🇩🇪 Head of Contracts and Procurement 📑 ESO (European Southern Observatory) Job in Garching, Germany 🔭

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) is recruiting a Head of Contracts and Procurement for its Directorate of Administration at the ESO Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany (advert no. 2026_0062). You will lead a department of around 20 procurement and contract management professionals across Germany and Chile, on a three-year fixed-term contract in career path VII. The role asks for at least ten years of procurement and contract management experience. The deadline is 15 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full advert, and everything you need is below.

About ESO, the European Southern Observatory

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's Observing Sites and Telescopes

🏔️ ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in northern Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor (home to ALMA)

🏢 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

✨ Paranal will also 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", with operations fully integrated into the Paranal Observatory

Why Does the Head of Contracts and Procurement Role Matter?

ESO describes this as not a traditional procurement role. Behind every groundbreaking discovery lies a network of strategic partnerships, complex contracts, innovative suppliers and exceptional people, and the new Head will help make the next generation of astronomical discoveries possible while helping to shape the future of the organisation.

The role is an opportunity to:

💶 Influence multi-million-euro international projects

🧭 Shape organisational strategy

👥 Lead a talented dual-site team

🌌 Contribute to scientific and engineering achievements that capture the imagination of the world

Your Department and Reporting Line

📋 Reports to: the Director of Administration

👨‍💼 Team: a department of around 20 procurement and contract management professionals across Germany and Chile

🛰️ You will work at the heart of ESO's most exciting programmes, alongside experts, project managers and senior stakeholders

Your decisions will directly support the delivery of world-class observatories, cutting-edge technology and scientific infrastructure.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

🎯 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

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Key Competences and Experience

ESO is looking for an experienced leader who sees procurement as more than processes and contracts, and who understands how commercial excellence, innovation and collaboration can help ESO achieve extraordinary outcomes. You will 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 skills to manage high workloads effectively

🚀 A passion for continuous improvement and organisational transformation

⚖️ Unwavering integrity, transparency and professional judgement

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

Qualifications

🎓 A university degree in a procurement related area: Business Administration, Economics and Law or a related discipline

📜 Additional qualifications in a procurement/contract management related field are an advantage, for example CIPS

🧩 Qualifications in project or contract management are also an advantage

Language Skills

🇬🇧 An excellent command of written and spoken English is required

🇪🇸 Additional knowledge of other European languages is an advantage, preferably Spanish

Salary, Benefits and Career Path

ESO offers an attractive remuneration package, including:

💼 A competitive salary, free of income tax for applicants from ESO member states

🏦 A comprehensive pension scheme

🩺 Medical, educational and other social benefits

📦 Financial help in relocating your family

👶 Support to place your child/children in daycare

ESO's salary structure is based on a range of career paths that reflect the nature and level of its jobs. Each career path is made up of two or three grades, used to further reflect experience. This role is in career path VII. The link to the salary structure is in the Links section below.

Contract Type and Duration

📃 Fixed-term contract of three years, subject to successful completion of the probation period

🔁 There may be a possibility of extension(s), subject to individual performance and organisational requirements, and as defined in the applicable policies and staff rules and regulations

📝 ESO notes that its contract policy, in particular the regulations concerning fixed-term and indefinite contracts, is currently under review, which may lead to changes in the contractual conditions applicable to this position

Work-Life Balance and Family Support

⚖️ ESO aims to support members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance between their professional and private life

👨‍👩‍👧 ESO is committed to family-friendly support, with work environment and policies that allow staff to balance professional and private responsibilities through flexible working arrangements and financial support for families

Duty Station: Garching near Munich

📍 The duty station is Garching near Munich, with duty trips as necessary to ESO sites in Chile

🏠 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 for work-life balance purposes

Who Can Apply? Nationality

No nationality is in principle excluded from employment at ESO. However, recruitment preference is given to nationals of ESO's Member States, host states and strategic partners, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion:

🗺️ Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Chile

How to Apply

🖥️ Apply online through ESO's recruitment system

🇬🇧 Applications must be completed in English

✉️ Include a motivation letter

📄 Include your CV

👥 Within your CV, give 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

⏰ Apply by 15 November 2026

Interviews and ESO Values

🎤 Interviews are expected to start soon after the deadline

ESO considers harmony in values between the organisation and its people an important element of any successful employment relationship. The ESO Values are:

🏅 ESO strives for excellence through innovation

🛎️ ESO provides outstanding services to its communities

🤲 ESO fosters diversity & inclusion

🌱 ESO believes in the key role of sustainability for its future

These are recognised as only possible on the basis of personal values and attitudes ESO expects from its employees: respect, integrity, accountability, commitment, collaboration, and clear & open communication. Applicants are asked to reflect on their affinity with these values and may be asked about them if called for interview.

Diversity and Equal Opportunities

ESO has established diversity as an important value of the organisation, is committed to providing an equal opportunities environment, and is actively seeking to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce.

Find more international roles like this one in the Jobs category on Youth Works Hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does the ESO Head of Contracts and Procurement role require?

You need at least ten years of procurement and contract management experience in a complex international environment, and at least five years of leading and developing high-performing teams.

Where is the position based?

The role is based on-site at ESO Headquarters in Garching near Munich, Germany, with duty trips to ESO sites in Chile as required. Relocation to the area is required, and staff can use regulated hybrid working.

What type of contract is offered?

A fixed-term contract of three years, subject to successful completion of the probation period, with a possible extension depending on performance and organisational requirements. ESO notes that its contract policy is currently under review.

Is the salary tax-free?

The salary is free of income tax for applicants from ESO member states. The role is in career path VII of ESO's salary structure, and the package also includes a pension scheme and social benefits.

How large is the team?

You will lead a department of around 20 procurement and contract management professionals across Germany and Chile, reporting to the Director of Administration.

Which qualifications are needed?

A university degree in a procurement related area such as Business Administration, Economics and Law or a related discipline. Qualifications such as CIPS, or in project or contract management, are an advantage.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

No, but it helps. Excellent English is required, and knowledge of other European languages is an advantage, preferably Spanish.

Can applicants of any nationality apply?

Yes. No nationality is in principle excluded, but recruitment preference is given to nationals of ESO's Member States, host states and strategic partners.

What documents do I need to submit?

An application in English with a motivation letter and CV. Your CV must include the names and contact details of three referees willing to provide a recommendation letter upon request.