Head of the PMSO Section for Ariane 6 Programmes

EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY; Paris; Sur place; EUR 120 000 - 165 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

European Space Agency in Paris seeks a Head of the PMSO Section for Ariane 6 Programmes to lead a team of Controllers delivering project control and management support across all Ariane 6 initiatives.

You will drive budgeting, risk management, reporting and continuous improvement while interfacing with programme managers, ESA services and industry partners to enable timely, within-budget programme delivery.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant domain with at least 3 years of professional experience.
• Experience as a Controller at agency or industry level is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, cost control and planning.
• Proven ability to manage risk and schedule in a large programme.
• Experience with SAP-based ERP systems and modern dashboards.
• Excellent written and oral communication in a diverse team.

Responsabilités

• Lead the Section of Project Controllers for Ariane 6 programmes to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Develop and improve controlling processes, reporting, dashboards and transparency.
• Interface with Programme Managers, ESA services and industry partners.
• Coordinate risk management, scheduling and cost controls across programmes.
• Prepare tender and procurement inputs and support contract negotiations.
• Oversee financial implementation and governance of commitments.
• Contribute to periodic reporting to management, BUC and PMSO.
• Drive continuous improvement and uniform procedures across the section.

Connaissances

Budgeting

Cost control

Risk management

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

Project control

Leadership

Analytical skills

Formation

Master's degree in a relevant domain

Outils

ESA-p

MS Project

ERP systems

Description du poste

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Head of the PMSO Section for Ariane 6 Programmes

Job Requisition ID: 20844

Date Posted: 4 August 2026

Closing Date: 25 August 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Directorate: Controlling, Finance and Operational Procurement

Head of the PMSO Section for Ariane 6 Programmes, BUC&PMSO Space Transportation, Controlling Hub Department, Directorate of Controlling, Finance and Operational Procurement.

As Head of the PMSO (Project Management and Support Office) Section for Ariane 6 Programmes, you will manage a team of Controllers, providing project control and management support services across all Ariane 6 programmes.

You will also support the professional development of the Project Controllers through continuous improvements of controlling and management support processes, digitalisation, management reporting, including dashboards, transparency, efficiency, cooperation and knowledge-sharing.

You will have multiple interfaces within and outside ESA and will play a key role in supporting Ariane 6 programme managers in programmatic decision-making. You will cooperate closely with Ariane 6 Programme Managers, implementing projects as part of the project team and/or activities, and directly interface with ESA corporate services, as well as with industrial suppliers.

Duties

You will lead the team of Project Controllers in the Section, providing project control and management support to all Ariane 6 programmes, projects and activities of the Ariane Programmes Department to enable delivery on time, within budget and within scope, including:

• preparing, developing and maintaining the overall programmatic aspects of the Ariane 6 programmes in coordination with the Programme and Project Managers, covering areas such as cost, schedule, workforce, risks and geographical return;
• implementing and operating planning and control procedures to provide full visibility on progress in the Ariane 6 programmes through dedicated reporting on all activities using established procedures and information systems, in compliance with ESA project management requirements;
• coordinating the risk management and schedule activities of the Ariane 6 programmes, identifying potential problem areas and opportunities, proposing mitigation actions and preparing risk reports and risk-adjusted schedules as required;
• preparing tender documents with respect to cost, management, risk and schedule requirements, and participating in the evaluation of proposals;
• preparing information required for contract negotiations and participating in the procurement process, including negotiations with industry and institutional stakeholders;
• being responsible for financial implementation, including commitments made on behalf of the agency and the acceptance of deliverables;
• preparing/providing inputs for periodic reporting to project management, the BUC and PMSO, internal and external bodies, and stakeholders;
• contributing to project reviews in the areas of your project control-related responsibilities;
• ensuring that all project changes are formally controlled, analysed, submitted for decision, and correctly implemented, while maintaining coherence of cost, schedule, and scope;
• interfacing with industry on programmatic (financial, risk and schedule) matters advising managers and external partners on best practices, methods, processes and procedures in project control;
• ensuring operational excellence and driving continuous improvement in your areas of responsibility;
• supporting the BUC & PMSO in operating and, where needed, introducing uniform procedures for the management and control of all programme-, project- and activity-related matters;
• managing the Section’s workforce and ensuring its professional competencies are maintained and enhanced;
• supporting the Space Transportation BUC & PMSO in the cross-cutting functions allocated to the Section.

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

Knowledge of or experience in budgeting, cost control, and resource and activity planning

Knowledge of or experience in business analysis, digital tools and reporting

Knowledge of or experience in schedule management

Knowledge of or experience in risk management

Knowledge of or experience in SAP-based ERP systems

Knowledge of or experience in financial regulatory frameworks, including accounting standards and auditing techniques

Knowledge of or experience in ESA/EU procurement regulations

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

A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

• Professional experience as a Controller, preferably at agency or industry level, would be a distinct asset;
• Knowledge and/or understanding of space systems architecture would be considered an asset;
• You must also have substantial experience in applying project management and risk management principles along with advanced business/project control techniques, as well as in preparing, negotiating and implementing major industrial procurements. Experience with European Commission projects would be considered a source of added value;
• Knowledge of computer systems and information/planning/coordination tools (e.g. esa-p, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project) is essential. Familiarity with modern dashboard and risk management tools would be considered an asset;
• You should be able to work autonomously, effectively and cooperatively in a diverse and international team environment and be able to define and implement solutions in line with team and individual objectives and deadlines. You should possess strong written and oral communication skills, and be rigorous and disciplined when working on demanding tasks. You should have good analytical, organisational and reporting skills, with a proactive attitude to problem-solving.
• The potential to manage a team of Project Controllers in a space programme setting;
• The ability to organise their activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
• Strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
• The ability to drive your team’s performance, developing your people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback;
• Strong problem‑solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
• Strong results orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
• The ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer focused;
• People management experience would be an asset, as well as international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as 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 therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [e-mail] .

Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

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

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

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, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.

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.