Head of Contracts and Procurement
Quick answer
The European Southern Observatory is hiring a mid-career Head of Contracts and Procurement (Garching, Germany) to lead a team supporting the delivery of world-class observatories and scientific infrastructure.
- Role
- Head of Contracts and Procurement
- Organization
- European Southern Observatory
- Location
- Garching, Germany
- Work setup
- On-site
- Level
- Mid
- Category
- Other
The role
The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is seeking a Head of Contracts and Procurement to lead a department of around 20 procurement and contract management professionals across Germany and Chile, supporting the delivery of world-class observatories and scientific infrastructure.
What you'll do
- 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
What it takes
- 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 skills to manage high workloads effectively
What you'll bring
How we treat you
Competitive salary (free of income tax for applicants from ESO member states), comprehensive pension scheme, medical, educational and other social benefits, financial help in relocating your family, support to place your child/children in daycare
Frequently asked questions
Where is the job located?
The job is located in Garching, Germany.
What is the compensation package?
The compensation package is not specified in the job posting.
What are the key qualifications required?
Key qualifications include significant experience in procurement and contract management, leading and developing high-performing teams, exceptional negotiation skills, and commercial insight.
How do I apply?
To apply, please indicate you saw this position on Globaljobs.org and apply now.
Is the job remote?
The job is onsite.
How to apply
Apply directly on European Southern Observatory's site. We link straight through — no resume parsing, no profile to fill out.
This listing is aggregated from a third-party source and its summary may be auto-generated, so details can be inaccurate or out of date. ForGood is not the employer and is not liable for the content — please verify everything on European Southern Observatory's official posting before applying.