Job Title: 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.
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.
Job Description:
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.
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.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
* 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.
Benefits:
* 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.
* Opportunities for personal and professional development, including learning and development week, mentoring, coaching, job shadowing and secondments.
* A diverse and engaged workplace.
* Flexible working hours and flexible working patterns.
Others:
* Professional background check and security clearance required.
* Pre-existing work authorisation in Germany required.
* Visa/work permit requirements apply.