Head of Operations

• Function title: Head of Operations


• Reference: NOC-NM-2019-AD/125


• Location: Brussels


• Nature of competition: Internal and external competition


• Applicable regulations: Staff regulations


• Grades for publication: AD13


• Type of post: Advisor or equivalent/Military Head of Division (AD13-AD14)


• If selected, internal candidates at grade AD14 will exceptionally retain their current grade in the type of post advertised


• Number of posts: 1


• Duration: 5 Year(s)


• Security clearance: EU/NATO SECRET


• Directorate/Service: NMD/Operations


• Competition publication date: 04/09/2019


• Competition closing date: 16/10/2019 (23:59 Brussels time)


• Reserve list: Applicable - See details in the "Useful information" section

Your team

The Network Manager keeps the network operating as smoothly and efficiently as possible, working closely to support industry actors by providing services, functions, deliverables and training. The Network Manger delivers ATM performance for the pan-European network in the areas of safety, capacity, environment/flight efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

We are looking for a Head of Operations to provide sound leadership in operational aspects of the ATM Network Operations Management activities and address areas such as ATFCM operations, airports, contingency and crisis management, etc. S/he will cooperate with staff, stakeholders and customers to ensure that ATFCM services and European Network Operational functions meet stakeholder requirements. The Head of Operations will manage large teams (220 plus staff). 

The Head of Operations reports directly to the Director Network Management.

Your role

Your role will be to:

• propose a vision to enhance network operations and deliver recommendations to drive short, medium and long-term business objectives to meet performance and cost efficiency targets;


• lead and manage the service provision of "Operations" and associated teams while promoting a services-oriented and collaborative approach;


• manage the integration of airport activities with the airspace utilisation and ATFCM operations;


• act as a coach and a mentor to staff reporting to him/her;


• maintain a stakeholder-focused outlook with operational stakeholders (e.g. ANSPs, airports, etc.);


• manage the NM crisis and disruption processes;


• assume control of operations in cases of contingency and crisis;


• ensure compliance of operations with the SES regulatory framework;


• actively participate in strategic evolutions, development, planning of future systems and procedures as part of the Directorate Network Manager team;


• perform any other task in line with the main purpose of the job.

Required qualifications, experience & competencies

• Completed university studies of 4 years, or completed university studies of at least 3 years plus 1 year appropriate professional experience, or professional training (e.g. expertise in relevant operational activities at senior level) of an equivalent level.


• In addition, a minimum of 18 years' relevant professional experience, including 15 years in management or strategic activities.


• Internal candidates should check on the intranet to see what level of in-house experience is considered equivalent to educational qualifications where appropriate.


• Proficiency in managing complex operational facilities.


• Extensive knowledge of the European ATFCM situation, airspace and route structure, preferably in a multinational environment.


• Vision: Influences the Agency’s vision


• Leading: Demonstrates direction


• Customer focus: Considers the strategic direction of customer focus


• Communication: Adapts communication to different situations and audiences


• Managing change : Drives corporate changes at all levels


• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment.


• Professional conduct in line with the corporate behaviours of the Agency, i.e. result-driven, readiness to change, customer focus, integrity and team-player approach.


• The working languages of the Agency are English and French. For this particular post, thorough knowledge of English (oral/written) and satisfactory knowledge of French to the extent necessary to perform the described duties are required.

Useful information

• Applications will be accepted from nationals of EUROCONTROL Member States only. At the closing date of the notice of competition, internal candidates must have completed their probationary period.


• This is an appointment for a determined period of 5 Year(s). It could be extended up to a maximum of 9 years or converted into an undetermined contract. Before being established in the post, the external candidate will be required to provide certified copies of his/her degrees and successfully serve a probationary period of 9 months.


• Internal candidates appointed to an established post or for an undetermined period: If successful, the staff member will be appointed under the conditions set out above, while maintaining the previous terms of employment regarding his/her appointment (whether for an undetermined period or to an established post). At the end of the period of  employment as mentioned above, if the assignment to this post is not extended or its duties do not become of a lasting nature, the staff member will, in accordance with the service regulations, be transferred to another post corresponding to his/her last type of post, grade and function group.


• Internal candidates appointed for determined period: If successful, the person will continue his/her current type of appointment if compliant with duration limits laid down in Annex Xb of the Staff Regulations/General Conditions of Employment.


• This post entails management activities. Established staff members will therefore have to serve a probationary period of 9 months. This period may be shortened to 6 months if the successful candidate is appointed following a competition preceded by a previous temporary assignment to the post for which s/he was selected.


• The successful candidate shall be appointed at the grade in the function group and to the type of post indicated in the vacancy notice, or, if a group of grades has been published, in principle at the basic grade.


• In case of reserve list: Suitable candidates, however not selected to fill the post, will be placed on a reserve list for similar functions. The period of validity of reserve list is 1 year from the approval of the selection board’s recommendations.


• Information on salary and benefits can be found on the web page: http://jobs.eurocontrol.int/what-we-offer


• EUROCONTROL is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunities. In the event of equal merit, preference may be given to the applicant from to the under-represented diversity characteristics in order to complement diversity of teams and rebalance the workforce.


• Candidates should read the tips on how to apply.