Skip to main content

Managers at the European Commission

Job descriptions, key qualifications and vacancies for management positions in the European Commission.

Vacancies

Apply for management positions

Senior managers

Jobs

Senior managers include

  • Directors-General
  • Deputy Directors-General
  • Directors
  • Principal Advisers

Directors-General are the top-level EU civil servants who report directly to the Commissioner responsible for the policy area covered by their Directorate-General (DG).

Directors report to Directors-General and are accountable for the management of financial and human resources within their Directorates.

Key qualifications

Senior managers are selected based on a variety of high-level qualifications. They must have management experience and be able to demonstrate leadership skills. They are also required to demonstrate high standards of efficiency, ability and integrity. Directors-General are appointed to grade AD 15 or AD 16, while Directors are appointed to grade AD 14 or AD 15. 

Middle managers

Jobs

Middle managers include

  • Heads of Unit
  • Heads of Department
  • Heads of Task Force

Middle managers are the line managers of the Commission. They play a key role in the effective delivery of the Commission's political priorities.

Key qualifications

Middle managers must possess the necessary skills to motivate and manage teams, expertise in specific policies or activities, and - where appropriate - relevant professional and management experience. Heads of Unit can be appointed to grades AD 9 to AD 14.

Mobility of managers

Mobility within and across departments in the European Commission is actively encouraged. In principle, managers change jobs every 5 years. Middle managers are required to move to a different Directorate-General at least every 10 years. 

Temporary jobs for managers

Management positions are usually filled by officials of the European institutions. However, in certain circumstances, temporary positions can be opened to external applicants.

Documents

19 APRIL 2022
Privacy Statement - Middle management selection procedures
6 FEBRUARY 2024
Privacy statement - Senior management selection procedures
18 JANUARY 2017
Senior management selection: short guide for external applicants
18 JANUARY 2017
Commission senior officials policy: compilation document
18 JANUARY 2017
Commission Decision on middle management staff - C(2016) 3288 final
18 JANUARY 2017
Annex to the Commission Decision on middle management staff - C(2016) 3288 final