Director of Space Operations

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is a prominent intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to encompass 22 member states and employs approximately 2,200 staff members. The agency's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investments in space yield benefits for citizens across Europe and the globe. ESA operates in multiple countries, with its headquarters located in Paris, France, and various facilities across Europe, including the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany. The agency's annual budget for 2026 is projected to be 8.26 billion Euros, reflecting its commitment to advancing space technology and operations.

Job Overview:
The Director of Space Operations will play a pivotal role in overseeing the Directorate of Space Operations at ESA, ensuring the delivery of exceptional operational capabilities across various ESA programs. This position requires a strategic leader who can drive technology development, innovation, and standardization in space operations. The Director will be responsible for aligning space operations with the needs of ESA's Member States and the priorities of the European Union. This role involves navigating a complex stakeholder landscape and ensuring coherence across ESA's space programs, positioning ESA and its industrial ecosystem at the forefront of space operations both in Europe and globally. The Directorate comprises approximately 600 staff and contractors and manages an annual budget of around €400 million.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will report directly to the Director General and will be a member of the ESA Executive Board, contributing to strategic leadership and decision-making across the agency. Key responsibilities include defining an ESA-wide strategy for space operations, ensuring alignment across programs, stakeholders, and industrial partners. The Director will drive efficiency and innovation in space operations, focusing on cost-efficiency and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Responsibilities also include overseeing both a program component and a support component within ESA's matrix organization, managing flight operations for ESA missions, and ensuring the engineering and operation of the associated ground segment throughout the mission life cycle. The Director will act as Head of Establishment at ESOC, managing relations with administrative authorities and overseeing health, safety, environmental, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security provisions. Additionally, the Director will be responsible for leadership, people management, and risk management within the Directorate, ensuring the well-being and career progression of the workforce.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong strategic acumen, with the ability to define and drive a long-term vision while fostering innovation and implementing transformative approaches to enhance operational performance. Extensive experience in space operations is required, with a proven track record of collaboration at the institutional level with international partners, agencies, and industry. Candidates should have more than 10 years of experience in senior management positions, managing teams and programs of significant size in terms of budget and human resources, preferably in an international context. Strong relationship-building skills with key stakeholders are essential for driving successful business outcomes.

Educational Background:
Applicants should hold at least a master’s degree, preferably in a technical or scientific domain. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of space operations and the associated technologies.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have significant experience, specifically more than 10 years in senior management roles. This experience should include managing large teams and complex programs, ideally within an international context, to ensure that the candidate can effectively navigate the challenges of leading a diverse workforce and managing substantial budgets.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Director level appointment, and candidates must be eligible to acquire security clearance from their national security administrations. Applicants will undergo psychometric testing and other assessments as part of the selection process. Successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment. ESA 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. The deadline for applications is set for 30 July 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.