Head of the Configuration and Data Management Unit
European Space Agency
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
Head of the Configuration and Data Management Unit in the Navigation Programme Management Support Office, Directorate of Navigation.
Reporting to the Head of the Navigation Programme Management Support Office, you will be responsible for establishing and implementing the Directorate’s configuration and data management (CADM) and information technology (IT) activities related to the implementation of all the Directorate’s programmes, in close coordination with the engineering and other functions of controlling, product assurance and security. You will also represent the Directorate in relevant corporate level boards and initiatives.
Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- organising and leading the Configuration and Data Management (CADM) Unit, managing resources, distributing tasks and setting priorities and deadlines according to the Directorate of Navigation’s projects and programmes needs;
- establishing and maintaining plans and procedures applicable to the implementation of the CADM and IT functions within the Directorate of Navigation, in full coordination with the corporate level, stakeholders within the Directorate of Navigation and in application of security-related requirements;
- defining, developing and maintaining the Directorate CADM and documentation electronic tools, associated procedures and their evolutions;
- maintaining all programme- and project-level baselines;
- organising and running Configuration Management Boards and Change Control Boards and providing for the board secretariat function;
- monitoring and controlling industry plans and standards and their implementation in the domain of configuration and documentation management;
- participating in the follow-up of the industrial configuration activities by reviewing progress reports and taking part in progress meetings as required;
- participating in integrated technical reviews at ESA and project level;
- contributing to the preparation of tender configuration and documentation requirements and to the evaluation of proposals and negotiations;
- generating inputs for the preparation of management and project status reports covering configuration management aspects;
- organising and conducting CADM physical inspections at industrial premises and operational sites;
- providing Navigation asset management within ESA and in support of third parties.
You will also 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
For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education
A master’s in engineering and/or business administration/management or a related discipline is required for this post.
Additional requirements
Besides a proven track record in CADM and IT matters, you must have:
- the potential to manage individuals or a team of experts in a project;
- 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 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.
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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
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 and for 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, 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.
