Head of the CFO Digital Transformation Office

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 include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency operates across multiple countries, focusing on various aspects of space exploration, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation. ESA's mission is to provide Europe with a space capability and to foster cooperation among its member states in the field of space science and technology.

Job Overview:
The Head of the CFO Digital Transformation Office will play a pivotal role in steering the digital transformation of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Finance, Controlling, and Procurement domains. Reporting directly to the Chief Digital Information Officer (CDIO), the incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that the digital, data, and IT contributions align with the CFO's strategic objectives. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape within ESA and the ability to translate CFO priorities into a cohesive digital roadmap. The role also involves overseeing the successful delivery of the CFO application portfolio, including the Agency-wide S/4HANA transformation programme, which is crucial for enhancing financial transparency and decision-making at the Agency level.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Define and own the Digital, Data, and IT contributions to the CFO digital transformation, ensuring alignment with CFO Directorate priorities.
• Establish a governance framework to support CFO digital transformation and drive decision-making within governance bodies.
• Lead the CFO Digital Transformation Office, managing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring effective collaboration across business and IT.
• Ensure coherence of digital solutions supporting CFO processes, overseeing data governance and solution integrity.
• Manage the lifecycle of the CFO application portfolio, driving modernization and integration within the broader ESA digital landscape.
• Oversee the execution of CFO digital transformation initiatives, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, cost, and quality targets.
• Act as the primary interface to the CFO Directorate for digital transformation aspects, coordinating across directorates and managing interdependencies.
• Co-lead organizational change initiatives associated with CFO digital transformation, integrating change management and training mechanisms.
• Define the transition of digital transformation components to stable operations, ensuring continuity of service and knowledge transfer.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of financial, controlling, and procurement processes, particularly their digital enablement in complex organizational environments. Proven experience in large-scale enterprise transformation programmes, including ERP systems like SAP ECC/S/4HANA, is essential. The ability to define and implement enterprise IT strategies and architectures within an international context is also required. Strong stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills at a senior level are crucial, along with excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in a relevant domain is required for this position, along with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and an additional four years of relevant experience may be considered. The educational background should ideally encompass areas related to finance, information technology, or business management.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in strategic leadership, complex decision-making, and executive stakeholder management. Experience in leading teams within large-scale transformation programmes is essential, as is the ability to provide strategic direction and foster cooperation across diverse teams.

Languages:
A good command of English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the Agency. Knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the international context of ESA.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years, extendable up to a maximum of 8 years based on performance and organizational needs. The role is based in Noordwijk, Netherlands, and may involve mobility opportunities as part of career evolution at ESA. The Agency 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. Candidates may be required to undergo selection tests and basic screening before appointment.