Service Delivery Manager - ESA Information Factory

With a strong presence in Europe, Serco collaborates extensively with the European Space Agency (ESA), providing comprehensive services ranging from Earth Observation (EO) data management to spacecraft control and flight dynamics. In collaboration with ESRIN, Serco has made significant contributions to various space missions, providing technical and scientific support that has been pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of ESA's operations. By joining Serco's team, you will be part of a dynamic environment focused on innovation and excellence in space exploration and data management, contributing to ground-breaking projects that shape the future of space technology.
We are seeking a Service Delivery Manager for the ESA Information Center to support our activities at ESRIN from our German office in Darmstadt or via a remote location in Germany. The successful candidate will lead efforts within the ESA Information Factory Pathfinders for Adaptation initiative, which aims to integrate and operationalize fit-for-purpose EO services for end-users. In this role, you will bridge advanced data technologies—including cloud-based services, AI/ML techniques, and geospatial data—with practical, user-centric applications that support Europe’s climate adaptation and green transition objectives.

Key Responsibilities:
Operational Service Management:

• Lead the integration and operationalization of fit-for-purpose Earth Observation services to ensure they meet the specific needs of end-users.
• Manage the delivery of services utilizing advanced analytics, AI/ML techniques, and Big Data architectures within an EO context.
• Bridge advanced data technologies with practical, user-centric applications to support climate adaptation goals.

Technical Specification & Engineering:

• Define and maintain technical requirements specifications for Software Systems supporting EO data processing and exploitation.
• Oversee the implementation of cloud-based or HPC-enabled data services.
• Monitor service performance and ensure the scalability of Big Data architectures.

Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination:

• Act as the primary interface for stakeholder engagement, effectively understand and translate stakeholder requirements, engage with industrial partners, and interact with ESA on the core technical and operational aspects.
• Interact professionally with internal and external technical and commercial stakeholders to align service delivery with user expectations.
• Collaborate with international communities at the forefront of satellite data and climate science.

Project Oversight & Problem Resolution

• Manage several complex tasks in parallel, ensuring effective prioritization to meet project milestones.
• Apply a proactive approach to identify and resolve operational or technical bottlenecks.
• Work autonomously under constraints while maintaining direct and effective contact with ESA.

Skills and Experience:Required:

• Education: Master’s degree in a relevant engineering, data science, earth sciences, or related discipline.
• Professional Experience: Significant experience in EO data services, AI/ML applications, or related fields.
• Technical Expertise: Proven track record in delivering cloud-based or HPC-enabled data services.
• Domain Knowledge: Expertise in Remote Sensing and Big Data architectures, specifically in an EO context.
• Platforms: Experience with Exploitation and Analysis Platforms for Earth Observation.
• Requirement Engineering: Strong skills in technical requirements specification for Software Systems.
• Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated experience in collecting user requirements and managing stakeholder interactions.
• Language: Professional fluency in written and spoken English, German is a plus

Nice to Have

• Experience with Urban Heat Island (UHI) applications and related EO services.
• Familiarity with the EO market, market intelligence, and evolving business models.
• Prior experience working on ESA or European space sector projects.
• Proficiency in the German language.
• Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence specifically applied to EO data processing.

Package Description:

• Competitive Salary and great career opportunities in the Space industry.
• Relocation allowance including flight to Germany, airport transport, and one month of paid accommodation.
• Remote or Hybrid (Darmstadt) working model to support a healthy work-life balance.
• 30% discount on the Deutschland ticket for easy and sustainable travel.
• Subsidised Wellpass providing access to 12,500+ fitness and wellness options across Germany.
• Comprehensive benefits package including life insurance, health insurance, and pension schemes.
• 30 days of holiday for balance and exploration.
• Corporate Benefits discounts and engaging company events to foster team spirit in an international environment.

About Serco:

Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the likes of ESA, CNES, EUMETSAT, EUSPA, ASI and NASA. We offer space capabilities across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies across Europe and the globe We work within the heart of the space sector so understand the challenges our customers face. When it comes to recruitment we are experts in sourcing the very best talent within space engineering, earth observation, satellite communications and cyber security. We have placed hundreds of people from post graduates through to C-suite executives into space agencies, satellite operators, manufacturers, system integrators, consultancies, earth observation/remote sensing, launch providers and much more.