Project Manager – ESA/EU/ASI Space Projects

JOB OVERVIEW

The Project Manager will lead and coordinate institutional space-related mission programmes end-to-end, from bid and contract award through execution and final delivery, with a specific focus on ESA-, EU- and nationally funded programmes. You will act as the central point of coordination across engineering, product, operations, commercial and other multidisciplinary teams, ensuring delivery against contractual commitments in terms of scope, schedule, budget, quality and customer expectations.

You will engage early in the bid phase, supporting the Institutional team in shaping competitive and compliant proposals, and take ownership of programme execution post-award. Acting as the primary interface for ESA, EU, ASI and other national space agencies, as well as European partners, you will build trusted customer relationships, manage stakeholder expectations, ensure compliance with contractual and institutional requirements, and drive effective collaboration across teams. Through strong programme governance and a delivery-focused approach, you will contribute to reliable, scalable and high-quality execution of complex space missions.

OUTCOME

• Programme Delivery (85%): Ensure satellite mission programmes meet contractual commitments, timelines, budgets and quality standards through effective coordination, customer management, risk mitigation and performance monitoring
• Capture & Proposal Support (15%): Support Institutional team in preparing competitive, compliant ESA/EU bids, incorporating delivery requirements, lessons learned and sound contractual terms

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, coordinate, and manage institutional projects throughout their execution lifecycle.
• Act as the main point of contact for institutional stakeholders, ensuring clear communication, alignment, and customer satisfaction.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, milestones, and resource allocation strategies.
• Coordinate engineering, operations, procurement, and business teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Monitor project progress, budgets, contractual obligations, and deliverables.
• Identify project risks and issues, implement mitigation actions, and manage change requests.
• Prepare and deliver project reports, status updates, and progress reviews to management and customers.
• Ensure compliance with contractual, technical, quality, and reporting requirements.
• Lead customer meetings, project reviews, and stakeholder communications.
• Support proposal preparation by contributing to project planning, costing, risk assessment, and execution strategies.
• Facilitate the transition from proposal phase to project execution.
• Drive continuous improvement of project management processes, tools, and best practices, incorporating lessons learned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Business, Aerospace, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in end-to-end project management, preferably within the aerospace, telecommunications, satellite, and antenna technology.
• Direct experience with ESA and/or EU-funded programmes, including familiarity with ECSS/PSS standards, and ESA/EU procurement or grant agreement frameworks.
• Proven experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and technical teams in advanced technology environments.
• Experience with proposal activities, budgeting, project costing, and contract management.
• Project Management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) is considered a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in uncertain environments.

Technical Skills

• Project Planning & Scheduling
• Risk, Budget & Contract Management
• Stakeholder & Customer Management
• Proposal Development & Cost Estimation
• Project Reporting & Performance Tracking
• Resource Coordination
• Proficiency with MS Project, Excel, Jira, Confluence, or similar tools
• Ability to communicate complex technical topics to non-technical stakeholders

Soft Skills

• Leadership and Team Coordination
• Communication and Stakeholder Management
• Strong Organization and Planning
• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Customer-Oriented Mindset
• Proactive, Collaborative, and Results-Driven Approach
• Ability to Manage Multiple Priorities in a Dynamic Environment
• Professional proficiency in English and Italian (both mandatory)

WHAT WE OFFER

• A flat and collaborative organizational structure
• A fast‑paced and professional environment within a rapidly growing space scale‑up
• Challenging projects with real impact on the global space ecosystem
• An international and diverse workplace
• Comprehensive benefits, welfare, meal vouchers, hybrid work policy to support work‑life balance, training courses

COMPENSATION & TRANSPARENCY

• Reports to: Public Affairs and Institutional Business Development Manager
• Seniority level: P3- Experienced Professional
• Job location: Hybrid, Lomazzo (Como), Italy
• Salary range: €40,000–45,000
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including welfare platform and meal vouchers (Italy)
• Start Date: as soon as possible

ABOUT LEAF SPACE

Leaf Space is a rapidly growing scale-up company and aleading provider of ground segment as-a-service (GSaaS) solutions. Our innovative and proprietary concept is focused on providing satellite and launch vehicle connectivity as-a-service, enabling clients to efficiently manage their assets and fully exploit data. Our GSaaS solutions have been recognized by the market for their efficiency, security, and effectiveness in supporting different applications, from remote sensing to IoT communications.