View Vacancy – Head of Business Communications (DEU21.067)

Due to COVID-19, you may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign. We are working hard to minimise any disruption. You may find more information in the Additional Information section below.

The British Embassy in Berlin is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for a Head of Business Communications to be part of the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Germany.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the British government’s international economic department. This is a new position, offering the right candidate an exciting opportunity to be involved in shaping DIT strategy in one of our biggest and most important markets.

Germany is the UK’s second largest trading partner, second largest export market and the UK’s second largest import market, with total trade in goods and services worth £120.2bn in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2020. The UK and Germany have a long and strong history. The jobholder will play a key role delivering on the Embassy’s wider objectives following the UK’s exit from the European Union, as we look towards a new and reinvigorated bilateral and economic relationship between the UK and Germany.

As Head of Business Communications for DIT, you will be one of the most senior members of DIT Germany, a team of 40 colleagues based in the Embassy in Berlin and Consulates-General in Düsseldorf and Munich. The successful candidate will work closely with Senior Management and colleagues across the Germany Network in order to develop and implement a new and effective communications strategy in support of DIT Trade Plan Objectives. These include supporting UK exports to Germany, attracting high quality FDI into the UK and engaging on market access and trade policy issues.

Working closely with the DIT Europe Communications Team and the Germany Network Communications and Bilateral Section based at the British Embassy Berlin, the jobholder will have responsibility for identifying opportunities for messaging to German business audiences via sector-specific trade/business media. They will ensure that DIT’s commercial priorities are reflected across the broader Germany Network strategic communications approach, for example around key bilateral issues and priority areas such as Clean Growth, Technology/Digital and Health and Life Sciences.

The successful candidate will have the exciting opportunity to highlight the role of business in the Germany Network’s focus on the UK’s global priorities e.g. as hosts of the upcoming COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow or the UK’s G7 Presidency, both in 2021.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategy, Planning and Delivery 40%

• Develop and deliver a strategic communications strategy for DIT Germany, one of DIT Europe’s biggest and most important markets;
• Work in close collaboration with the Germany Network Communications and Bilateral Section and Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Berlin to shape and deliver agreed priorities. Ensure DIT’s policy and trade objectives are included in a strategic communications plan for the whole Germany Network and that DIT’s commercial priorities are reflected across the broader Germany Network approach. Identify business success stories which can be promoted more widely by the Germany Network;
• Work proactively to identify issues and opportunities for messaging to German business audiences via specialist trade/business media. Provide advice and guidance to the Embassy Senior Management team as they relate to business and DIT trade and investment communications priorities. This will include contributing to briefings, speeches, op-eds etc. for Ministers, government officials and VIP visits;
• Work closely with DIT Germany COO to ensure plans identify business needs and issues, set objectives, define key milestones, achieve deliverables, ROI and evaluation needs.

Leadership & Engagement 40%

• As a senior member of DIT Germany, inspire and equip the team to think creatively to achieve DIT Germany’s cross-Government Business planning work. Provide support and guidance from a communications perspective on business planning, shaping core messaging, sharing best practice and upskilling;
• Develop and strengthen relationships with key external stakeholders who can amplify and deliver our communications messaging and objectives. This might include trade press and business publications, IHKs, trade associations, British Chambers of Commerce Germany or communications teams in German businesses and industry bodies. Provide guidance on engagement in order for the team to build and maintain strategic external relationships with multipliers and other partners in support of their business plans;
• Oversee internal communications for DIT Germany within the Germany Network and DIT Europe Region to ensure visibility, engagement and collaboration, coordinating closely with wider Germany Network internal communications led by the Communication and Bilateral Section;
• Develop and maintain a strong set of core material for both external and internal stakeholders, delivering targeted and informative communications to promote cohesiveness, key trade and investment messaging, facts, figures, success stories, etc..

Line Management of the DIT Strategic Communications and Marketing Team 20%

• Provide guidance and support to the DIT Germany Strategic Communications and Marketing team, a team of 3 colleagues based in the British Embassy and Consulates-General. This includes direct line management responsibilities;
• Oversee the team’s activities supporting regional / global campaigns (e.g. GREAT, DIT Europe Tech and Clean Growth Campaigns) as part of the DIT Europe Communications Team, to ensure these are reflected in the overarching Germany Network Communications and Bilateral strategy and adequately adapted to suit the German market;
• Ensure the team has sufficient support, guidance and L&D opportunities to effectively deliver a bespoke and strong programme of communication activity for the large and diverse DIT Germany Team.

• Proficiency in English and German (both written and spoken, minimum of C2 level for CEFR framework*);
• Degree and/or professional background in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science or International Relations;
• An interest in trade and investment; the ideal candidate would bring with them a strong industry background and trade/business press network.
• Ability to effectively and credibly engage with stakeholders at a senior level; strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively at the most senior level of government, business, media;
• Leadership/management experience;
• Ability to work across multiple teams and with partners based in different locations;
• Evidence of strong relationship and account management skills and a demonstrated ability to think strategically;
• Excellent research and writing skills, to provide clear, concise summaries, briefing and to respond to ad hoc requests at short notice;
• Strong organisational and time management skills;
• Self-Starter – proactive with the ability to work well on own initiative;
• Commitment to being part of a diverse and engaged team: All staff are expected to contribute to the wider objectives of the British Government’s Germany network and to support the Embassy’s positive working environment.