Head of Ariane 5 and Future Preparation

As Head of Ariane 5 and Future Preparation, you will be responsible for the overall technical coherence of Ariane 5 launch system exploitation while managing the Future Space Transportation preparation unit, which will conduct strategy-driven system studies and establish related technology roadmaps, as well as prepare the future of space transportation development activities, namely through demonstrators.*

*You will be responsible for mission adaptations and support to CLSP until completion of the JWST, and, regarding Ariane 6, for conduct of the activities related to Ariane 6 exploitation accompaniment (MQO, exploitation HLR monitoring) until end-2020 and then for handover to Flight Programmes (STS-P.)

Duties of the Head of Ariane 5 and Future Preparation:

• implementing all activities related to fulfilling the Agency's Ariane 5 exploitation mandate (except Industrial Quality Surveillance);
• managing the technical and programmatic implementation of the Ariane 5 launcher complementary development and exploitation accompaniment activities (except MCO);
• conducting negotiations and overseeing administration of the industrial contracts related to procurements under your responsibility;
• defining the resources needed to implement Ariane 5 Classical exploitation accompaniment activities (other than MCO) and the Agency’s above-mentioned Ariane 5 exploitation activities, including the assistance to be provided to the project teams by support Directorates, public institutions in the participating States and other external support;
• leading the implementation of FLPP Core Element, including related demonstrators for future Space Transportation Systems and Products;
• leading the FLPP - Themis / Reusability Element;
• implementing the FLPP - Prometheus Element until handover to development (post-MF Ariane 6) conducting system studies and drawing up technology roadmaps based on strategy-driven guidelines; ensuring technical analysis of the use of existing technologies and capacities for a use-case beyond LEO and preparing a programme proposal related to space transportation building blocks in support of the European Space Exploration Programme;
• supporting the assessment of the proper coherence of all technologies related to space transportation systems and products, including technology policy and harmonisation;
• preparing new elements and follow-on activities for the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP);
• supporting the Director as a member of the Space Transportation Management Board (STMB), responsible for coherent preparation, planning, implementation, resource management and review of all ESA space transportation programmes and activities.

In particular, in supporting preparation of the 2022 Ministerial:

• supporting the STS vision with concept studies and elements for the STS legal framework; recommending to D/STS a comprehensive, integrated evolution of Ariane and associated planning, drawing full benefit from Space19+ programmatic decisions, including preparation of product characteristics, roadmaps and programme elements;
• defining and managing task forces to ensure maturation of the topics, adhesion of stakeholders and timely availability of the elements;
• collecting, structuring and orienting Member States’ interests;
• identifying challenges, strengths, weaknesses, risks, benefits and opportunities; supporting D/STS on all future space transportation matters;
• preparing and justifying future high-level requirements: objectives, technical requirements, programmatic requirements, development constraints, upgrade potential;
• preparing the main elements of a programme proposal for post-Ariane 6 preparatory activities: background, motivation, context, options, objectives, structure, content and key elements, legal, financial and organisation aspects, risks, planning and open points;
• preparing a post-Ariane 6 Preparatory Programme Proposal: background, context, motivation, implementation approach and objectives, content, organisational and financial aspects; preparing a post-Ariane 6 Preparatory Programme Declaration: objectives, content and financial provisions;
• preparing Implementing Rules for the post-Ariane 6 Preparatory Programme.

You should have a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline. 

As a general requirement for any position at managerial level within ESA, you are expected to have:
• proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team
• the ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Department and related team objectives to the overall and evolving organisational goals and context
• the ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation
• demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written
• a proven track record in representing the Agency’s interests to external interfaces
• excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills
• the ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context
• the ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of high standard and integrity as well as to support others (team members, upper management, other stakeholders) in this process.
Previous experience of managing managers and multiple teams, as well as experience outside of the candidate's home country and in diverse functional areas relevant to the activities of ESA, is an asset.