COUNTRY DIRECTOR, GERMANY

Position overview

Fastned operates a European network of fast-charging stations and is seeking an interim Country Director to accelerate its growth in Germany.

The position combines country-level strategy, infrastructure deployment, operational management, commercial performance, stakeholder engagement, and people leadership. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing the company's German market strategy, improving charging network performance, increasing revenue, and ensuring that local operations remain aligned with Fastned's broader European objectives.

The role offers an opportunity to influence the development of the German EV charging market while leading a local team and collaborating directly with senior company leadership.

Key responsibilities

1. Charging network deployment and operational excellence

• Accelerate the expansion of Fastned's German charging network by identifying and removing obstacles to deployment.

• Work with the Country Execution Lead to coordinate cross-functional teams and ensure promising charging locations progress according to plan.

• Collaborate with local operations teams to maintain reliable, high-uptime charging stations.

• Protect and improve the customer experience by ensuring that charging locations meet performance and service expectations.

• Oversee day-to-day operations and continuously improve workflows, execution speed, and operational efficiency.

1. Commercial strategy and financial performance

• Work with commercial teams to grow revenue, attract customers, strengthen brand visibility, and support local marketing.

• Identify partnerships and business opportunities that can increase market share and profitability.

• Develop and scale business offerings for both business customers and individual consumers.

• Evaluate pricing strategies and business models to support commercial growth.

• Monitor costs and revenue to maintain the financial health of the German operation.

1. Stakeholder engagement and external representation

• Represent Fastned within the German electric vehicle charging ecosystem.

• Engage with relevant government bodies, industry stakeholders, and media when required.

• Represent the German market in central company decision-making.

• Communicate local market developments and provide feedback on strategic plans.

• Work with legal teams to support regulatory compliance and risk management.

1. Country strategy and execution

• Implement Fastned's strategic plan for Germany while adapting execution to local market conditions.

• Monitor market trends, competitive developments, and policy changes that could affect the business.

• Translate long-term strategic objectives into annual plans and operational priorities.

• Align local teams around common business objectives and performance expectations.

• Improve cross-functional coordination and ensure local execution remains aligned with the company's wider strategy.

1. People and organisational leadership

• Partner with HR to recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team.

• Lead workforce planning, recruitment for key positions, onboarding, and leadership development.

• Coach team members and strengthen management capability.

• Promote a culture of ownership, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

• Maintain effective communication between the German team and international colleagues.

Required qualifications and experience

• Demonstrated experience in a comparable senior management position within a fast-paced business environment.

• A strong commercial background and experience working across both B2B and B2C markets.

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and influence teams.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in both English and German.

• Experience collaborating across different business functions.

• A genuine interest in sustainability and the transition to electric mobility.

• Experience with the EV charging industry or infrastructure project challenges is considered an advantage.

• The ability to work from Fastned's Cologne office at least three days per week.

What Fastned offers

The published listing identifies the following benefits:

• 29 days of annual leave plus two Mission Days for charitable or mission-related activities.

• Flexible working hours.

• Reimbursement of travel expenses.

• Choice of IT equipment, such as a MacBook or Dell XPS and an iPhone or Android device.

• A company-covered Deutschlandticket for public transport in Germany.

• Vegetarian lunches, snacks, and drinks at the office.

• Mental wellbeing support through nilo health, including coaching and digital tools.

• A subsidised Urban Sports Club membership.

• Team events, annual company trips, and company celebrations.

Contract and timing considerations

This is a temporary leadership appointment rather than a permanent position. Fastned states that the role should start as soon as possible and end in December 2027. The three-day-per-week office requirement in Cologne and the German-language requirement are important considerations given your current travel plans and expected return date.