VN 26/23 Technical Facilities Manager

EUMETSAT is Europe’s meteorological satellite agency, operating a fleet of satellites delivering weather and climate-related satellite data and images to our users worldwide, helping protect lives, property and industries.

EUMETSAT is headquartered in Darmstadt, where over 1,000 employees and contractors from 30 Member States collaborate to develop and operate a fleet of state-of-the-art earth observation satellites. The headquarter also houses a large data centre building and the operations control centre which is staffed 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to ensure that EUMETSAT’s important mission can be fulfilled.

The headquarter campus has recently seen a large expansion through the construction of new buildings, including an own Childcare Centre.

Within the General Services Division (GES), the Technical Facility Manager leads and develops a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the technical infrastructure at EUMETSAT Headquarters. These activities are supported by external service providers.

The successful candidate ensures the continuity of business‑critical services by overseeing emergency power systems, utility supplies (electricity, water, gas, heat), building maintenance, and integrated safety and security systems while maintaining and enhancing regulatory compliance, operational resilience, and continuous improvement across all facility operations.

Operational & Technical Management, Team Coordination

• Lead and develop the technical facilities team consisting of engineers and technicians.
• Oversee the operation, maintenance and performance of all technical building systems (electrical, HVAC, plumbing, elevators, fire safety, security systems, BMS).
• Ensure equipment reliability through preventative and predictive maintenance programs.
• Monitor and manage facility energy consumption and propose efficiency improvements.
• Coordinate inspections, testing, and certifications of all technical installations.
• Coordinate closely with internal departments to ensure facility needs are met.

Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure all facilities comply with local building regulations, safety standards, and environmental requirements.
• Ensure adequate documentation for audits, statutory inspections, and compliance reporting using a Computer Aided Facility Management Tool (CAFM).
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation measures.
• Oversee fire safety and security systems and emergency response plans.

Project & Budget Management

• Manage building improvement and technical upgrade projects from planning to completion.
• Prepare and manage annual technical maintenance and human resources budgets, as well as the regular investment forecast.
• Analyse cost-saving opportunities and optimise operational expenses.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for senior management.

Sustainability & Continuous Improvement

• Spearhead sustainability initiatives (energy efficiency, waste reduction, green technologies).
• Implement continuous improvement processes for facility operations and service quality.
• Monitor KPIs to ensure high building performance and user satisfaction.

• Strong interpersonal and leadership capabilities, with proven experience in managing and developing technical teams in a complex facilities environment.
• Extensive hands‑on experience in technical facility management, including the implementation, operation, and maintenance of emergency power supply systems (UPS, generators), HVAC and cooling systems, and integrated security and safety systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills, with the ability to take sound, timely decisions under pressure and during operational incidents.

Additional advantageous experience

• Experience working in a 24/7 operational or mission‑critical environment.
• Experience with Quality Management Systems, preferably in accordance with ISO 9001.
• Certified or formal training in Electrical, Safety and Fire Protection disciplines.

Required knowledge and standards

• Occupational Health & Safety regulations, such as DGUV or OSHA.
• Facility Management standards and frameworks (e.g., GEFMA, ISO 41000, EN 13306, DIN 31051, VDI, VDE).
• HOAI – Fee Structure for Architects and Engineers.
• VOB – German Construction Contract Procedures.

Digital and technical competencies

• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with standard office software suites (e.g., Microsoft 365).
• Experience with documentation management systems (e.g., M‑Files), activity and workflow tracking tools (e.g., Jira), and project management platforms (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Confluence).
• Practical abilities in CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD) and CAFM systems (e.g., speedikon).