Head of Power Grid and Heat Infrastructure

The British Consulate in Düsseldorf is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. It is also part of the UK's Germany Network. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is a UK Government department which helps build an appetite for British goods and services globally, promotes and finances international trade and investment, and champions global free trade. DBT at the British Consulate in Düsseldorf is currently looking for a Head of Power Grid and Heat Infrastructure.

This is a strategically important role at the centre of the UK's clean growth infrastructure agenda in Germany. With clean energy infrastructure recognised as a priority sector within the UK's Industrial Strategy, and the North Seas Summit in Germany approaching in January 2026, the new hire will lead targeted work to advance UK trade, investment, and policy interests in this critical area.

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Role Overview:

The Head of Power Grid and Heat Infrastructure will advance the UK's commercial and policy interests in the clean energy sector, working across DBT's four pillars (Trade, Investment, Market Access, and Policy). This is a proactive, outward-facing role that will identify and deliver opportunities for UK businesses, attract inward investment, and support UK-Germany collaboration on the physical and digital infrastructure needed for clean growth.

Working as part of the DBT Germany Clean Growth Team (alongside two other teams), the postholder will also help establish a dedicated clean tech function in Germany and act as a point of connection with the DBT Tech and Innovation team. They will provide specialist insight to inform the team's work leading up to the North Seas Summit and play a key role in coordinating business and policy engagement across UK and German stakeholders.

To deliver on these goals, your key responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans to boost UK trade and investment in power grid infrastructure, including transmission and distribution and grid network, grid interconnectors and storage, as well as for heat infrastructure (home, industrial and district heating).
• Scope and support the development of a new clean tech function within DBT Germany.
• Identify high-value export opportunities and facilitate connections between UK businesses and German buyers or partners.
• Promote UK capabilities across clean energy infrastructure sectors, including (smart) electricity grids and electricity storage.
• Support efforts to attract German investment into UK-based electricity grid, storage and heat infrastructure projects.
• Monitor and analyse sector trends, procurement pipelines, and regulatory developments relevant to UK commercial interests.
• Address market access challenges including identifying regulatory barriers to British exports and influencing German stakeholders to remove or reduce barriers.
• Ensure business insights inform UK-Germany policy discussions and DBT strategy.
• Represent DBT and the UK Government at sector events, industry forums, and bilateral engagements.
• Lead input into preparations for the North Seas Summit and help shape DBT Germany's power grid infrastructure and European (north seas) grid interconnectors narrative.
• Collaborate with colleagues across DBT's trade, investment, market access, and policy teams to ensure coherent delivery.
• Contribute to performance reporting, briefings, and provide strategic advice to colleagues on clean growth infrastructure engagement.

Profil

Our ideal candidate has:

• Fluency at C1 level in German and English, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• Strong experience in clean energy infrastructure or a closely related field (e.g. smart grids, offshore energy networks and interconnectors, grid storage and heating), with a track record of commercial, technical or policy delivery.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage and develop teams.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with senior stakeholders across business, government and/or the wider public sector.
• Strong analytical and strategic skills, with experience using market and policy insights to shape delivery plans or business engagement.
• Experience working across multiple teams or organisations to align objectives and coordinate work.

Good to have:

• Prior experience working in international environments, with government, business or trade promotion organizations.
• Understanding of how infrastructure projects are developed and financed, ideally with knowledge of both UK and German market contexts.
• Knowledge of German policy frameworks and procurement systems related to energy, climate, or infrastructure development.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering measurable results against commercial targets and KPIs.

Wir bieten

This is a full time, fixed-term 2 year contract with the possibility of a permanent contract subject to performance and funding. Salary € 85,284.00 rising to a maximum of approx. €95,800.00 gross per annum after a qualifying period in addition to performance related pay (salary is not negotiable) after successful probationary period and per the T&Cs.

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.

Learning and development opportunities: The British Government Germany Network has a strong ethos of Learning & Development, including our Learning & Development Week. In addition, there will be many opportunities for support, including mentoring, coaching, job shadowing and secondments and dedicated L& D days. This is in addition to the induction programme offered to all staff.

Europe DBT network and the Embassy in Germany and Consulates General in Dusseldorf and Munich 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.

The successful applicants 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 a positive working environment.

Working patterns: Working hours- 37.5 hours per week
This is a fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension subject to performance and funding.
Working pattern will be in line with British Embassy's internal policies. In order to carry out their work, the post-holder may be required to work outside the normal working hours from time to time.
The British Embassy has a flexible working policy.

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 and the FCDO Germany Network want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, regardless of their background.

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