Head of Collective Launch Service Procurement

Location
ESA Headquarters, Paris, France

Head of Collective Launch Service Procurement, Space Transportation Strategy and Institutional Launches, Directorate of Space Transportation (D/STS).
Under the authority of the Head of Space Transportation Strategy and Institutional Launches, you will be responsible for managing a team of experts in charge of supporting missions requiring launch service procurement and continuously assessing the launch service demand of institutional and commercial users.

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• assessing the evolution of the worldwide space transportation demand accessible to European launch service providers;
• closely monitoring launch service mission needs, in particular for European institutional missions and, to this end, regularly interacting with the main European institutional launch service customers;
• leading the Agency’s Collective Launch Service Procurement function, providing missions with an end-to-end service on all launch service aspects, from mission design definition up to launch, managing a team of experts, with technical and cost expertise support from other services of the Directorate and in coordination with the Contracts Service and, in this function, acting, at least until signature of a dedicated launch service contract, as the focal point for the provision of technical expertise on launch system-related matters, including mission feasibility analysis, launch system-to-mission compatibility, early identification of launch system adaptation and non-standard launch service needs, support to the users in the implementation of the launch services and launch service risk assessment;
• chairing tender evaluation boards for launch service procurements;
• identifying the technical and contractual evolutions necessary to enhance the efficiency and adequacy of operational European launch services;
• supporting the Directorate’s overall coordination with European launch service providers and monitoring the proper implementation of the ESA launch service procurement policy in force;
• supporting the establishment of the Ariane and Vega exploitation arrangements with Arianespace and Avio, respectively, as well as monitoring and assessing their implementation;
• supporting the procurement of launch services under the European Launcher Challenge and Boost! programmes as required.

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Solid experience in the following fields is required:

Management of complex projects entailing several direct interfaces, both in their early definition phase (phase O/A) and in their implementation phase (phases C/D and E)

Conduct of mission analysis with a view to assessing the mission’s compatibility with a given launch system

Launch service market demand and its forecast trends in the short to medium term

Knowledge of small- and/or micro-satellite projects, including CubeSats, as well as experience in the preparation and conduct of launch campaigns, preferably concerning both launcher and mission aspects, is an asset.

A master's degree in an engineering discipline is required for this post.

• Proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team;
• The ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within Strategy and Institutional Launches and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context;
• The ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation;
• Demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written;
• A proven track record of representing the Agency’s interests to external interfaces;
• Excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
• The ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• The ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity as well as to support others (team members, upper management, other stakeholders) in this process.

People management experience is required, international experience is an asset, including outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities. 

Mobility is inherent to management functions and this position may be subject to rotation. Therefore, mobility opportunities may be offered to you as part of your career evolution at ESA, starting after approximately five years in this role.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness 
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int .

Important Information and Disclaimer
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have. 

Nationality and Languages 
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia. 

According to the ESA Convention , the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States *. 

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 would be an asset.  

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.