At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team to drive strategic decisions and manage a £2bn budget.
- Company: Join British Airways, the UK's flag carrier with over 100 years of aviation excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff travel perks, discounted airfares, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of one of the world's leading airlines.
- Qualifications: Must have an accounting qualification and 5+ years in financial reporting and planning.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
A career without limits. As the nation's flag carrier, we take great pride in connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain. This originality has been in our blood since day one. It's the spirit we share with the people that fly with us, our partners, and our colleagues. A job at British Airways is yours to make. We know great things can happen when you're inspired to think big and bring your ambition to work every day.
The role: Head of Finance for Fleet, Network & Alliances. Join British Airways as our Head of Finance for Fleet, Network & Alliances, where you'll lead a high-performing finance team to drive strategic decision-making across a budget portfolio exceeding £2bn. This is a key leadership role supporting the Chief Planning and Strategy Officer and helping to shape the financial future of one of the world's leading airlines.
What you'll do:
- Lead a high-performing team of qualified finance professionals, supporting strategic decisions and financial planning across Fleet, Alliances, and User Charges.
- Drive business case development, from inception through to Investment Committee approval.
- Oversee budgeting and forecasting of OPEX and CAPEX (~£1bn each).
- Partner with key stakeholders (CEO, CFO, BA Management Committee) to deliver impactful reporting and analysis.
- Optimise route profitability reporting and influence cost efficiencies, especially in Heathrow negotiations and regulatory settlements.
- Champion finance transformation initiatives and identify synergies across finance areas.
- Provide insightful competitor financial analysis to support strategic direction.
- Strengthen BA's external relationships, with lessors and strategic partners.
What you'll bring to British Airways:
- Inspirational leadership with a focus on collaboration, inclusion, and performance.
- A solution-oriented mindset with the agility to navigate changing circumstances.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex financial concepts.
- Independent professional judgement and commercial awareness to support high-impact decision making.
Your experience:
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), with a minimum of 5 years PQE preferred.
- Extensive experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and strategic planning within complex organisations.
- Detailed knowledge of IFRS and annual report processes.
- Proven track record of leading finance teams and delivering results under tight deadlines.
- Sector experience preferred within aviation, transportation or logistics.
What we offer:
We believe that all the people who work with us should feel valued for the part they play. From the day you join us, you'll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights. You'll also receive up to 30 discounted Hotline' airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family. At British Airways you'll have the chance to take on new challenges and move forward in a way that feels right for you.
Inclusion & Diversity: At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work. Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we're committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves.
Head of Finance - Fleet, Network & Alliances employer: British Airways PLC
Contact Detail:
British Airways PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance - Fleet, Network & Alliances
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the aviation industry, particularly financial trends and challenges faced by airlines. Understanding the unique financial landscape will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to British Airways' strategic goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aviation finance sector. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with current employees or leaders in the field. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with British Airways' values of collaboration and inclusion. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Research British Airways' recent financial performance and strategic initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their current projects and challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance - Fleet, Network & Alliances
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and strategic planning. Emphasise your leadership skills and any experience in the aviation or transportation sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the airline industry. Discuss how your background aligns with British Airways' values and the specific requirements of the Head of Finance position.
Showcase Your Achievements: Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. For example, mention successful budgeting initiatives or financial transformations you have led that resulted in significant cost savings.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to financial strategy, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership. Be ready to discuss how you would approach challenges specific to the airline industry and how you can contribute to British Airways' goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Airways PLC
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Finance, you'll be leading a high-performing team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Understand the Financial Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the financial aspects of the aviation industry, particularly around budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning. Be ready to discuss how you would approach financial decision-making in a complex organisation like British Airways.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role requires strong stakeholder engagement. Prepare to demonstrate your communication skills by discussing how you've simplified complex financial concepts for non-financial stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Agility and Problem-Solving
The ability to navigate changing circumstances is crucial. Think of examples where you've had to adapt quickly to new information or challenges, and how you approached problem-solving in those situations.