Business/Project Controller

European Space Agency - ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent international organization is seeking a Business/Project Controller to ensure effective management of resources and smooth operations. The role entails planning, controlling, and reporting on corporate activities while utilizing advanced data analysis tools. Candidates must hold a master's degree and possess strong budgeting skills, along with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Experience in relationship management and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Implement and operate planning and control procedures.
• Monitor and report on resources for decision-making.
• Prepare and consolidate annual budgets for the department.

Skills

Budgeting

Cost control

Data analysis

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in engineering or business administration

Tools

SAP-based ERP systems

Advanced Excel functions

Power BI

Job description

Overview

Job Requisition ID: 19830

Date Posted: 8 October 2025

Application Deadline: 29 October 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Resources and Services

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description Business/Project Controller in the Management and Control Office for the Corporate Area, Directorate of Resources and Services.

You will be assigned to one of the corporate directorates/departments and will play a key role in ensuring its smooth operation and the efficient management of its resources. You will be responsible for planning, controlling and reporting on its portfolio of activities. This includes optimising resource allocation and supporting decision-making processes relating to resource deployment and business management.

Duties

• implementing and operating planning and control procedures providing full visibility on progress and resource utilisation, in full compliance with the Agency's and directorate's processes, rules and regulations, as well as the established information systems;
• proactively monitoring, reporting and analysing the directorate’s/department's resources to support decision-making, resource optimisation and any related management action;
• consolidating and maintaining the directorate’s/department’s resources (financial and workforce) and activity plans for the short, medium and long term, including procurement, cost and workforce plans;
• coordinating the preparation and consolidation of the annual budget for the relevant directorate/department, establishing the related work and procurement plans and facilitating their timely initiation;
• planning and monitoring service level agreements (SLAs) and relevant recharges to ESA customers in line with the directorate’s/department’s strategy and the customer agreement;
• supporting the establishment and implementation of risk management procedures;
• identifying potential problem areas and proposing remedial actions;
• assisting in the preparation of tender documents for cost and schedule/planning requirements and supporting the evaluation of proposals, contract negotiations and the placing and controlling of industrial contracts.

Technical competencies

• Budgeting, cost control and resource and activities planning
• Expert knowledge of SAP-based ERP systems
• Understanding of the relevant ESA procurement regulations
• Cost and financial regulatory framework, including accounting standards and auditing
• Project and risk management

Behavioural competencies

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

For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

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

Additional requirements

• Solid proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (advanced Excel functions, Power Bl)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, including conflict resolution

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.

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, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented 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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.