Senior Talent Management Expert

Job Requisition ID: 20501

Date Posted: 23 April 2026

Closing Date: 14 May 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Resources and Services

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL; Villanueva de la Cañada, ES; Darmstadt, DE; Paris, FR; Frascati, IT

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Description

The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting a Senior Talent Management Expert to join a dynamic, international team in the Talent and Culture Competence Centre, a Division within the Human Resources Department comprising over 100 internal and external professionals delivering high-quality HR services to a workforce of more than 7,700 across the Agency.

The Division develops HR policies, processes and solutions across a broad range of fields, including talent acquisition, employer branding, internal and external mobility, performance management, promotions, feedback, talent reviews and succession planning, on and offboarding, leadership assessment and development, employee engagement and experience, organisational culture and employee listening.

In this role, you will make a tangible impact in shaping a skills-based talent strategy, and in delivering, in one or more fields, solutions that directly support ESA’s missions and long‑term workforce sustainability.

Duties

• monitor, identify and address current and future ESA workforce needs and gaps against market trends to inform and shape the Agency’s talent strategies;
• be responsible for the end-to-end design, review and implementation of ESA talent policies, frameworks, solutions and processes;
• collaborate with and advise stakeholders in HR, across the Agency and with external partners, maintaining continuous dialogue to integrate feedback, and ensure that HR policies and solutions align with the needs of the organisation and the business areas;
• plan, lead and deliver strategic projects, ensuring alignment with key stakeholders, timely progress and high-quality outcomes;
• prepare high-quality and synthetic materials, such as policies, frameworks and communications, to key stakeholders ranging from end users to top management;
• leverage people analytics, metrics and employee insights such as surveys and KPIs to enable strategic and evidence-based solutions and integrate continuous improvement in the life cycle of all talent management products;
• contribute to the HR digital agenda through the exploration of innovative methodologies and emerging technologies;
• embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion dimensions in all talent projects and solutions.

Technical competencies

• Extensive senior-level experience of managing HR policies and talent solutions in large and multicultural organisations
• Proven expertise in change management, people analytics and continuous improvement
• Proven ability to analyse and visualise data and advise peers and stakeholders on their impact and benefits for target audiences
• Sound knowledge of HR best practices, including current and emerging policies, trends and methodologies
• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills across various organisational levels and experience of serving as a central source of expertise
• Excellent English drafting and communication abilities, enabling clear synthesis of complex information for a diverse range of audiences, including senior management and the Executive Board

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

Education and professional experience

A master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Engineering, Law or Psychology is required for this post with at least ten years of senior and in-depth experience in HR policies and talent management solutions. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree, complemented by an additional 4 years of relevant professional experience can be considered.

Additional requirements

• Experience in carrying out qualitative studies, including surveys and focus groups, and reviewing literature.
• Solid experience in one or more areas: sourcing strategies, selection processes and toolkits, mobility frameworks, employee listening initiatives (design to implementation).
• Strong digital and data savviness and experience.
• Experience of latest methodologies such as agile, design thinking and lean management.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. If you would like to discuss accessibility, please contact the Human Resources Department.

Nationality and Languages

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of listed States. The working languages of the Agency are English and French; a good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Note: This job requisition aims to establish a reserve list of suitable candidates for upcoming and future recruitment needs for the next two years. The post is expected to be subject to rotation in line with ESA’s mobility and workforce needs. During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests and basic screening by an external service, in compliance with ESA security procedures. The Agency is transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

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