Manager, Innovation Solutions

GACC; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range: $85,000 – $95,000 per yr

Hybrid work environment

20 days vacation + 15 holidays

9 Sick‑days per year

Medical insurance

401(k) after one year

Job summary

GACC West in San Francisco seeks a qualified professional to manage government-funded market-entry projects for German companies expanding to the U.S. The role combines program management with cross-cultural coordination between Germany and the United States, reporting to the Vice President.

You will develop proposals, organize events, and provide strategic consulting on U.S. market entry, while tracking budgets and KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in (International) Business, Economics, or related field; master’s degree desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in German and English.
• Strong understanding of business concepts and market analysis.
• Experience managing multiple projects concurrently.
• Curiosity for topics like renewable energy, AI, and innovation methods.
• Passion for connecting people and facilitating win-wins.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt quickly.

Responsibilities

• Manage government-sponsored projects and develop proposals and market studies for the U.S. market.
• Coordinate in German with German ministries, associations, and stakeholders.
• Organize conferences, events, and mentoring programs with B2B matchmaking in the U.S.
• Track budgets, timelines, and KPIs for programs.
• Advise German companies on U.S. market entry or expansion and develop strategic plans.
• Identify prospective customers and participants via directories, client leads, orgs, and trade shows.

Skills

German-English communication

Market analysis

Project management

Multitasking

Adaptability

Attention to detail

Resilience under pressure

People skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in International Business / Economics

Master’s degree desirable

Job description

About GACC West

The German American Chamber of Commerce, West Coast (GACC West) is part of the worldwide network of German Chambers of Commerce abroad. In San Francisco, we are the bridge between German business interests and Silicon Valley innovation. As cross-cultural translators, we strengthen the transatlantic innovation ecosystem and connect entrepreneurs, industry, and innovation experts from Germany and the US. Through customized innovation programs, startup collaborations, and strategic market expansion in the Western US, we help German companies discover their US product-market fit, find strategic partners, and adapt their business models to the needs of US customers and markets, and we create sustainable transatlantic partnerships and business opportunities.

What you will do

Reporting to the Vice President, you will manage our government-funded projects and gain first‑hand experience of the workings of a transatlantic business organization.

Market Entry Programs (Government‑Funded)

• Manage government-sponsored projects, including the development of project proposals and industry-specific market studies of the U.S. market for German companies on various topics
• Correspond and coordinate in German with German ministries, German associations, and other stakeholders in preparation for each program
• Organize and develop conferences, events, and industry-specific mentoring programs for German industry groups in collaboration with our events staff, including B2B matchmaking with potential business and strategic partners in the U.S.
• Track program budgets, timelines, and KPIs

Market Entry Consulting

• Advise German companies on their U.S. market entry or expansion and work closely with clients to develop the right strategy for their business development efforts and market positioning
• Identify prospective customers, project and delegation participants through business directories, leads from existing clients, engagement in organizations and associations, and attendance at trade shows and conferences

Strategy & New Concepts

• Research industry information to identify verticals with a strong overlap for the German economy and solutions made in Germany
• Liaise with stakeholders and the whole team to identify opportunities and new concepts for projects as part of our strategy process
• Take part in our strategic program development process and define new services for our clients and partners
• Help us integrate AI into our internal processes and be a role model for responsible use of new methods and tools

Representation & Team

• Take responsibility for the office representation service of GACC and take part in our German Hub events
• Provide guidance and support to trainees

What We Are Looking For

• A bachelor’s degree in (International) Business, Economics, or a related field; a master’s degree is desired
• Relevant work experience within both the German and American business environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in German and English
• A good understanding of business concepts and experience in market analysis
• Experience managing multiple projects concurrently
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for topics such as renewable energy, autonomous driving, cleantech, AI, and innovation methods
• A passion for connecting people and facilitating win-wins
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and adapt quickly to change while maintaining a positive attitude
• Attention to detail, thoroughness, and a high level of accountability

What We Offer

• A clearly defined vision and excellent job security in a not‑for‑profit American organization with German roots
• Ownership of your work and room for your own ideas in an international team with a vibrant corporate culture
• Outstanding opportunities for your individual development
• A salary range of $85,000 – $95,000 per year, plus bonus
• Hybrid work environment
• 20 days of vacation per year plus 15 holidays
  
• 9 Sick‑days a year
• A great benefits package, including medical insurance and after one year at the company a 401(k)

A valid U.S. work authorization is required for this position, based full‑time out of our San Francisco office. GACC West does not offer visa sponsorship for this role.