Acting Frankfurt Correspondent

About us

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.

At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.

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Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

 

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion 

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

 

The Role

We are looking for an acting Frankfurt correspondent, to cover a period of parental leave. This role covers German industry, one of the most important and interesting beats at the heart of the FT’s European corporate coverage. You will report on many of Europe’s biggest manufacturers  from Volkswagen to Siemens, while taking the lead in writing about wider trends in European industry — from chipmakers to conglomerates.

A key focus is Germany’s globally important auto industry, which has been pushed into an existential crisis by the demise of the internal combustion engine, new rivals from China and the global trade war. You will be expected to break news on the car companies such as VW, BMW and Mercedes-Benz as well as write analysis on the changes affecting the sector. 

The job is based in Frankfurt, but involves frequent travel across Germany to get under the skin of both industrial giants like Infineon and ThyssenKrupp and specialist Mittelstand firms. You will tap into the boardrooms of corporate Germany  and liaise with the country’s powerful unions to explain how the corporate core of Europe’s largest economy is wrestling with the fallout from the trade war and geopolitical tensions. 

The bulk of the coverage will be for the companies desk, but there is plenty of scope to also write for the world desk, FT Weekend and to do business features and interviews. 

 

Key responsibilities

• Generate scoops and exclusive interviews while writing breaking news and original features
• Core coverage of VW, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and auto supply chains
• Stay on top of other big industrial groups including Siemens, ThyssenKrupp, BASF, and Lufthansa
• Report on interesting Mittelstand companies
• Write mainly for the companies desk but contribute to other parts of the FT, such as world 
• Cooperate effectively with colleagues in Frankfurt, Berlin and across Europe
• Weekend shifts are required as set out in the team rota

 

Who we are looking for

The ideal candidate will speak at least some German. They are a reporter with some experience who has shown they can both break important scoops and write agenda-setting analysis pieces. An ability to collaborate with editors and fellow correspondents is crucial.

 

Please submit your application by the end of the day, Wednesday 11th June 2025. 

 

The use of AI

Original reporting, great writing and intelligent commentary lie at the heart of FT journalism.  Our readers trust us to produce quality journalism that is accurate, fair and insightful. This is why FT editorial staff do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to write articles or create other reader-facing content. For specific and pre-approved cases, AI can be harnessed for certain tasks, such as assisting data research for investigations.  

We expect applicants to the FT newsroom to refrain from using AI in their test submissions, and any written materials should be a genuine reflection of their own knowledge, skills and experiences. We encourage candidates only to employ AI as a tool to help with research and interview readiness for a role. 

Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process is monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.

 

What’s in it for you? Our benefits

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.

We’ve embraced a hybrid working model (three days per week onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.

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