Manager, Innovation Solutions

GACC West; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

20 days vacation per year

15 holidays

9 Sick-days a year

Medical insurance

401(k) after one year

Job summary

GACC West, based in San Francisco, seeks a program manager to lead government-funded projects and market-entry consulting for German and American businesses. The role involves coordinating with ministries, organizing events, and guiding initiatives within a hybrid work environment.

You will track budgets and KPIs, pursue international partnerships, and help develop new services while integrating responsible AI into processes. Strong German/English skills are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in (International) Business, Economics, or related field; master’s degree desired.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in German and English.
• Experience in both German and American business environments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Curiosity for renewable energy, autonomous driving, cleantech, AI and innovation methods.
• Passion for connecting people and creating win-wins.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt quickly while staying positive.
• Attention to detail, thoroughness, and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Manage government-funded projects, develop proposals and market studies for the U.S. market.
• Coordinate in German with German ministries, associations and stakeholders for each program.
• Organize conferences, events and mentoring programs and arrange B2B matchmaking in the U.S.
• Track program budgets, timelines and KPIs.
• Advise German companies on U.S. market entry or expansion and develop strategies with clients.
• Identify prospective customers and participants through directories, client leads, trade shows and associations.
• Identify verticals with strong overlap for German economy and solutions made in Germany.
• Work with the team to identify opportunities and develop new services; integrate AI into internal processes.
• Support office representation and guide trainees.

Skills

German-English communication

Project management

Stakeholder collaboration

Attention to detail

Under pressure adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in International Business or Economics

Master’s degree preferred

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.