Lunar Projects Group Leader

Description

The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is a Programme Directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Using a partnership between humans and robots, D/HRE is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working – or will live and work in the future – for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

Under the direct authority of the Director of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes, the Leader of the Lunar Projects Group manages the development of the Agency’s human and robotic spacecraft and systems for cis-lunar and Moon surface explorations.

Duties

You will act as ESA Orion Programme Manager and:

• ensure the delivery to performance, schedule and budget requirements of the Orion-ESM (European Service Module) flight models, including generic qualifications and potential design adaptations;
• ensure the development of Argonaut LDE (including potential options and evolutions) to performance, schedule and budget requirements;
• ensure the passenger definition of the Argonaut mission(s) and, if required, its development;
• ensure the integration and operations of the Argonaut mission(s) to performance, schedule and budget requirements;
• ensure delivery to performance, schedule and budget requirements of the I-HAB and ESPRIT elements of the Gateway;
• ensure delivery to performance, schedule and budget requirements of the HLCS;
• define and develop the elements required to operate the European Gateway elements;
• define and initiate lunar resource infrastructure and resource developments to performance, schedule and budget requirements in line with the approved exploration strategy;
• ensure the Lunar Science Office’s activities are coordinated with the lunar mission opportunities and applications (in support of the HRE-S);
• as required, support future agreements as part of the ISS, Artemis and other international cooperations;
• ensure that the industrial policy and geographical return requirements are implemented;
• establish the Implementation Plan for the lunar destination derived from the Explore2040 European Exploration Strategy and support its translation into subsequent E3P Programme Proposal(s).

 
The Leader of the Lunar Projects Group is supported by the: 

• ESM Team (HRE-LE);
• Argonaut Team (HRE-LA);
• Gateway Team (HRE-LG);
• HLCS Team (HRE-LH);
• Lunar Resource and Infrastructure Team (HRE-LR);
• Lunar Science Office (HRE-LS).

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 a relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• Solid and proven experience in managing space activities in a multi-project environment, leading large teams.
• Openness to change and ability to lead change processes in a complex and versatile environment. Experience of change management in large organisations would be a plus.
• Proven track record of driving team performance, fostering cooperation across teams and stakeholders and developing and motivating people.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, ambassadorship and leadership skills are required, as well as knowledge of the internal operations of the Agency or a similar organisation.
• A demonstrated ability to synthesise technical and programmatic information, provide vision for technology development and stimulate the evolution of engineering activities is an essential prerequisite.

You should also have:

• the ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Group and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context;
• the ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• the ability to make solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity and to support others (team members, upper management, other stakeholders) in this process.

International experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities would be an asset.