Director of Space Operations

About the role

The European Space Agency (ESA) seeks a strategic leader to head the Directorate of Space Operations. Reporting directly to the Director General and serving on the ESA Executive Board, you will shape ESA-wide space‑operations strategy, drive innovation, and ensure the delivery of world‑class operational capabilities across all programmes.

Key responsibilities

• Define and implement a coherent ESA‑wide strategy for space operations, aligning programmes, stakeholders and industrial partners.
• Steer efficiency and innovation initiatives, promoting cost‑effective adoption of cutting‑edge technologies.
• Oversee the preparation and execution of flight operations for ESA missions and assigned external missions.
• Manage engineering, operation and lifecycle support of the ground segment.
• Lead a directorate of roughly 600 staff and contractors with an annual budget of about €400 million.
• Represent ESA in cross‑institutional coordination, outreach and stakeholder engagement.

Required profile

• Proven strategic vision and leadership experience in large, complex technical organisations.
• Ability to navigate multi‑stakeholder environments and align operations with Member States’ needs and EU priorities.
• Strong understanding of space safety, flight operations and ground‑segment management.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence Europe’s space capabilities at the highest level.
• Leadership role within a globally recognised space agency.
• Access to a substantial budget and a highly skilled international team.