Head of Contracts and Procurement

Help us build the partnerships behind the world's biggest discoveries!

At ESO, we don't just observe the Universe, we build the facilities that enable humanity to explore it. From the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile to the construction of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), we deliver some of the most ambitious scientific and engineering projects on Earth. Behind every groundbreaking discovery lies a network of strategic partnerships, complex contracts, innovative suppliers and exceptional people.

We're looking for an experienced leader to become our next Head of Contracts and Procurement, who, working across the organisation will help make the next generation of astronomical discoveries possible and who will help shape the future of our organisation.

Why this role matters?

This isn't a traditional procurement role. It is an opportunity to influence multi-million-euro international projects, shape organisational strategy, lead a talented dual-site team and contribute to scientific and engineering achievements that capture the imagination of the world.

Reporting to the Director of Administration, you'll lead a department of around 20 procurement and contract management professionals across Germany and Chile, working at the heart of ESO's most exciting programmes. Working alongside experts, project managers, and senior stakeholders, your decisions will directly support the delivery of world-class observatories, cutting-edge technology and scientific infrastructure that will redefine our understanding of the Universe.

Why ESO?

Because very few careers offer the chance to combine leadership, international collaboration and lasting impact. At ESO, your work will help deliver facilities that future generations of scientists will use to answer some of humanity's biggest questions: How did the Universe begin? Are we alone? What lies beyond what we know today?

And you'll join a community of talented people united by curiosity, excellence and the ambition to achieve things that have never been done before!

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

As Head of Contracts and Procurement, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership for ESO's procurement and contract management functions.
• Build powerful partnerships with suppliers, stakeholders and international collaborators.
• Enable major projects through innovative procurement solutions and commercial leadership.
• Lead across continents, inspiring and developing a high-performing international team.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation and transformation by advancing digital tools, systems and ways of working.
• Protect value and manage risk through effective governance, negotiation and contract management.
• Influence organisational success by ensuring procurement remains a strategic enabler of ESO's mission.

Role reports to:

Director of Administration

Key Competences and Experience:

You are an experienced leader who sees procurement as more than processes and contracts. You understand how commercial excellence, innovation and collaboration can help ESO achieve extraordinary outcomes.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience in procurement and contract management within a complex international environment (at least ten years).
• A strong track record of leading and developing high-performing teams (minimum five years).
• Exceptional negotiation, stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Commercial insight and the ability to navigate complex challenges with confidence.
• Experience building trusted relationships across diverse cultures and disciplines
• Strong organisational and coordination sills to manage high workloads effectively.
• A passion for continuous improvement and organisational transformation.
• Unwavering integrity, transparency and professional judgement.

Additionally experience within scientific, engineering, technology, infrastructure or international organisations would be particularly valuable.

Qualifications:

University degree in a procurement related area: Business Administration, Economics and Law or related discipline.

Additional qualifications in a procurement/contract management related field will be an advantage, for example CIPS, as would qualifications in project or contract management.

Language skills:

The position requires an excellent command of written and spoken English. Additional knowledge of other European languages would be an advantage, preferably Spanish.

Remuneration and Contract details:

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary (free of income tax for applicants from ESO member states), comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family and support to place your child/children in daycare.

ESO's salary structure is based upon a range of career paths which reflect the nature and level of our jobs. Each career path is made up of two or three grades which are used to further reflect experience.

This role is in career path: VII

Please follow this attached link for more details https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/salary-structure/

The contract is for a fixed term duration of three years and is subject to successful completion of the probation period. There may be a possibility of extension(s) subject to individual performance and organisational requirements, and as defined in the applicable policies and staff rules and regulations. For any further information, please visit ESO's conditions of employment (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/). Please note that the contract policy and in particular the regulations concerning fixed-term and indefinite contracts are currently under review, which may lead to changes in the contractual conditions applicable to this position.

ESO aims to support members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#work-life-balance) between their professional and private life. ESO is also committed to offering family-friendly support (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#family-friendly-support), creating a work environment and policies which allow staff to balance their professional and private responsibilities through flexible working arrangements and financial support for families.

Duty Station of position

Garching near Munich (with duty trips as necessary to ESO sites in Chile as required). The role is based on-site at ESO HQ in Garching and relocation to the area is required. Note: staff at ESO benefit from a mobile working policy that allows for regulated hybrid working for work-life balance purposes.

Application process:

Applicants are invited to apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV. Within your CV, please provide the names and contact details of three persons familiar with your work and willing to provide a recommendation letter upon request. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

Deadline for applications is 15 November 2026.

Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.

ESO Values

An important element in any successful employment relationship is harmony in values between an organisation and its people.

The ESO Values are:

ESO strives for excellence through innovation.

ESO provides outstanding services to its communities.

ESO fosters diversity & inclusion.

ESO believes in the key role of sustainability for its future.

Achieving the above are recognized as only possible on the basis of personal values and attitudes that we expect from our employees: respect, integrity, accountability, commitment, collaboration, and clear & open communication.

Applicants to any ESO role are asked to reflect on their affinity with these values and advised they may be asked about them if called for interview.

Diversity

ESO has established diversity as an important value of the Organisation, is committed to providing an equal opportunities environment and is actively seeking to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Please visit https://www.eso.org/public/about-eso/sustainability/dei-at-eso/ for further details.

Nationality

No nationality is in principle excluded from employment at ESO, however, recruitment preference will be given to nationals of our Member States, host states and strategic partners: Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Chile, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.