Head of the Real Estate and Facilities Management Division C

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to encompass 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff across various locations in Europe. The agency's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA operates multiple facilities across Europe, including sites in Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, focusing on a wide range of space-related activities, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Real Estate and Facilities Management Division C will oversee the Real Estate and Facilities Management Department, which is responsible for managing eight sites across Europe, totaling approximately 250,000 square meters of working space and housing over 7,000 employees. This role involves strategic planning and development within the department, ensuring efficient service delivery across all sites. The successful candidate will be part of the Senior Leadership Team, collaborating with other division heads to drive the department's strategic objectives. The position requires a strong focus on operational efficiency, quality assurance, and the management of capital infrastructure projects, particularly at the ESOC site. The Head of Division C will also be responsible for the management and development of administrative and technical infrastructure, ensuring that services are delivered effectively and in alignment with the agency's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As the Head of REFM Division C, the individual will be accountable for the development and quality assurance of ESA-wide Hard Facilities Management Services and Business Continuity Management for core infrastructure. Responsibilities include managing Site Managers at ESOC, EAC, and ESEC, overseeing the Safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Officer, and providing expert support to key stakeholders. The role involves ensuring the tactical and operational delivery of services is executed efficiently and cost-effectively. The Head will manage capital infrastructure projects, including the Accelerated Investment Programme for ESOC, and will be responsible for financial management, yearly planning, and execution of budgets across multiple cycles. Additionally, the Head will ensure compliance with quality management systems and engage in the development of the REFM Digital Agenda, driving digital transformation across services and sites.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant domain and have proven experience in leading and developing teams within the real estate and facilities management sector. Strong leadership qualities are essential, along with the ability to provide strategic direction and relate team objectives to the agency's overall goals. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, are required, as well as the ability to represent the agency's interests externally. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills, with a proven track record in managing complex projects and resolving conflicts effectively.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field is mandatory for this position. This educational background should ideally be complemented by additional qualifications or certifications in facilities management, project management, or related disciplines that enhance the candidate's ability to perform in this role.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in the real estate and facilities management domain, with a strong emphasis on people management and leadership. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams and contracted services in a complex, multi-site organization. International experience is advantageous, particularly in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities. The ability to navigate organizational transitions and adapt to evolving business environments is also crucial.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the agency. A good knowledge of one of these languages is required, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing communication within the diverse workforce of ESA.

Additional Notes:
This position is a permanent contract and is classified under Grade Band A

• The role may involve mobility opportunities as part of career evolution within ESA, typically after five years in this position. The agency is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. Applicants must be eligible to acquire security clearance and may be subject to selection tests during the recruitment process. The agency values diversity and seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities, providing necessary support during the recruitment process.