Business Controller

ESA is initiating a Reserve list recruitment process to meet the consistently high demand for Business Controllers in support of the Agency’s cutting-edge space projects and programmes. This Reserve list will comprise of candidates who have been pre-assessed and pre-approved by the ESA hiring team and who have already undergone a basic background screening. If selected, you will remain on the Reserve list for a period of 24 months, during which you will be fast-tracked for positions in upcoming projects. While inclusion in the Reserve list does not guarantee recruitment, it positions you as a valuable resource to fill ESA's future vacancies. When a relevant position arises, your candidacy will be reviewed. In that context, you may be invited to a brief follow-up interview and, if successful, an offer will be made. No action is required on your part if you are placed on a Reserve list; ESA will contact you directly about relevant opportunities.

As a Business Controller, you will join a team of controllers in one of the Office’s sections, providing management support services across a range of operational units. Each Business Controller also supports the continuous improvement of controlling and management support processes, digitalisation, management reporting including dashboards, transparency, efficiency, cooperation and knowledge-sharing. You will interface with multiple entities within and outside ESA and will play a key role in supporting managers in strategic and programmatic decision-making. You will cooperate closely with managers implementing projects and/or activities and will directly interface with ESA corporate services, as well as with industrial contractors.

Your tasks may include leading the consolidation and maintenance of the Directorate’s resources and activity plans for the short, medium and long term, including reports on commitments, costs, cash, workforce, risk and geographical return; formally interfacing with internal and external stakeholders on matters under your responsibility, providing information, preparing formal reports and documents, and negotiating agreements; performing the Directorate’s workload planning cycle and supporting the preparation of the workforce plans and verification of Service Level Agreements across directorates; managing or coordinating external workforce framework contracts; performing management support and controlling tasks related to the business unit, for example by identifying deviations from plans, implementing mitigation actions and supporting risk management processes; implementing the financial planning and monitoring of the Directorate’s analysis centres and controlling the workforce rates; defining, maintaining and monitoring the Directorate’s management and controlling processes, ensuring correct implementation in corporate systems, and supporting the evolution of corporate IT solutions; leading the financial mid-year and end-of-year accounting closure, including coordination with the relevant stakeholders and completion of the related reporting; acting as the Directorate’s coordinator for fixed assets and inventory management; ensuring compliance with budgetary provisions and financial regulations and advising on best control practices, methods, processes and procedures; supporting financial audits; managing the charging policy for the Directorate’s services, its programme, project and cost centre structure, its funds and commitment ceilings, its cost at completion and the associated reporting; ensuring operational excellence and driving continuous improvement in your areas of responsibility.

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.