Administration Programme Manager

Imagine what we could learn if we could build a microscope so powerful that it could look deep inside the very materials that the universe is made from. A microscope that could actually let us see the atoms and molecules that substances are made from. Imagine the new discoveries we could make, the new materials we could develop and how much we could learn about ourselves and our universe.

The European Spallation Source is one of the most exciting, innovative and ground-breaking,” Big Science” projects under construction today. Research with neutrons lies behind some of the most important materials and innovations which improve our everyday lives, our health and our environment – and ESS will be the most powerful neutron microscope when fully operational in 2027.

Whilst others have built telescopes that allow us to look into the furthest regions of space, now we will build a device so powerful it will allow us to the study the smallest objects in the finest detail.

Come and build the future of Science with us!

About the role:

The ESS is at an exciting turning point. It is in transition from being a construction site, to being an operating facility. To help us realize our goal of being the most powerful neutron source in the world, we are looking to appoint an Administration Programme Manager for the Project Support & Administration Directorate (PS&A).

As our next Administration Programme Manager, your main areas of responsibility will be project management, operational work, and international networking.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced portfolio and project management professional to develop new capabilities and effectively integrate into a project organisation turning operational. You will manage the Directorate’s strategic and cross-functional project portfolio, lead some of the projects contained within it, and you will also own and develop the structure and framework of our project management model. You will also monitor and report progress on a regular basis.

As a member of the PS&A leadership team you, together with your colleagues, will contribute to the wider development of the Directorate’s professional support services. You will represent PS&A in steering groups, in meetings, and also deputise for the PS&A Director on specific matters and projects. 

Examples of other tasks include supporting preparation and forecasting of PS&A budget, being the main focal point for PS&A risk, being the point of contact for ESS Service management work, and contributing to effective partnerships with PS&A stakeholders. 

Another important part of the role is networking in an international context. You will be expected to support the Director General by acting as point of contact for certain external and international engagements and collaborations, for example the ERIC forum.

About you: 

For this role, we are looking for an individual with a degree in leadership, project management or similar relevant qualification.

The ideal candidate will have solid professional experience from international, multi-cultural organisations and of building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and others. We need someone with significant project management experience, and who has a demonstrated history of strategic, analytical and supportive work at an enterprise level.

In this role, planning and organising is important – and so is taking initiative to move forward whilst leading and inspiring others to do the same.

We are building ESS from the ground up, so we need someone who is comfortable not only following procedures, but also creating them. We attach great importance to personality and attitude, so we're looking for a real team player: Someone who is sociable, has excellent communication skills, who likes to collaborate with different people and who is committed to helping this amazing project to realise its full potential. We need a hands-on self-starter who is able to work in a structured, orderly, responsible and – most importantly – safe way.

Fluency in written and spoken English is a requirement, as it is the working language at ESS, and we need someone who can start as soon as practically possible.

This is a full-time position based in Lund, Sweden.

What can we offer?

Aside from the opportunity to work at one of only 4 linear accelerator-based Spallation sources on the whole planet, you can also expect:


• An opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science.
• A stunning, brand new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe.
• A challenging, exciting and fast-paced work environment.
• Market competitive compensation that is individual and differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements.
• 30 days of annual leave, as well as more than 10 days of public holiday and company days off or days with limited working hours.
• Monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.
• Flexible working arrangements and a real work-life balance.

Interested? We sure hope so.

If you see yourself in what we’re looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on “apply” and following the instructions. Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website.

The last day for receiving applications is 1 January, 2023 so submit your application as soon as you can as we review applications continuously. Please quote the job reference number ESD-23810 in your application.

Certain roles at ESS require health and safety checks, which may be required in the final stages of the recruitment process.

For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please follow this link https://europeanspallationsource.se/ess-recruitment-process or contact Recruitment Officer Åsa Ander at asa.ander@ess.eu. For further information regarding the position, please contact the Hiring Manager Agneta Nestenborg at agneta.nestenborg@ess.eu

For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Conny Wendt at conny.wendt@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Yngve Levinsen at yngve.levinsen@ess.eu

We look forward to receiving your application soon!