Head of the LEO Satellites Programme Office

Job Description: Head of the LEO Satellites Programme Office

As the Head of the LEO Satellites Programme Office in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications, you will report to the Head of the Satellite Programme Department (CSC-P). Your primary responsibilities include initiating and managing new LEO satellite partnership projects in collaboration with the Future Programmes Division (CSC-SF) and handling all satellite projects assigned to the LEO Satellites Programme Office. Current projects include Sunrise, Pioneer, Triton-X, Pacis 3, and Alphasat TDP.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Initiating and managing new LEO telecommunications partnership satellite projects with private and/or public entities under the ARTES 4.0 Generic Programme Line, including consolidation of programmatic assumptions regarding costs, schedules, and risks for new telecommunications satellite projects under Phase 0/A.
• Procuring the space segment, comprising satellites and launcher services, and when relevant, the associated ground control segment relating to LEO programmes and systems.
• Implementing relevant LEO space segment Core Competitiveness activities.
• Consulting with European operator and prime contractor key accounts regarding their future LEO service portfolios.
• Preparing the ITT/RFQ package, as well as preparing and organizing the TEB.
• Negotiating and signing space segment and satellite phase B/C/D/E contracts.
• Designing, developing, manufacturing, and testing the space segment and, when relevant, the associated ground segment.
• Analyzing space segment risk and identifying risk mitigation activities.
• Providing support to the partner operator for the launch and in-orbit commissioning of the space segment.
• Monitoring the initial years of operations of satellite on-board performance and issues.
• Implementing hosted payload LEO missions and operations management and coordination.
• Contributing to the Directorate’s internal and external communications on programs and projects under the Office's responsibility.

You will be supported by staff from the Business Control and Programme Management Support Office (CSC-B) for programme and project control and CADM functions, and from the Product Assurance and Safety Office (CSC-Q) for PA&S functions. Additionally, you will receive support from ESA technical, functional, and integrated support staff, in accordance with relevant service level agreements with other ESA directorates, such as the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, the Directorate of Operations, and the ESA Security Office.

You will be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing, and reporting health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical Competencies

• Multi-disciplinary knowledge of your area of responsibility.
• Knowledge of industrial cost and schedule aspects.
• Knowledge of technical domains interfacing with your area of responsibility.
• Knowledge of space system development and PA standards.
• Complex project risk management processes.
• Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification, and procurement processes.

Behavioural Competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline is required for this post.

Additional Requirements

Solid experience in managing complex space programmes up to launch and in-orbit testing, preferably in the telecommunications domain, is desirable. Direct experience of working with a commercial telecommunications company or operator is advantageous. Experience in Public Private Partnership projects would be beneficial.

You should have:

• Proven experience of leading, motivating, and developing a team of experts in a project environment.
• The ability to provide strategic direction to individuals and teams within the Programme Office and align team objectives with overall organizational goals.
• The ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organization.
• Demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management, and communication skills, both oral and written.
• A proven track record of representing the Agency’s interests to external interfaces.
• Excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning, and organizational skills.
• The ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues, and relate situations to their context.
• The ability to make solution-oriented, pragmatic, and timely decisions of high standard and integrity, and to support others in this process.

People management experience is an asset, as is international experience and experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

At ESA, we value diversity and welcome people with disabilities. We seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing necessary support at the workplace. If you have any questions, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer

Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware subject to European and US export control regulations.

Please note that ESA is transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could affect this position's organizational dynamics.

Nationality and Languages

Applications are only considered from nationals of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

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.