Head of Project Management, IRIS2 Programme Office (Betzdorf, LU)

(Senior) Manager, IRIS2 Programme Office
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
IRIS2 is the new European Union secure satellite constellation. This project is the European Union's answer to the pressing challenges of tomorrow to provide secure connectivity services and enhanced communication capacities to the EU and its Member States. In addition, as well as to governmental us-ers, private companies and European citizens while benefiting from ensuring high-speed internet broad-band to cope with connectivity dead zones.
SES - together with other consortium partners and core members - has been selected by European Commission to build and to operate the IRIS2 multi-orbit satellite constellation.
As the project enters its next phase, our team is expanding to support the development of future services and products enabled by the IRIS2 system. We are now seeking skilled professionals to help shape the service provisioning landscape and ensure the successful deployment of cutting-edge satellite connectiv-ity solutions.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
As a member of an agile project organization, you will be expected to bring a flexible way of working and an adaptive mindset to a dynamic development environment.
SES, as Consortium Lead Member of the SpaceRISE Consortium, is responsible for the implementation of IRIS2 programme.
You will be responsible for establishing and managing and guiding the IRIS2 Programme Office for SES. The role ensures the effective planning, execution, governance, and reporting of complex, multi-year space initiatives funded by EC/DG DEFIS, ESA and the Consortium under a PPP scheme. These include engineering, satellite programs, launch service contracts, ground infrastructure development, and user segment development.
In alignment with your manager, you will work across SES departments, Consortium Members teams and with external stakeholders (e.g. EC, ESA, EUSPA, contractors) to ensure project transparency, regulatory compliance, and strategic alignment.
You will be responsible for (this is not an exhaustive list):

• Design and implement a structured PMO framework adapted to public-sector space initiatives
• Oversee the execution of government-funded space projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and scope in line with public accountability standards
• Coordinate with technical and policy stakeholders across ministries, agencies (ESA, EUSPA, DG DEFIS, etc.), and industry partners
• Ensure alignment with SES and Consortium strategy
• Ensure alignment with the contractual frameworks
• Facilitate rigorous project governance through progress reviews and reporting, steering commit-tees, milestone reviews (e.g. PDR, CDR), and change control boards
• Supervise risk management, Earned Value Management (EVM), and quality assurance pro-cesses throughout the project lifecycle
• Lead the preparation of formal reports for parliamentary committees, funding authorities, and au-dit bodies
• Ensure full compliance with procurement procedures
• Promote knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the institutionalization of project manage-ment best practices across SES and the Consortium
• Assess and suggest improvement of processes and tools used for the project/programme man-agement

YOUR PROFILE
Must have

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Public Administra-tion, or Project Management
• Project Management certification required (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2)
• Minimum 7 years of experience in complex project or programme management, preferably within the space, defense, or high-tech government sector
• Demonstrated experience in working with or within space agencies, national ministries, or EU insti-tutions
• Solid understanding of the public procurement lifecycle and budgeting processes in the public sec-tor
• Familiarity with ECSS standards, EU Space Regulation, ESA programmatic processes, and/or in-ternational cooperation frameworks
• Proficiency in project planning and portfolio tools (MS Project, Primavera, Clarity, etc.)
• Strong documentation, reporting, and communication skills in both technical and institutional con-texts
• Fluency in English; any other language is considered an asset.
• The candidate must be eligible for a "SECRET" security clearance, in accordance with the "loi modifiée du 15 juin 2004 relative à la classification des pièces et aux habilitations de sécurité", as well as EU/ESA/NATO equivalents

Nice to have:

• Excellent project management skills, with strong time management skills to prioritize tasks effec-tively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong ability to work independently and without supervision in complex environments, e.g. project or matrix organizations
• Willing to work at least 60% onsite from office
• Travel as required for project realization purposesOn-time delivery of major program milestones

SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
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