The role will act as a trusted advisor to airport operators, aviation authorities, and infrastructure organisations, providing expertise across airport operations, operational readiness, operational excellence, passenger experience, and airport operating models. The successful candidate will lead the delivery of advisory workstreams and projects, supporting clients in improving operational performance, readiness, resilience, and service quality.
Working closely with the VP Operations and wider Advisory & Delivery team, the role will contribute to the development of operational strategies, operating concepts, operating procedures, ORAT programmes, and organisational improvement initiatives. The role will also support technical proposals, client presentations, and business development activities that strengthen daa International's position as a leading aviation advisory consultancy.
The position requires a commercially aware and client-focused professional who can operate independently while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary project teams. The role will involve regular international travel and engagement with senior client stakeholders across a range of global aviation markets.
Principal Responsibilities
Airport Operations Advisory
Lead the delivery of airport operations advisory assignments for airport and aviation clients, ensuring projects are delivered to agreed scope, quality, programme, and budget requirements.
Develop airport operational strategies, concepts of operations (CONOPs), operational procedures, and operating models aligned with industry best practice and client objectives.
Assess operational performance, processes, organisational arrangements, and service delivery models to identify opportunities for improvement.
Support clients in enhancing operational efficiency, safety, resilience, passenger experience, and overall airport performance.
Conduct operational reviews, benchmarking exercises, gap analyses, and operational maturity assessments.
Operational Readiness & Airport Transition
Support the planning and delivery of Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programmes for new airport developments, terminal expansions, and major infrastructure projects.
Develop operational readiness plans, operational procedures, testing programmes, trial plans, and transition strategies.
Facilitate operational readiness workshops, stakeholder engagement activities, and operational reviews.
Support clients in identifying and mitigating operational risks associated with airport openings, transitions, and major change programmes.
Operational Excellence & Performance Improvement
Advise clients on operational excellence initiatives, airport performance improvement programmes, and organisational effectiveness.
Review airport operating models, governance arrangements, and organisational structures to identify opportunities for improvement.
Analyse operational data and performance metrics to support evidence-based recommendations.
Support the development of operational policies, standards, manuals, and management systems.
Client Relationship Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with client stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor throughout project delivery.
Facilitate workshops, interviews, and stakeholder engagement sessions to gather information and build consensus around recommendations.
Present findings, recommendations, and strategic improvement initiatives to client management teams and executive stakeholders.
Support clients in translating strategic recommendations into practical implementation plans.
Project & Workstream Leadership
Lead defined project workstreams, coordinating inputs from internal subject matter experts and project team members.
Manage project deliverables, schedules, risks, and reporting requirements to ensure successful project outcomes
Support quality assurance processes to ensure technical accuracy, consistency, and professionalism across all client deliverables.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of advisory methodologies, tools, templates, and intellectual property.
Business Development & Continuous Improvement
Support the preparation of technical proposals, bids, and client presentations for new advisory opportunities
Contribute subject matter expertise to business development initiatives and client engagement activities.
Monitor industry trends and emerging best practices in airport asset management, infrastructure planning, and engineering management.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Experience & Skills
Experience
Significant experience in airport operations, operational readiness, aviation consultancy, or advisory roles within airport or aviation environments.
Demonstrated experience delivering airport operations projects, ORAT, or operational improvement programmes.
Experience across airside and landside airport operations, including operational planning, operational performance, and service delivery.
Experience developing operational procedures, operating models, readiness programmes, or operational strategies.
Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and managing client relationships within consulting or project-based environments.
Experience working across multidisciplinary teams and managing multiple concurrent assignments.
International project delivery experience would be advantageous.
Skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving capability with the ability to assess complex operational challenges.
Highly effective client-facing consulting skills with the ability to build credibility and influence stakeholders.
Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
Strong project and workstream management capability.
Ability to analyse operational performance data and translate findings into practical recommendations.
Strong stakeholder management and facilitation skills.
Commercial awareness and understanding of consultancy project delivery environments.
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and challenging deadlines.
Collaborative and adaptable working style with the ability to operate effectively across diverse international environments.
Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented with a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.
Education & Qualifications
Degree in Aviation Management, Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline.
Professional qualifications in aviation operations, safety management, ORAT, project management, or related disciplines would be advantageous.
