- Ability to work under pressure and juggle multiple priorities effectively.
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience :
- Experience working in the start-up ecosystem;
- Experience working in Governmental affairs.
Communicating and Influencing, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Seeing the Big Picture