Senior Contract Manager – Space Sector
Serco's expertise in spacecraft management, ground systems and data processing has earned them recognition, including 'Best in Domain' awards from ESA. Their long-standing partnership with ESA reflects their commitment to excellence and innovation in the space sector.
On behalf of our client, the European Space Agency, we are looking for a skilled Senior Contract Manager to join our team at the esteemed ESA-ESTEC site, in the Netherlands.As a Senior Contract Manager, you will lead and manage a business critical contract with multi-million euro value. This position requires a proactive, hands-on approach and will include financial oversight/P&L Management, Personnel management, and direct engagement with high-level ESA stakeholders.
The role is integral to Serco’s commitment to excellence in service delivery within the space sector.
Main ResponsibilitiesAs the Senior Contract Manager, your responsibilities will include:
- Operational, Contractual, and Commercial Management: Act as Serco's representative for contractual obligations, ensuring high-quality service and financial ownership over profit and loss (P&L) for the ESA/ESTEC contract.
- Stakeholder Relationship Building: Develop and maintain strong relationships with ESA and other key stakeholders, understanding and anticipating their needs while promoting Serco's capabilities and services.
- Business Development: Collaborate with the broader Serco Europe team to drive account management and growth within the space sector, including participating in the development of innovative services.
- Team Leadership and Development: Lead and inspire a team of over 200 professionals, fostering a high-performance culture with a focus on continuous improvement and customer service excellence.
- Quality Assurance and Health & Safety: Uphold Serco’s high standards in quality, environment, health, and safety across all contract activities.
- Reporting and Governance: Produce timely, accurate monthly governance reports and lead internal reviews to ensure contractual compliance and optimal performance.
- Crisis and Contingency Management: Manage operational contingencies and respond to any emergencies with effective, timely solutions.
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned professional with deep experience in contract management within the space or a similarly complex sector. They will bring a strategic mindset, a commitment to operational excellence, and a proactive approach to fostering client relationships and leading high-performing teams.
Required Qualifications and Skills:
Educational Background: University degree, or equivalent experience demonstrating the ability to manage responsibilities at this level.
Professional Experience:
- A minimum of 10 years in contract management, with at least 5 years in the space sector.
- Proven experience managing large teams (200+ people) in a complex, high-stakes environment.
- Demonstrated P&L management experience for contracts with a value upwards of 10million euro per annum.
- Technical and Financial Acumen: Strong business acumen with experience in financial planning, budget responsibility, and business plans.
- Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and deliver positive outcomes.
- Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks in an orderly, disciplined manner.
- Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft tools and other relevant software.
- Languages: Fluency in English is essential, additional European languages would be an asset.
At Serco not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play.
Meaningful and vital work - You’ll contribute to methodologically intercepting challenges whilst achievements will also be recognised and celebrated.
A world of opportunity - You’ll be wholeheartedly supported with development and career progression
Great people - You’ll become an integral member of a well-defined and supportive team who believe passionately in the value of our work. We are a company passionate about diversity and inclusion.
About Serco
Serco Europe has operated in the Netherlands and Spain over the past 30 years, mainly in the field of Space. Serco Netherlands and Spain have a long history of partnership and trust with the European Space Agency (ESA).In both countries, Serco is proud to deliver the highest calibre of people and services at ESTEC (ESA’s technology and engineering hub) and ESAC (ESA’s Astronomy and Science centre).
At the heart of its business, Serco Netherlands and Spain source, train, care and support employees, enabling them to better pursue their dreams of working in the Space industry in excelling in the delivery of essential public services.
We are diverse and inclusive organisation
At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential and we are committed to supporting the needs of all our colleagues. It’s a mix of people from different backgrounds, experiences and opinion that keeps our culture strong and vibrant.
We believe in equity so we strongly encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their abilities in an interview. We also welcome a conversation about any adjustments that would make the interview process more accessible for you.Wherever possible we are open to discussions around flexible working and we operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas.
In the UK we are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader in the government’s scheme and hold the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard; in Belgium we are partner of Diversicom and member of Charter der Vielfalt in Germany.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to The Serco Europe Recruitment TeamImportant:
Any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing documents to verify your identity and employment eligibility, as required by law.
Applicants are reminded that they will be requested to produce such documentation during the recruitment process.
Please contact a member of the recruitment team if you require further details of acceptable types of documentation required for verification of identity and work authorization.
Data Protection:
For more information on how the personal data in your application is process, please see the link Data Protection policy here.
Package DescriptionWhat we offer if you join our amazing team:
- Flexible working policy (hybrid working)
- Comprehensive and competitive benefits plan
- A range of wellness activities and employee assistance programs
- Casual dress code
- Company Car