Business Applications Transformation Architect

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 across various locations in Europe. 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 in multiple countries, including France, the Netherlands, Italy, and the United Kingdom, and is involved in various space missions and projects that contribute to scientific knowledge and technological advancement.

Job Overview:
The Business Applications Transformation Architect is a senior-level position that plays a crucial role in overseeing the architectural governance of business management applications within ESA. This position is divided into two main areas of responsibility: firstly, acting as a transformation architect across all business management domains, which includes HR, finance, facilities management, CRM, PLM, and procurement. The architect will be responsible for establishing architectural standards, driving modernization efforts, and ensuring that the application architecture aligns with the organization's strategic goals. Secondly, the role involves being the solution architect and portfolio manager specifically for the procurement domain, where the architect will manage the entire application lifecycle, ensuring that procurement solutions are effectively integrated and deliver measurable business value. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to deliver scalable and efficient solutions while maintaining operational resilience and compliance with regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Business Applications Transformation Architect include defining and enforcing architectural standards across all application portfolios, developing frameworks and best practices for aligning architectural strategies with organizational priorities, and leading modernization efforts to transition from monolithic systems to modern architectures. The architect will establish a Competence Centre for the procurement domain, take accountability for the implementation of procurement solutions, and manage all aspects of procurement projects, including timelines, budgets, and stakeholder coordination. Additionally, the architect will collaborate with functional and technical teams to ensure that architectural designs are practical and aligned with strategic goals, mentor application support teams, engage with business and technology leaders, and ensure that all functional and technical specifications meet architectural standards. Quality assurance and documentation are also key responsibilities, ensuring that procurement solutions are stable, scalable, and well-documented.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in solution design and development of large-scale ERP, CRM, and PLM solutions, with a deep understanding of the strategic sourcing and procurement domain. Knowledge of SAP MM, Ariba, Coupa, and S4 Spend Management is highly desirable, along with familiarity with ABAP, SAP BTP, and SAP PI/PO. Candidates should have TOGAF certification or equivalent knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks, as well as PMP certification or equivalent project management expertise. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to strategically address complex business challenges. Behavioral competencies such as result orientation, operational efficiency, and relationship management are also important for this role.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this position. This educational background should provide the candidate with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively perform the duties of the Business Applications Transformation Architect.

Experience:
Candidates should have more than 10 years of professional experience in solution design and development, particularly in large-scale ERP, CRM, and PLM solutions. Experience in managing procurement transformation programs and integrating various platforms such as ERP, PLM, CRM, and HRM is highly desirable. Proven experience in implementing Agile, Waterfall, hybrid, and DevOps methodologies is also important for this role.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is a permanent contract and falls within the grade band A2-A

• However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of their master's degree, the position may be filled at the A1 level. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. The agency is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. Applications from women and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged.