Director of Space Operations

About the role

The European Space Agency (ESA) is seeking a strategic leader to head its Directorate of Space Operations. Based at ESOC in Darmstadt, the Director will steer ESA’s operational capabilities across all programmes, ensuring alignment with Member States’ needs and EU priorities while fostering innovation and standardisation.

Key responsibilities

• Define and implement an agency‑wide strategy for space operations, coordinating across programmes, stakeholders and industrial partners.
• Drive cost‑efficiency and adoption of cutting‑edge technologies to enhance performance, competitiveness and sustainability.
• Oversee the preparation and execution of flight operations and the management of the ground segment throughout mission life cycles.
• Lead activities related to space safety, represent ESA on the Space Situational Awareness Programme Board, and manage radio‑frequency coordination.
• Report directly to the Director General and serve as a member of the ESA Executive Board, contributing to agency‑wide strategic decisions.

Required profile

• Proven strategic vision and leadership experience in large, complex technical organisations.
• Strong ability to navigate multi‑stakeholder environments and build cross‑institutional collaboration.
• Excellent communication and outreach skills to align operations with member state and EU objectives.
• Experience managing sizeable budgets (≈ €400 million) and large teams (≈ 600 staff and contractors).

Required skills

• No specific technical skills were listed in the posting.