For more than half a century, Serco has walked alongside the pioneers of space. Serco has supported over 50 ESA missions where our teams have helped launch satellites, guide spacecraft across the void and turn data into discoveries that reshape our world. With thousands of specialists contributing across the entire space lifecycle from satellite testing to launch services, LEOP to operations and surveillance, we’ve become a trusted force in national And European space strategies. And now, the next chapter could include you.
As part of our long-standing partnership with the European Space Agency, we are looking for a Project Administration Support to join our team at ESTEC in Harwell, UK.
The Project Administration Support provides operational and administrative support to ESA programme and project teams, ensuring accurate execution of procurement, financial, manpower planning, reporting, and project control activities. The role supports project controllers and programme managers in maintaining data integrity, process compliance, and efficient workflow management across multiple corporate systems.
Responsibilities
Procurement & Contract Administration
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Support procurement and contract implementation activities.
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Create and manage Purchase Orders, Work Orders, Contracts, Contract Change Notices (CCNs), Shopping Carts, and RFXs within ESA systems (esa-p).
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Process Goods Receipt Notes (GRNs), invoices, and payment-related transactions.
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Support contract close-out activities and audit trail preparation.
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Monitor procurement workflows, approvals, and status reporting.
Project Control Support
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Provide transactional and administrative support to project controllers.
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Support financial reporting, manpower planning and resource tracking activities.
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Assist in Programme board reporting and status updates.
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Monitor contract KPIs, including time-to-contract performance metrics.
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Support AC and IPC document preparation and approval cycles.
Data Management & Reporting
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Verify accuracy, consistency, and integrity of procurement and financial data.
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Analyse variances between actual and planned expenditures and manpower allocations.
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Develop dashboards, reports, activity logs, and management presentations.
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Recommend process improvements and corrective actions.
Audit & Continuous Improvement
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Support financial and management audits.
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Maintain process documentation, templates and user guidance.
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Assist testing and adoption of new digital tools and systems.
Profile
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Finance, Economics, or equivalent.
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Minimum 3 years of experience in project administration, project control, procurement, or business operations support.
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Experience working with ERP and procurement systems.
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Knowledge of IPSAS and Finance/Accounting is an asset.
Required Skills
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Strong analytical and reporting capabilities.
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Excellent stakeholder coordination skills.
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Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365 proficiency.
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Strong Knowledge of SAP, procurement workflows and financial controls.
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Strong attention to detail and process compliance.
Preferred Experience
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ESA, aerospace, engineering, or government programme environment.
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Knowledge of EROS, ESA-P, ESA-Star, WLMS/Planisware and Power BI.
What We Offer: More than just a job
Working with Serco at ESA ECSAT means joining a stable and well-established organisation with a long-standing presence in the European space sector. You will be employed on a permanent UK contract with Serco, subject to ESA acceptance and benefit from a supportive working environment where people development and long-term careers are taken seriously.
Serco is committed to supporting your professional growth through regular performance reviews, annual career development planning and access to a wide range of training opportunities. This includes technical and soft-skills training, workshops, conferences, language courses and online learning platforms such as LinkedIn Learning and Serco’s internal learning management system.
You will have regular interaction with Serco management and local support teams, ensuring you feel supported, informed and connected. Serco maintains an open-door approach through its local support offices and provides regular updates on company initiatives, events and opportunities across its European space business.
In addition to a competitive salary, the role includes a comprehensive benefits package. This includes access to a pension scheme, life insurance linked to pension membership, company sick pay from day one depending on length of service and an annual salary review process in line with Serco Group guidelines.
While working at ESA ECSAT, you will benefit from a generous holiday entitlement of 30 days per year, in addition to ESA site public holidays, with the possibility to carry over a limited number of days into the following year.
As part of the Serco team, you will also gain visibility of internal vacancies across the UK, Europe and globally, offering real opportunities for internal mobility without loss of seniority. From day one, you will be part of a company that actively represents its people, listens to feedback and values long-term collaboration with its staff.
