Key Skills

Job Description

IPMA Senior Manager Job Requisition ID: 19149 Date Posted: 10 November 2026 Closing Date: 24 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST Publication Method: Internal & External Type of Appointment (learn more): 4 years, extendable to indefinite Directorate: Director General's Services Workplace: Noordwijk, NL Grade Band: A4 - A4 This post is classified A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale with some possibility of being upgraded to A5 after one year were your performance to be judged to be excellent. Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands Description IPMA Senior Manager in the Independent Programme Management Authority, Inspector General’s Office, Director General’s Services. The Independent Programme Management Authority (IPMA) is intended to address project management challenges by institutionalising project management and control process ownership, alongside initiatives in digitalisation, compliance monitoring, and training and certification, and by establishing a veto/escalation process. Duties The purpose of this strategic role is to overhaul and enhance project execution practices across the Agency, ensuring projects are completed in accordance with quality targets, on time and within budget. Your main objectives will be as follows: Ensure that a strong project management knowledge is established from a project’s inception, favouring the definition of a realistic project baseline and maximising the capability to achieve the project quality targets, schedule and costs. Empower Project Managers to monitor and control the project baseline effectively with the support of lean and efficient compliance and performance monitoring processes; Supporting the definition of harmonised project management digital tools and data collection, to support project and program manager in the managing the risks and act upon them. Support and contribute to the execution of the ESA projects and programmes with your experience and knowledge by: Leading and contributing to Corporate Project Reviews, Investigation/Enquiry Boards, Project Resource Assessments and Peer Reviews at both Directorate and project level; Support the review of Projects’ Plans (IPREV) during as Chair, System or Expert; Support the ESA top management by: Participating in Directorates organizations assessments Overseeing the preparation activities for ESA Council at ministerial level reviews; Critically reviewing key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics related to the ESA programme/project portfolio, including risks, cost and schedule, with the aim of detecting early signs of deviations and monitoring the overall health of the ESA programmatic activities. Support the definition of the project management rules and their implementation by: Participating in the definition of project management training, maturation and certification; Contributing to the update of the IPMA processes (handbook) and project management requirements; critically reviewing key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics related to the ESA programme/project portfolio, including risks, cost and schedule, with the aim of detecting early signs of deviations and monitoring the overall health of the ESA programmatic activities. Technical competencies Knowledge of spacecraft system engineering, platforms, payloads and operations Knowledge of mission risks, costs and schedule aspects Knowledge of project management and procurement processes Knowledge of ESA standards and policies Knowledge of programme reviews Knowledge of risk management Behavioural competencies Result Orientation Operational Efficiency Fostering Cooperation Relationship Management Continuous Improvement Forward Thinking For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook Education A master's degree in engineering and/or management is required for this post. Additional Requirements The Agency is seeking a highly experienced professional to play a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing the Agency's project and programme management practices. The ideal candidate will possess deep industry expertise, a keen understanding of common challenges, and a strategic vision for the future of space project management. You must have a senior profile, with a minimum of eight years of proven experience as a project manager within the space systems and payload sectors. Your extensive knowledge and track record will be instrumental in driving excellence and reliability across our programmes. Additionally, candidates with one or more of the following are highly desirable: Strong leadership capabilities to drive a culture of accountability, efficiency and continuous improvement within project teams; The flexibility to engage with ad hoc reviews, providing authoritative input to address unique project challenges; A track record of managing complex projects, with the ability to navigate and rectify optimistic biases in project planning; Effective communication and facilitation skills to lead diverse review panels/boards and committees, fostering collaboration and consensus among stakeholders. Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [email protected]. Important Information and Disclaimer Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations. During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures. Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position. The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have. Nationality and Languages Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia. According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*. The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset. Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States. Who we recruit » Recruitment Process » What we offer » Life at ESA » FAQ »

Core Responsibilities

Lead efforts to strengthen project execution across the Agency, including establishing realistic project baselines and improving project monitoring, risk management, and performance. Contribute to project reviews and investigations, advise senior leadership on portfolio health, and help define project management rules, tools, training, and certification.

Requirements

A master's degree in engineering and/or management and at least eight years of proven project management experience in the space systems and payload sectors are required. Candidates should bring extensive space project expertise, with leadership, review facilitation, communication, and stakeholder collaboration capabilities highly desirable.