Job summary

We are recruiting a Business Development and Public Relations Manager that will have a strong focus on multi-national government affairs to accelerate our growth in Europe’s fusion energy sector.

Based in Karlsruhe, you will play a critical and leading role in initiating and developing opportunities arising from the EU’s and Germany’s increased investment in fusion technologies. You will proactively build and enhance relationships with government agencies in Germany and EU, key private companies, and research institutions, ensuring our company is visible and well-positioned for funding and partnerships. Core responsibilities include creating the strategy for government affairs in KFEU as well as identifying opportunities, writing grant proposals, managing tender submissions, and representing our company at conferences and industry events. Essential skills include policy analysis, stakeholder engagement and management, strategic relationship building, proposal and grant writing, and coordination of tender bid submissions. The successful candidate will be a self-starter with strong networking abilities, native in German and fluent in English, and ideally bring prior experience and existing connections within government circles.

Job description

You will represent the company at industry events and government forums. You will negotiate partnership agreements and manage stakeholder relationships as well as identify and pursue business opportunities with public and private stakeholders.

Besides leading grant and subsidy applications for R&D and industrial projects, you will coordinate the preparation and submission of tenders and negotiate and review contracts, track sales performance and provide insights to senior management. Additionally, your tasks include monitoring and tracking sales performance and pipeline development to assist with resource planning. You will build relationships with government officials and lead advocacy efforts to position our company at the forefront of industry advancement. You may also be assigned other responsibilities as reasonably required by management.

Your area of accountability will include obtaining new projects or funding schemes to contribute to revenue generation, the management and preparation of effective bids that lead to the award of tenders/projects, contract sales up to €10 million and yearly sales budget of €1 million to €5 million.

As part of your work, international travel (including Japan) may be required.

Essential requirements

• At least 5 years’ experience in government affairs/business development in technical industries (energy, aerospace, advanced materials)
• Familiarity with EU funding mechanisms and industrial policy
• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering or related field
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in writing bids for consultancy projects in both public sector tenders and grant funding
• Proven track record of success in business development, sales or strategic partnerships within the engineering or technology sector, preferably in nuclear fusion or a related industry
• Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills with the ability to articulate technical concepts
• Native German and fluent English

Desirable requirements

• Experience working in cross-departmental and cross-cultural teams
• Experience of project management or planning for technical or engineering projects

Working environment

We offer a dynamic and inclusive working environment that fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to work-life balance and offer flexible working hours to support our employees' well-being.