Description

Under the direct authority of the Head of the Mission Operations Department, as Head of the Solar System and Exploration Missions Division, you will be responsible for the implementation of the ground segment and mission operations for the solar and planetary projects and missions.

Duties

In this function, you will work closely and directly with the project and mission managers and will ensure implementation of services in accordance with the agreed budget and schedule.

In addition, you will define and maintain interfaces for the scientific mission operations with the relevant divisions of the Science Operations Department. 

You will represent the project and mission managers for all project-related management issues at ESOC and will be responsible for all formal interface aspects between the ESOC ground segment implementation activities and project management, including decisions relating to all interface matters concerning ESOC. 

In carrying out your duties, you will be assisted by dedicated Spacecraft Operations Managers and Flight Control Teams responsible for:

• defining ground segment implementation requirements based on overall mission and project requirements;
• establishing a ground segment system and mission operations concept and architecture of the support facilities;
• managing the programmatic aspects of the ground segment system including all cost and schedule related matters;
• coordinating the implementation, integration and validation of the ground segment system;
• defining, planning and executing all in-flight operations from launch through in-flight commissioning to routine mission operations until the end of the mission.

You will also be responsible for managing and coordinating, on behalf of the Head of Department, the ESA-NASA Cross-Support Agreement activities in close coordination with the Head of the Ground Facilities Operations Division.

In addition, you will be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in engineering or physics is required for this post.

Additional requirements

A demonstrated ability to synthesise and balance technical, quality and programmatic information is required as well as excellent cognitive and analytical skills.

As a general requirement for any position at managerial level within ESA, you are expected to have:

• proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team;
• the ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Division and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context;
• the ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation;
• 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 organisational skills;
• the ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• the ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity as well as to support others, such as team members, upper management and other stakeholders) in this process;
• people management experience is an asset, as is international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.