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PMSO Team Lead for Ariane 6 Programmes

Job Requisition ID:  20844
Date Posted:  12 November 2026
Closing Date:  26 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication Method:  Internal & External
Type of Appointment (learn more):  4 years, extendable to indefinite
Directorate:  Controlling, Finance and Operational Procurement
Workplace: 

Paris, FR

Grade Band:  A2 - A4

 

Location
ESA Headquarters, Paris, France  

Description

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

As PMSO (Project Management and Support Office) Team Lead 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. You will report hierarchically to the Head of BUC and PMSO Space Transportation.

Duties

  • 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;
  • Coordinating the workforce of your team and ensuring its professional competencies are maintained and enhanced;
  • Supporting the Space Transportation BUC and PMSO in the cross-cutting functions allocated to your team;
  • Leading the day-to-day coordination of a team of business/project controllers, including:
    • coordinating activities and ensuring alignment of priorities and deliverables;
    • providing functional guidance and support on controlling-related matters;
    • fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing and the adoption of best practices;
    • promoting a positive and cooperative working environment.
  • Contributing to the evolution, improvement and digitalisation of the Office’s processes, methods and tools to ensure transparency, efficiency, cooperation and knowledge-sharing.

Technical competencies

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

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 and professional experience

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;
  • 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.

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.
 
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.