ESA – Real Estate and Facilities Management Development Lead

ESA – Real Estate and Facilities Management Development Lead

Organisation: European Space Agency (ESA) – Directorate of Resources and Services (RES)
Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Contract Type: Fixed-term, non-renewable, 4 years
Grade Band: A2–A4 (may be A1 if <4 years post-master experience)
Job Requisition ID: 19764
Closing Date: 3/09/2025 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication: Internal & External

Organisational Context

• Role is Head of the REFM Development and Coordination Office, under the REFM Department, responsible for strategic REFM projects across 8 ESA sites (~250,000 sqm, >7,000 staff/contractors).

• Focuses on real estate and facilities management development, coordination, and strategic planning.

• Supports REFM Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in business cases, procurement, tendering, contracts, and portfolio management.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting: Head of REFM Development and Coordination Office (DCO), with matrix management responsibilities.

Core Duties:

1. Coordinate with BUC Office on planning, monitoring, reporting of operational and capital expenditure, income recovery, and schedules.

2. Collaborate with RES Directorate, other RES departments, and key stakeholders on REFM development and optimization.

3. Maintain REFM contract schedules; monitor progress, plan new procurement or contract extensions.

4. Identify, evaluate, and propose new REFM activities and improvement initiatives.

5. Support senior managers in translating cross-departmental synergies into service specifications, tendering, negotiations, and contract evolution.

6. Lead high-profile projects; facilitate project scoping, objectives, stakeholder involvement.

7. Conduct departmental assessments, recommend process improvements, enable best practice sharing.

8. Oversee REFM project portfolio planning, management, and monitoring; provide guidance for on-budget project delivery.

9. Monitor project performance; suggest corrective actions; report on status and outcomes to senior management.

Required Competencies

Technical:

• Project management methodologies and tools

• Translate technical concepts into business value for senior leadership

• Analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools

• Experience with project and project budget management for new building or large refurbishment projects

• Excellent stakeholder management

Behavioural:

• Result orientation, operational efficiency, fostering cooperation

• Relationship management, continuous improvement, forward thinking

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline required

• Ability to work in matrix environments and establish relationships across diverse teams

• International work experience is an asset

• Experience in multiple functional areas relevant to ESA activities is advantageous

Diversity, Languages & Eligibility

• ESA is an equal opportunity employer, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.

• Applicants should be nationals of ESA Member States, Associate Members, or Cooperating States (list includes most EU countries + UK & Canada).

• Languages: Good knowledge of English or French; additional ESA Member State language is an asset.

Additional Information

• Selection tests may be required; successful candidates undergo security screening.

• Recruitment considers adequate distribution of posts among ESA Member States, prioritizing internal candidates and under-represented external states.

• Role involves strategic oversight of REFM operations, project portfolio management, and coordination with finance and business units.

This position is ideal for a strategic, analytical leader with project management expertise in real estate/facilities, capable of operating in a complex, matrixed, and international environment, and leading cross-functional initiatives to optimize ESA’s property and facilities portfolio.