Project Controller

Description

This role is for a Project Controller in the Project Control and Management Support Office (PMSO) of the Projects Department (EOP-P), Business Unit Controlling Office (EOP-B), Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

In this role, you will be responsible for project control activities supporting the Projects Department (EOP-P).

You will report to the Head of the assigned Programme Control Section for the PMSO of the Projects Department, while functionally supporting the project manager(s) of the assigned project(s).

Your primary duties will include overseeing cost, schedule and risk management for space segment development activities. You will provide essential support to project teams in managing their interfaces with international partners, as well as with ESA’s internal entities. This requires a thorough understanding of programmatic needs and an ability to deliver insightful analysis to support decision-making.

A key aspect of your role will be the preparation and monitoring of complex procurements, ensuring smooth progress from tendering to contract closure. This will involve extensive collaboration and negotiations with industrial partners and internal stakeholders. Your responsibilities will also include ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and monitoring progress to achieve project objectives efficiently and effectively.

Duties

You will be responsible for preparing, developing and maintaining the overall programmatic aspects of the projects and missions, including the space segment, payload, launch, ground segment and Agency-provided services. The programmatic aspects include costs, finance, schedules, logistics, configuration, documentation, progress monitoring and geographical return, as well as general project administration. Active monitoring is expected, identifying and reporting trends, deviations from plans, potential problem areas and proposing/implementing remedial actions in coordination with the project manager(s). Compliance with budgetary provisions and financial regulations is also expected.

Your tasks and responsibilities will also include:

• Implementing and operating planning and control procedures to provide full visibility over the progress of all activities, using established procedures and information systems; this includes maintaining ESA’s ERP system for project-related data;
• Assisting in the preparation of tender documents with respect to cost, management and schedule/planning requirements and participating in the evaluation of proposals;
• Preparing the information required for subsequent contract negotiations and participating in all tasks related to the placing of contracts, including negotiations with industry;
• Implementing risk management procedures as part of the Agency-wide risk management policy and identifying potential problem areas in those procedures, proposing mitigation actions and preparing risk reports as required;
• Ensuring compliance with specific rules and regulations for financial management, audits, reporting and control;
• Coordinating, with the assistance of dedicated schedule engineering support, the scheduling of the projects under your responsibility and tracking potential implications for costs, risks, delivery dates and internal resources;
• Helping to organise project reviews and participating in reviews in the areas of your project control-related responsibility;
• Supporting the closure of industrial contracts and the financial year closure exercise;
• Supporting inventory control and asset management for the assigned projects;
• Participating in the establishment and maintenance of the Directorate’s project control procedures and computerised information systems;
• Supporting the Project Control Team Leader and Senior Financial Controller in the performance of their duties.

Technical competencies

• Good understanding of the relevant procurement regulations
• Understanding of the financial regulatory framework, financial accounting and auditing techniques
• Understanding of space system architectures
• Project management and risk management
• Cost control and planning of resources and activities
• Strong analytical and reporting skills

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

Education

A master’s degree in a relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You must have previous professional experience as a controller in a project or programme setting, preferably gained in industry or at an agency. Substantial experience is essential in the application of project management and project control principles and advanced project control techniques, as well as in the preparation, negotiation and implementation of major industrial procurements. Engineering experience in a project or programme setting is considered an asset.

You should have a solid working background in the disciplines relating to the tasks described, including cost control, resource and activity planning, project management, risk management and procurement regulations. Good knowledge and/or understanding of the financial regulatory framework, financial accounting and auditing techniques, as well as space system architectures, is an asset.

Important Information and Disclaimer

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

Nationality and Languages

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.