Listed on Orbital Diplomat 17 Aug 2026
This senior leadership role at ESA Headquarters in Paris sits within the Directorate of Commercialisation and Industry Partnership, reporting directly to the Director. The Head of the European Commercial Launcher Support Office oversees end-to-end management of the European Launcher Challenge and Boost! programmes, ESA's flagship initiatives to expand European commercial launch service supply and foster competition in the European space sector. The role involves strategic direction-setting, commercial and technical evaluation of industrial proposals, and close cooperation with Member States and the Space Transportation Directorate. The postholder will also monitor financial and technical developments in new commercial space transportation services, including in-space and return transportation, and manage a team of project managers and support staff. This is a critical position at the intersection of space policy, industrial strategy, and new space commercialisation.
Master's degree in business administration, engineering, or economics 15 years of relevant professional experience Strong knowledge of the European launcher sector Experience interacting with European space industry, including NewSpace companies and investors Experience in project and/or team management, including with NewSpace companies Proven leadership, relationship management, and communication skills (oral and written) Creative thinking and openness to innovative processes Adaptability and understanding of innovation and change management in large organisations Ability to provide strategic direction and drive performance across teams Excellent analytical, delegation, planning, and organisational skills Ability to anticipate problems and make timely, solution-oriented decisions People management experience required; international experience an asset Good knowledge of English or French; knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset Must be a national of an ESA Member State or Canada