Head of Contracts and Procurement

<div class="prose-job-description“>

Position description

The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world’s most productive ground-based astronomical observatory. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries.

ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in northern Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor (home to ALMA), and the ESO Headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany.

At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope, the world’s most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory, and will host and operate the southern array of the Cherenkov Telescope Array, the world’s largest and most sensitive high energy gamma-ray observatory. ESO is a major partner in ALMA. On Cerro Armazones, ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which will become “the world’s biggest eye on the sky” and whose operations will be fully integrated into the Paranal Observatory.

Within the Directorate of Administration at its Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, ESO is advertising the position of: Head of Contracts and Procurement.

Help us build the partnerships behind the world’s biggest discoveries!

At ESO, we don’t just observe the Universe, we build the facilities that enable humanity to explore it. From the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile to the construction of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), we deliver some of the most ambitious scientific and engineering projects on Earth. Behind every groundbreaking discovery lies a network of strategic partnerships, complex contracts, innovative suppliers and exceptional people.

We’re looking for an experienced leader to become our next Head of Contracts and Procurement, who, working across the organisation will help make the next generation of astronomical discoveries possible and who will help shape the future of our organisation.

Why this role matters?

This isn’t a traditional procurement role. It is an opportunity to influence multi-million-euro international projects, shape organisational strategy, lead a talented dual-site team and contribute to scientific and engineering achievements that capture the imagination of the world.

Reporting to the Director of Administration, you’ll lead a department of around 20 procurement and contract management professionals across Germany and Chile, working at the heart of ESO’s most exciting programmes. Working alongside experts, project managers, and senior stakeholders, your decisions will directly support the delivery of world-class observatories, cutting-edge technology and scientific infrastructure that will redefine our understanding of the Universe.

Why ESO?

Because very few careers offer the chance to combine leadership, international collaboration and lasting impact. At ESO, your work will help deliver facilities that future generations of scientists will use to answer some of humanity’s biggest questions: How did the Universe begin? Are we alone? What lies beyond what we know today?

And you’ll join a community of talented people united by curiosity, excellence and the ambition to achieve things that have never been done before!

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

As Head of Contracts and Procurement, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership for ESO’s procurement and contract management functions;
• Build powerful partnerships with suppliers, stakeholders and international collaborators;
• Enable major projects through innovative procurement solutions and commercial leadership;
• Lead across continents, inspiring and developing a high-performing international team;
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation and transformation by advancing digital tools, systems and ways of working;
• Protect value and manage risk through effective governance, negotiation and contract management;
• Influence organisational success by ensuring procurement remains a strategic enabler of ESO’s mission.

Role reports to:

Director of Administration.

Qualifications

You are an experienced leader who sees procurement as more than processes and contracts. You understand how commercial excellence, innovation and collaboration can help ESO achieve extraordinary outcomes.

You’ll bring:

• Significant experience in procurement and contract management within a complex international environment (at least ten years);
• A strong track record of leading and developing high-performing teams (minimum five years);
• Exceptional negotiation, stakeholder management and influencing skills;
• Commercial insight and the ability to navigate complex challenges with confidence;
• Experience building trusted relationships across diverse cultures and disciplines;
• Strong organisational and coordination sills to manage high workloads effectively;
• A passion for continuous improvement and organisational transformation;
• Unwavering integrity, transparency and professional judgement.

Additionally experience within scientific, engineering, technology, infrastructure or international organisations would be particularly valuable.

Qualifications:

University degree in a procurement related area: Business Administration, Economics and Law or related discipline.

Additional qualifications in a procurement/contract management related field will be an advantage, for example CIPS, as would qualifications in project or contract management.

Language skills:

The position requires an excellent command of written and spoken English. Additional knowledge of other European languages would be an advantage, preferably Spanish.

Remuneration and Contract details:

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary (free of income tax for applicants from ESO member states), comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family and support to place your child/children in daycare.

ESO’s salary structure is based upon a range of career paths which reflect the nature and level of our jobs. Each career path is made up of two or three grades which are used to further reflect experience.

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on geopolist.com