Director of Commercialisation and Industry Partnership

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe's gateway to space, established to shape the development of Europe's space capability. ESA's mission is to ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. With an annual budget of 8.26 billion Euro in 2026, ESA operates across multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to advancing space exploration and technology.

Job Overview:
The Director of Commercialisation and Industry Partnership will lead ESA's commercialisation and business development strategy, playing a pivotal role in shaping Europe's agenda in the global space economy. This position requires a visionary leader who can act as a catalyst for market development, ensuring that Europe's space investments translate into sustainable economic value and strategic advantage. The role involves close collaboration with industry leaders, institutional partners, and international stakeholders to drive the evolution of the European space ecosystem. Regular travel to ESA sites and Member States is required, emphasizing the importance of on-site presence at ECSAT in Harwell, UK, for commercialisation activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Shape ESA’s Commercialisation vision and strategy by defining and driving the commercialisation and business development strategy, supporting the industrialisation of space technologies, and enabling the development of integrated downstream applications.
• Accelerate industry growth and market development by strengthening the position of European industry in the global space economy, fostering international partnerships, and facilitating access to investments.
• Lead major commercial programmes, ensuring coordination across ESA directorates, and oversee key programmes like ARTES 4.0 and ACCESS.
• Build and maintain relationships with external entities, including Member State delegations, industry, academia, and international partners.
• Ensure the well-being and career progression of the Directorate workforce, promoting a collaborative environment and managing health and safety risks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have more than 10 years of experience in senior management positions, preferably in an international context. A well-established network and understanding of the commercialisation of technology or space-related programmes are essential. Proven experience in business management, developing new business areas, and leveraging financial resources is required. Strong knowledge of key space-industrial stakeholders in Europe and worldwide is crucial, along with familiarity with the ESA institutional framework and the European and international space sector.

Educational Background:
A master's degree is required for this position, preferably in law, economics, business administration, or a technical domain. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of the role and to effectively lead ESA's commercialisation efforts.

Experience:
Candidates should possess extensive experience in senior management roles, particularly in managing teams and programmes of significant size in terms of budget and human resources. Experience in an international context is highly desirable, as is a proven track record of developing new business areas and managing complex projects.

Languages:
The working languages of ESA are English and French, with a good knowledge of one of these languages required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse workforce of ESA.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Director level role, with a focus on full-time engagement. The recruitment process is open to nationals from specific European countries, and applicants must be eligible to acquire security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearance. Candidates will undergo psychometric testing and other assessments as part of the selection process. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics.