Site Director

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

The operations team is looking for a Site Director (France) to own safe, compliant, and efficient operations across our sites in Bordeaux (includes integration halls, offices, labs, and test areas). Reporting to Lead Operations, you will lead vendors or work hands-on to deliver facilities reliability, compliant execution, and friction‑free activities.

• Lead day‑to‑day test site operations: reception, goods‑in/out, utilities, janitorial, waste, test site activities (together with the site manager and logistics responsible)

• Plan and execute preventive and corrective maintenance; manage work orders, spares, and service contracts to keep critical utilities running.

• Run office/lab/test‑area fit‑outs and moves: contractor pre‑qualification, risk assessments, permit‑to‑work (PTW), and safe commissioning in occupied areas.

• Manage leases and landlord relationships; track obligations, service charges, and issues to resolution.

• Coordinate inbound/outbound logistics, including dangerous goods with certified partners; ensure yard/dock safety and traffic plans.

• Implement the company EHS Management System on site (defined by the EHS Engineer): chemical and waste controls, PPE, and legal registers; drive incident reporting, root‑cause analysis, and corrective actions.

• Own emergency preparedness: evacuation plans, drills, first‑aiders/fire wardens, and liaison with local authorities as needed.

• Operate physical security: access control/badging, visitor management, CCTV, key control, and guard services.

• Implement export‑control physical safeguards (aligned with our Internal Compliance Program): controlled rooms/cabinets, visitor escorting, signage, and disposal procedures.

• Build and manage the site OPEX/CAPEX budget; run project stage‑gates, vendor SOWs, and change orders; deliver projects on time and on budget with as‑builts and O&M docs.

• Provide accurate records and reporting for audits, Quality Management System expectations, and ESG/B‑Corp data (energy, water, waste, recycling).

• Lead and coach the test site team and vendors; communicate proactively about works, outages, and changes.

• 5+ years leading multi‑disciplinary site or test‑site operations in France (industrial, aerospace, or high‑hazard environments).

• Proven experience planning and executing propulsion/engine or high‑energy tests (stand allocation, crew rostering, TRR/DR cadence, anomaly management).

• Strong knowledge of French EHS and DREAL environmental regulations (particularly with ICPE sites) and practical experience with contractor controls in hazardous operations.

• Comfortable hands‑on during test campaigns; disciplined communication and decision‑making under time pressure.

• Familiarity with cryogenic and high‑pressure fluid systems, instrumentation/DAQ, and interlock/safing concepts (you will not design these, but must govern readiness and safe operation).

• Demonstrated success delivering fit‑outs/commissioning, running maintenance programs, and closing audit actions.

• Budget ownership (OPEX/CAPEX), vendor negotiation, and basic project governance.

• Familiarity with QMS expectations (ISO 9001/9100), CMMS tools, and MS 365/SharePoint; basic ability to read/redline site drawings.

• Languages: French (native‑level) and English (professional working proficiency).

• Leadership: organized, service‑oriented, decisive; able to set expectations and coach teams and suppliers; willing to support off‑hours/weekend test ops when needed.

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:  

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind 

• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them  

• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?  

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly. 
 
The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.