Head of Professional Business Services

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 Professional and Business Services (PBS).

This is a new role that will lead the development and delivery of PBS for DBT in Germany and will predominantly focus on supporting commercial export opportunities from the UK, requiring significant links into PBS markets/ buyers in Germany. The role will also have responsibility for managing the established International Markets team (based in Düsseldorf and Munich), which has a particular focus on supporting Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) export from the UK across all sectors, the teams also work closely with colleagues in our International Markets Trade Hub based in Prague.

Aufgaben

Role Overview:

The Head of Professional and Business Services leads the UK Government's efforts to significantly enhance the export of professional and business services from the UK to Germany. The PBS sector includes legal services, accountancy, consultancy, marketing, architecture, engineering, and related sectors.

Recognised as one of the high-growth sectors in the UK Government's strategic trade priorities, PBS plays a central role in driving innovation, high-skilled employment, and economic resilience. DBT has committed to deepening international demand for these services and levelling up regional participation in PBS trade.

This strategically important senior role will drive commercially-focused initiatives, leveraging deep networks and industry-specific expertise to proactively identify, develop, and maximize commercial opportunities within the German market. The role is critical to advancing the UK's strategic economic and trade objectives in Germany, requiring an individual who is commercially astute, strategically proactive, and adept at navigating complex international environments. In addition to export promotion activities, the role includes leading a small team dedicated to supporting UK SMEs in exporting their services successfully. This team act as the key point of contact for the Head of Trade at the Embassy supporting the DBT trade team on matters related to the triage of export enquiries and the wider DBT Export Support Eco-system. They also provide expert guidance and support to sectoral teams in Germany , helping them determine the best ways to assist exporters through DBT Export Support Service

To deliver on these goals, your key responsibilities

Commercial Leadership and Export Promotion (70%)

• Develop and implement targeted, strategic plans to increase UK professional and business services exports to Germany.
• Conduct detailed market analysis to identify growth sectors, emerging market trends, and competitor positioning.
• Identify market access barriers, advocate proactively for policy changes, and develop strategies to navigate and mitigate these barriers.
• Design best practice approaches to services tenders or common market access issues that occur across services in different sectors
• Support other sector teams to identify higher value services market access barriers and higher value services opportunities
• Foster and maintain robust industry networks across Germany and the EU, securing partnerships and strategic alliances to boost trade.
• Act as the primary representative of DBT and the UK Government at high-profile industry events, sector-specific conferences, and official bilateral engagements.
• Provide expert strategic advice to UK businesses, guiding and facilitating their entry and sustainable expansion within the German market.

SME Export Team Leadership (30%)

• Lead, motivate, and manage a specialist team dedicated to delivering tailored export support to UK SMEs.
• Oversee the development and execution of innovative export programs, training initiatives, and advisory services designed specifically for SMEs.
• Establish clear and measurable performance objectives for the SME support team, monitoring outcomes and continuously driving improvements in service delivery and export results.
• Ensure seamless collaboration with wider DBT teams, other UK government departments, and local German stakeholders to leverage collective resources and maximize effectiveness.

Profil

Our ideal candidate has:

• Fluency at C1 level in German and English, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• Extensive senior-level commercial experience in or with professional and business services, demonstrating a clear track record of driving successful commercial outcomes.
• Well-established network of influential industry contacts within Germany's professional and business services market.
• Comprehensive understanding of German market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, business culture, and bilateral and EU trade environment.
• Proven leadership capabilities, with substantial experience managing, developing, and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with strong capabilities in communication, relationship-building, and strategic influence.

Good to have:

• Prior experience working in international environments, with UK business or trade promotion organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering measurable results against commercial targets and KPIs.

Wir bieten

T his 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.

STBL1_DE