Aviation Development Manager

Aviation Development Manager

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to manage airline partnerships and develop new routes using data-driven insights.
  • Company: We're one of the UK's fastest-growing regional airports, welcoming over 4 million passengers annually.
  • Benefits: Enjoy travel opportunities, a bonus scheme, free parking, and a friendly work environment.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of aviation while working in a dynamic, supportive culture focused on growth.
  • Qualifications: Experience in aviation or transport business development is preferred; strong analytical skills are essential.
  • Other info: Monday to Friday role with a checkable work history and basic DBS check required.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Location: Leeds Bradford Airport

Job Type: Full time

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Competitive

Our client is one of the fastest growing regional airports in the UK, welcoming over 4 million passengers through their doors every year. They are committed to employing high quality people who are ambitious to succeed and support their exciting plans for the future, whilst delivering an outstanding service for their customers.

The Role:

  • Turn Data into Destinations – They are looking for a commercially driven, analytically minded professional to join their Aviation Development team. You’ll be the key interface between them and their airline partners, managing relationships with current carriers while identifying and landing new business opportunities.
  • Bring Strategy to Life with Insight and Influence – In this role, you’ll translate complex data sets into compelling business cases for new routes and airline growth, working closely with our Aviation Analyst. Your insights will influence decision-making and drive strategic focus.
  • Lead Growth from the Ground Up – Whether you're representing them at major industry events or coordinating with marketing on passenger campaigns, you’ll be at the heart of their growth strategy.

The Person:

  • Proven experience in a commercial or business development role within the aviation or transport industry would be highly desirable.
  • Track record of successfully managing commercial relationships, including account management and contract negotiation.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify and develop new route opportunities through data-driven analysis and strategic engagement.
  • Strong understanding of airline network planning, load factors, yield management, and aviation market dynamics would be advantageous.
  • Experience developing marketing and investment materials to support commercial proposals or route development cases.
  • Knowledge of schedule coordination, slot management, and seasonal planning.
  • Comfortable acting as the customer interface with airlines and partners at all levels.

Skills & Abilities:

  • Strong analytical skills – able to interpret complex aviation data sets to identify trends and business opportunities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills – confident creating and presenting business cases and marketing collateral.
  • High-level interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders, and represent the airport professionally in external settings.
  • Ability to collaborate cross-functionally, especially with marketing, finance, and external stakeholders.

Personal Attributes:

  • Commercially focused, with a proactive mindset.
  • Strategic thinker with attention to both detail and long-term impact.
  • Persuasive, credible, and professional – with the presence to engage senior airline executives and industry stakeholders.
  • Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities, schedules, and deliverables under time pressure.
  • Flexible and willing to travel for industry events, airline meetings, and promotional activity.

Desirable Criteria:

  • Experience working at or with an airport in a commercial or aviation development capacity.
  • Understanding of aviation regulatory frameworks, slot coordination, and route subsidies/incentive schemes.
  • Degree in Aviation Management, Business, Economics, Marketing or a related field.
  • Familiarity with government or regional economic development stakeholders and funding models.

What you will get you in return:

  • Exciting development opportunities
  • Lots of opportunities to travel
  • Annual Bonus Scheme (non-contractual)
  • Free onsite parking
  • Electric Vehicle Scheme
  • Pension scheme
  • Life Assurance
  • Brand new shiny, top of the range office
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Free lounge access
  • Onsite discounts
  • Friendly work environment
  • Employee Assistance programme
  • Genuine career opportunities

This is an extremely varied and exciting role working a Monday to Friday working pattern. Applicants must have a 5-year checkable work history and will be required to complete a basic DBS check; in addition, further checks may apply.

Aviation Development Manager employer: EASYWEBRECRUITMENT.COM

As a leading regional airport in the UK, our client offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises employee growth and collaboration. With a ONE TEAM mentality, employees benefit from exciting development opportunities, a friendly atmosphere, and a range of perks including an annual bonus scheme, free onsite parking, and access to a brand new office. Located at Leeds Bradford Airport, this role not only allows you to shape the future of aviation but also provides ample opportunities for travel and professional advancement.
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Contact Detail:

EASYWEBRECRUITMENT.COM Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Aviation Development Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the aviation industry, especially those who have experience in business development roles. Attend industry events and conferences to meet potential contacts and learn more about the latest trends and opportunities in aviation.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the specific airlines and routes that operate from Leeds Bradford Airport. Understanding their operations and challenges will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on aviation market dynamics and regulatory frameworks. This knowledge will not only enhance your discussions with stakeholders but also show your commitment to the role and the industry.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your analytical skills and how you've used data to drive business decisions in previous roles. Be ready to provide examples of how you've identified new opportunities or improved existing processes through data analysis.

We think you need these skills to ace Aviation Development Manager

Commercial Awareness
Data Analysis
Relationship Management
Contract Negotiation
Strategic Planning
Market Research
Load Factor Analysis
Yield Management
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Project Management
Marketing Strategy Development
Schedule Coordination
Flexibility and Adaptability
Presentation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial or business development roles within the aviation or transport industry. Emphasise your track record in managing commercial relationships and any specific achievements related to route development.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the aviation industry and how your skills align with the role. Mention your analytical abilities and provide examples of how you've successfully turned data into actionable business strategies.

Showcase Analytical Skills: Since strong analytical skills are crucial for this role, include specific examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to interpret complex data sets and identify trends that have led to successful business outcomes.

Highlight Interpersonal Skills: Given the importance of building relationships with airline partners, make sure to highlight your interpersonal skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and represented your previous employers professionally.

How to prepare for a job interview at EASYWEBRECRUITMENT.COM

✨Know Your Data

As an Aviation Development Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to interpret complex aviation data. Brush up on key metrics like load factors and route performance, and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive business decisions in the past.

✨Showcase Relationship Management Skills

This role involves managing relationships with airline partners. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully built and maintained commercial relationships, including any contract negotiations you've handled.

✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions

Expect to engage in conversations about strategic growth and route development. Familiarise yourself with the airport's current route network and think about potential new opportunities you could propose based on market trends.

✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration

Highlight your experience working with various teams, such as marketing and finance. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated on projects that required input from multiple stakeholders to achieve a common goal.

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