Director of Space Operations

Das ist der Job

Building strong relationships with key stakeholders to drive successful business outcomes.

Darum lohnt es sich

Extensive experience in space operations with a proven track record of collaboration at institutional level with international partners, agencies and industry. More than 10 years of experience in senior management positions at executive level and in the management of teams and programmes of significant size.

Ability to support others (team members, upper management, other stakeholders) in this process.

Director of Space Operations European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting a strategic leader to oversee the Directorate of Space Operations, ensuring delivery of world‑class operational capabilities across ESA programmes while driving technology development, innovation, and standardisation in space operations.

ESA’s Directorate of Space Operations comprises approximately 600 staff and contractors across multiple sites in Europe, with an annual budget of around €400million. Duties Define an ESA‑wide strategy for space operations: shape and implement a coherent strategy, ensuring alignment across programmes, stakeholders and industrial partners.

Drive efficiency and innovation: steer the future of space operations in Europe, with a strong focus on cost‑efficiency and the adoption of cutting‑edge technologies.

Programme and support responsibilities: responsible for a programme component and a support component, covering preparation and execution of flight operations, engineering and operation of the associated ground segment throughout the mission life cycle, and activities related to space safety and associated operational services.

Act as Head of Establishment: responsible for relations with the administrative authorities of the host country, and for on‑site health, safety, environmental and security provisions.

Leadership, people management and risk management: ensure the well‑being, motivation, training and career progression of the Directorate workforce, promote initiative, transparency and collaboration with other Directorates, and identify, assess, manage and report health and safety risks.

Technical Competencies Strong strategic acumen, ability to define and drive long‑term vision, foster innovation and implement transformative approaches.

Behavioural Competencies Forward thinking Result orientation Operational efficiency Fostering cooperation Relationship management Continuous improvement Education Applicants should have at least a master’s, preferably in a technical or scientific domain.

Additional Requirements Excellent understanding of state‑of‑the‑art operations concepts and their future evolution, including disruptive technologies, processes and tools. Ambition to reduce costs and increase efficiency while delivering top quality services. Demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills.

Ability to reach solution‑oriented, pragmatic, timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity.

Nationality and Languages Applications are only considered from nationals of Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French; knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset. Important Information and Disclaimer Applicants must be eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations. Applicants will be required to undergo psychometric testing and other assessments.

If invited for interview, they will be asked to provide references. Successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment.

Equal Employment Opportunity ESA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Salary: EUR - per year. #J-18808-Ljbffr