Programme/Project Controller

We are looking for a ​Programme/Project Controller​ on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA) for their location in ​Harwell, United Kingdom​, to join their ​Project Control & Management Support section​.  

Please note, the successful candidate will be employed by ATG Europe (or one of its subsidiaries). Furthermore, upon selection, they will be subject to a general security screening performed by an external provider (further information will be provided at interview stage). 

The successful candidate will be tasked with, but not limited to: 

• Support manager(s) on all activities related to project and activities cost, high level schedule and risks as well as project management processes and administrative functions; 

• Discharge responsibilities in the preparation, procurement and monitoring of procurements, from tendering to closure of contracts, and for management, financial, planning, controlling and industrial return aspects; 

• Identify and report on forward thinking measures, current status with deviations and identify recovery actions; 

• Prepare management reports including dashboards to highlight status, outlook and actions to be taken in the area of project control and management support; 

• Manage multiple interfaces, provide input to support the project manager with negotiations with industrial contractors and provide key input support to manager(s) in programmatic decision-making; 

• Cooperate closely with the Business Unit Controller as needed for the Directorate’s internal and external reporting; 

• Prepare, develop, and maintaini the overall programmatic aspects of the project, missions and/or activities; 

• Handle programmatic aspects including cost, financial matters, work breakdown structure, schedule, configuration, documentation, progress control and geographical return, as well as general project administration; 

• Prepare and maintain cost plans covering industrial and operating (including workforce-related) costs; 

• Implement and operate planning and control procedures to provide full visibility over the progress of all activities using established procedures and information systems. This includes maintenance in the ESA ERP system of project-related data active monitoring and forecasting;

• Identify and report trends, deviations from plans, potential problem areas and propose remedial actions in coordination with the Project Manager; 

• Comply with budgetary provisions and financial regulations; 

• Supporting preparation of AC and IPC papers as well as Programme Board status reports;  

• Provide support to change Control/Review Boards participation in TEBs as an expert; 

• Evaluate proposals and business plans; 

• Prepare information and input required for project manager for subsequent contract negotiations; 

• Participate in all tasks related to the placing of contracts, including providing input to project manager for negotiations with industry; 

• Supporting the closure of industrial contracts and the financial year closure exercise; 

• Maintain risk and opportunities management by proposing mitigation actions, and preparing risk reports as required; 

• Support project managers and Department/Directorate risk coordinators in preparing and maintaining the Projects Risk Register; 

• Advise project managers on project control best practices, methods, processes, and procedures; 

• Assist in the preparation of ARTES work plans; 

• Participate in the definition, maintenance and improvement of Project Control procedures and systems including digitalization; 

• Share knowledge within the Section and Directorate providing relevant periodic or ad hoc management reporting including Key Performance Indicators (KPI) on scheduling, cost, and risk to various internal and external stakeholders; 

• Supporting input to Head of the Project Control & Management Support Section and Senior Financial Controller regarding specific projects. 

ATG is dedicated to diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, handicap or any other reason protected by relevant state or municipal legislation, we are pleased to consider all eligible candidates for employment. 

Please ensure that your CV clearly explains how you meet the essential requirements. If it doesn’t align completely with the essential criteria, it could result in rejection. 

• Masters in Engineering or equivalent, MBA or equivalent University degree from a recognised institution of secondary studies or equivalent qualification in Business Administration, with relevant experience; 

• At least 4 years of relevant experience; 

• Experience in controlling and/or management of activities and resources in the aerospace industry; 

• Highly proficient in the use of MS Office and in particular advanced use of Excel; 

• Experience as user of SAP and in particular ECC and SRM modules; 

• Ability to rapidly understand and adapt to ESA specific context and environment including ESA corporate 

• IT applications; 

• Past experience with ESA in relevant activities is an asset; 

• Familiarity with relevant ESA corporate applications (e.g. ESA-p) is an asset. 

• Knowledge of Finance/Accounting is an asset; 

• Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK;

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken;  

• Knowledge of another official ESA language is an asset. 

Please submit your application in English via the apply button below. Applications submitted in other languages will not be considered.