Head of the Controlling Hub Department

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 members. 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 across various countries, focusing on scientific research, technological development, and international cooperation in space exploration.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Controlling Hub Department plays a pivotal role in the European Space Agency's financial and operational management. Reporting directly to the Director of Controlling, Finance and Operational Procurement, this position is responsible for leading the Controlling Hub, which supports all directorates within the agency. The individual in this role will be a key member of the CFO Directorate’s management team, tasked with ensuring the effective implementation of a matrix organizational structure. This includes the efficient deployment of controlling resources and overseeing the Heads of the Business Unit Control and Programme Management Support Offices. The Head of Department will ensure high-quality, efficient, and harmonized controlling and program management support across all ESA programs and activities. This involves coherent resource planning, financial planning, compliance with agency policies, and supporting decision-making processes. The role also emphasizes operational excellence and continuous improvement, making it essential for the candidate to drive performance and foster cooperation across various teams within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of the Controlling Hub Department include: serving as a member of the Directorate Management Team, ensuring effective preparation, planning, implementation, resource management, and review of all activities within the CFO Directorate; managing a team of controllers across all ESA directorates; ensuring the availability and coordination of adequately skilled workforce through the BUC/PMSO offices; implementing the Agency’s controlling policies and program management support methods; establishing strong working relationships with the Heads of BUC/PMSO Offices and project controllers; preparing and maintaining resource plans in accordance with ESA policies; fostering project management support and digitalization of controlling processes; providing operational readiness and coherence of processes and tools; managing shared outsourced controlling services; supporting long-term program strategy alignment with financial and resource plans; ensuring coordination with the Inspector General for program implementation and risk mitigation; and identifying and managing health and safety risks within the department.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant field and have at least 10 years of professional experience in a related area. Proven experience in leading, motivating, and developing teams is essential, along with the ability to provide strategic direction and relate team objectives to organizational goals. Strong leadership, relationship management, and communication skills are required, as well as a track record of representing the agency’s interests externally. Candidates should demonstrate excellent cognitive, analytical, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to anticipate problems and resolve complex issues effectively. The ability to make timely, solution-oriented decisions with integrity is also crucial.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant domain is mandatory for this position. This educational background should ideally be complemented by professional experience in financial management, controlling, or related fields, providing the candidate with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to excel in the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, with a strong emphasis on leadership and team management. Experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities is considered an asset, as is international experience outside the candidate's home country. The role demands a proven ability to drive performance and foster cooperation across teams, making extensive experience in management functions highly desirable.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is required for the position, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset. This linguistic proficiency is essential for effective communication within the agency and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time appointment for a duration of 4 years, with the possibility of extension to an indefinite term. The role is subject to mobility, which is inherent to management functions, and candidates may be offered mobility opportunities as part of their career evolution at ESA after approximately five years in this role. 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. Additionally, applicants must be eligible to access information and technology subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.