Head of the Ariane 6 Programme

Description

Head of the Ariane 6 Programme in the Directorate of Space Transportation.

Duties

Reporting directly to the Director of Space Transportation, you will be responsible for the overall implementation of the Ariane 6 development programme and ESA activities in the context of the ramp-up of Ariane 6 production until full operational capacity is achieved.

Your duties will include:

• leading the teams responsible for launcher system development, ground segment development, and the overall launch system architect role of ESA, including ESA’s future role in the Ariane 6 exploitation programme;
• monitoring compliance with the high-level requirements of the Ariane 6 launch system and the achievement of full operational capability at flight model 15;
• ensuring and endorsing the consolidation of the programmatic framework of future development activities to be implemented (cost at completion, schedule, procurement and geo-return);
• ensuring the optimisation of Ariane 6 and Vega communality and their mutual exploitation in close cooperation with the Vega Programme Manager;
• ensuring coordination with the departments responsible for infrastructure programmes, the Ariane 6 Transition Programme and the future Ariane 6 Stabilised Exploitation Programme;
• interfacing with industry as required in support of project teams;
• interfacing on technical and programmatic issues with Member States and Arianespace;   ensuring the necessary support to the Office of Central Launch Service Procurement;
• ensuring the relevant implementation of ESA's ongoing transformation programme;
• developing and motivating Ariane programme staff members by assessing performance, encouraging learning and development, delegating responsibilities and providing regular and constructive feedback.

You will be assisted by project managers, as well as by the Project Control and Management Support and System Support functions.
 
In carrying out your duties, you will liaise closely with other departments and offices within the Directorate and will draw on the support of other ESA directorates.

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

Education

A master's degree in engineering is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should have:

• the ability to provide strategic direction to individuals and teams and relate team objectives to the overall and evolving organisational goals and context;
• the ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues and relate situations to their context and to support others, such as team members, senior management and other stakeholders, in this process;
• previous experience of change management in a large organisation. 

You should also 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 to relate team objectives to the overall, 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 of representing the Agency’s interests to external interfaces;
• excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
• the ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity. 

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.