Head of the Digital, Data and IT Infrastructure and Digital Workplace Division

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, satellite technology, and scientific research. ESA's mission is to provide Europe with a space capability and to foster international cooperation in space exploration and technology development.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Digital, Data and IT Infrastructure and Digital Workplace Division will play a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape of the European Space Agency. Reporting directly to the Chief Digital Information Officer (CDIO), this position is responsible for the establishment, operation, and continuous evolution of ESA's digital infrastructure and workplace capabilities. The role encompasses strategic and operational leadership, ensuring that the technology foundations are robust enough to support mission delivery, business continuity, and digital transformation. The successful candidate will oversee various technology platforms, including cloud services, high-performance computing, and end-user services, ensuring they align with ESA's Digital, Data and IT Strategy. This position is crucial for enabling ESA's resilience and dual-use ambitions while providing the necessary technology capabilities to support various directorates and mission activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Head of the Digital, Data and IT Infrastructure and Digital Workplace Division include leading and developing the division, providing strategic direction, and fostering a strong performance culture among a multidisciplinary workforce. The individual will be responsible for the Agency's infrastructure, platform, and end-user technology capabilities, ensuring secure and scalable technology foundations that support mission operations. Key responsibilities include driving the modernization of ESA's infrastructure ecosystem, enabling the Digital, Data and IT Strategy, and ensuring collaboration with stakeholders to deliver critical infrastructure capabilities. The role also involves managing strategic suppliers and technology partnerships, leading the transformation of digital infrastructure, and fostering an environment of operational excellence and innovation. Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for identifying and managing health and safety risks within their area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related discipline. A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in digital technologies, data, and IT is required, with substantial leadership experience in complex infrastructure and technology operations environments. At least eight years of experience in senior leadership positions with accountability for large multidisciplinary teams and mission-critical technology services is essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate proven experience in leading and developing teams, providing strategic direction, and driving performance across the organization.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, information technology, engineering, mathematics, or physics is mandatory for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of digital technologies and infrastructure management required for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of experience in digital technologies, data, and IT, with a focus on leadership roles. Candidates should have substantial experience in managing complex infrastructure and technology operations, with at least eight years in senior leadership positions overseeing large teams and critical technology services. Experience in environments such as space, aerospace, or dual-use organizations is considered a strong asset.

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 four-year appointment, extendable to indefinite, and is based in either Frascati, Italy, or Noordwijk, Netherlands. The role may involve mobility opportunities as part of career evolution at ESA, typically after approximately five years in this position. 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 Agency values diversity and seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities in the workplace. Applicants must be eligible to access information and technology subject to European or US export control regulations and must be able to acquire security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearance by their national security administrations.