Head of Contracts and Procurement
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- Grade
- Not specified
- Contract
- Fixed term
- Basic salary estimate
- See source notice
- Deadline
- November 16, 2026 at 12:59 AM · Europe/Berlin
- Location
- Garching, Germany
European Southern Observatory
ESO is an intergovernmental astronomy organisation that builds and operates major observatories for European researchers.
Visit official websiteRadar brief
The Head of Contracts and Procurement provides strategic leadership for ESO's procurement and contract management functions, leading a dual-site team of around 20 professionals across Germany and Chile. The strongest stated requirement is significant experience in procurement and contract management within a complex international environment (at least ten years).
This role matters because it influences multi-million-euro international projects and shapes organisational strategy, directly supporting the delivery of world-class observatories and scientific infrastructure.
What you would do
- Provide strategic leadership for ESO's procurement and contract management functions.
- Build 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.
- As Head of Contracts and Procurement, you will.
Eligibility snapshot
Must have
- Significant experience in procurement and contract management within a complex international environment (at least ten years).
- 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 skills to manage high workloads effectively.
- A passion for continuous improvement and organisational transformation.
- Unwavering integrity, transparency and professional judgement.
Advantageous
- Experience within scientific, engineering, technology, infrastructure or international organisations.
- Additional qualifications in a procurement/contract management related field, for example CIPS.
- Qualifications in project or contract management.
- Additional knowledge of other European languages, preferably Spanish.
Contract and workplace context
The role is based on-site at ESO HQ in Garching and relocation to the area is required; staff benefit from a mobile working policy that allows for regulated hybrid working.
Application toolkit
Documents
- Motivation letter.
- CV.
- Within your CV, names and contact details of three persons familiar with your work and willing to provide a recommendation letter upon request.
- Applicants are invited to apply online.
- Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV.
- Within your CV, please provide the names and contact details of three persons familiar with your work and willing to provide a recommendation letter upon request.
- Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.
Selection steps
- Apply online.
- Interviews are expected to start soon after the deadline.
- Applicants to any ESO role are asked to reflect on their affinity with these values and advised they may be asked about them if called for interview.
Source notice
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…
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Last synchronized Oct 13, 2026, 4:32 AM from EuroBrussels. Always confirm eligibility and deadline with the hiring organisation.
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