Director of Space Operations

Das ist der Job

Location ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany.

Darum lohnt es sich

Technical Competencies • Strong strategic acumen with the ability to define and drive a long‑term vision for space operations. • Extensive experience in space operations and a proven track record of collaboration at the institutional level with international partners, agencies and industry. • More than 10 years’ experience in senior executive management and in the management of large programmes and teams, preferably in an international context. • Building strong relationships with key stakeholders to drive successful business outcomes.

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

As a Director, you will provide a strong strategic vision, foster cross‑institutional coordination, and ensure long‑term coherence across ESA’s space programmes. Your leadership will position ESA and its industrial ecosystem at the forefront of space operations within Europe and globally.

Key Responsibilities • Define an ESA‑wide strategy for space operations, ensuring alignment across programmes, stakeholders and industrial partners. • Drive efficiency and innovation, focusing on cost‑efficiency and the effective adoption of cutting‑edge technologies. • Oversee programme and support components, including flight operations, ground segment management, safety services, radio frequency management and representation on the Space Situational Awareness Programme Board. • Act as Head of Establishment at ESOC, managing relations with host‑country authorities and overseeing health, safety, environmental and security provisions. • Ensure the well‑being, motivation, training and career progression of the Directorate workforce, encouraging initiative, transparency and collaboration. • Identify, assess, manage and report health and safety risks within the Directorate. • Maintain a strong strategic vision, foster innovation and implement transformative approaches to enhance operational performance, efficiency and resilience.

Behavioural Competencies • Forward Thinking • Result Orientation • Operational Efficiency • Fostering Cooperation • Relationship Management • Continuous Improvement Education Applicants should hold at least a master’s degree, preferably in a technical or scientific domain.

Additional Requirements Key qualities required for the post are an innovative spirit, a strategically oriented mind, a proven capacity to lead change, and excellent relationship management, negotiation and influence skills.

In Addition, You Should Have • An excellent understanding of state‑of‑the‑art operations concepts and their future evolution, including disruptive technologies, processes and tools. • The ambition to reduce costs and increase efficiency while delivering top‑quality services. • Demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills. • The ability to reach solution‑oriented, pragmatic, timely decisions of a high standard with integrity and to support others in this process.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness ESA is an equal‑opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. All qualified candidates are welcomed regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

Nationality and Languages Only nationals of the following states are considered: 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. A good knowledge of one of these is required; knowledge of another Member State language is an asset.