At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in air traffic management and ensure efficient delivery.
- Company: Join Aquila ATMS, a dynamic joint venture shaping the future of aviation safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading complex programmes and managing financial performance.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Aquila ATMS
At Aquila Air Traffic Management Services (ATMS), we are dedicated to creating a workplace where innovation, collaboration, and excellence thrives. As a joint venture between NATS and Thales, we combine the expertise of leading air traffic control services and global systems integration to deliver cutting‑edge solutions in air traffic management. Join us in shaping the future of air traffic management, and together, we will elevate aviation safety and efficiency worldwide!
The Role
We are looking for a Head of Refresh (IPT Lead) to join our team. This role is accountable for the leadership, governance and end‑to‑end delivery of Aquila’s Refresh Portfolio, ensuring refresh activity is delivered safely, efficiently and in line with business and customer objectives. In this position, you will lead the Integrated Project Team responsible for planning, scoping and delivering refresh activity that sustains and improves service capability, while managing cost, margin, schedule and quality outcomes.
Your core responsibilities will include:
- Leading the end‑to‑end delivery of the Refresh Portfolio, ensuring activities are effectively planned, governed and delivered to agreed cost, schedule, quality and safety outcomes.
- Owning the Refresh Portfolio financial performance, including budget management, forecasting and delivery to margin targets.
- Acting as the primary customer interface for refresh activity, building strong relationships and ensuring delivery meets customer and operational expectations.
- Leading and developing the Integrated Project Team, driving performance, collaboration and continuous improvement across refresh delivery and capability.
This is a senior, hands on leadership role where you’ll play a critical part in sustaining service capability, improving asset performance and supporting long‑term growth.
About You
You’re a senior delivery leader with strong commercial awareness and a track record of leading complex programmes or portfolios. You are confident managing financial performance, influencing stakeholders and leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver against demanding operational objectives. You bring a practical, solutions‑focused approach, balancing short‑term delivery needs with long‑term service and capability outcomes. You are comfortable working in regulated or safety‑critical environments, ensuring delivery is well governed, proportionate and aligned to business objectives.
To be successful in this role, you’ll bring:
- Significant experience leading programmes, portfolios or large‑scale delivery activity within complex environments.
- Strong knowledge of project and portfolio management, with experience managing financial performance, cost and margin.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including customers and delivery partners.
- The ability to develop and present business cases, manage risk effectively and drive continuous improvement across delivery functions.
You also:
- Promote Aquila’s Just Culture, reporting incidents, safety non compliance, or potential issues in an appropriate and timely manner.
- Consistently demonstrate behaviours aligned with Aquila’s core values and leadership behaviours in all actions and decisions.
What We're Looking For
Essential Criteria
- Degree or equivalent professional experience in business, engineering, project or programme management.
- Significant experience leading large‑scale programmes, portfolios or delivery functions.
- Strong financial and commercial awareness, including experience managing budgets, forecasting and delivery performance.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex stakeholders and deliver outcomes in regulated or safety‑related environments.
Desirable Criteria
- Programme or portfolio management qualifications such as MSP or APM.
- Experience in defence, air traffic management or similar regulated sectors.
- Experience leading Integrated Project Teams or working with MoD stakeholders.
If you don’t meet every requirement but feel you have relevant experience, we’d still like to hear from you.
Benefits
Core Benefits
- 201 hours (approx. 27 days) annual leave + 1 Company Day to be used at Christmas (Excluding Bank Holidays).
- Time off to volunteer (up to 3 days per annum).
- Company Pension Plan (Aquila contribution = employee contribution + 1%, up to 7%).
- Life Assurance (2x basic salary or up to 8x if in the pension scheme).
- Income Protection.
- Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support and counselling.
- Company paid Private Medical Insurance (Couple cover).
- VCP (discretionary bonus).
Flexible Benefits
Through Aquila’s flexible benefits platform, you can tailor your package, including:
- Additional Healthcare Cash Plan options.
- Additional PMI cover.
- Buy or sell annual leave.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Discounts at high street retailers.
Family, Wellbeing & Lifestyle
- Enhanced Maternity pay.
- Enhanced Paternity leave & pay.
- Enhanced Occupational Sick pay.
- Mental Health First Aiders.
- Recognition through Altair Award.
- Employee referral bonus.
Security Clearance Statement
Due to the nature of the work that we do, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a Non-ITAR country may be considered.
Equal Opportunities, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Aquila is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need.
Head of Refresh – Integrated Project Team Lead (IPT) (LR10) employer: Aquila
Aquila ATMS is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in air traffic management. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Aquila offers extensive benefits including generous annual leave, flexible working options, and a supportive environment that prioritises well-being and professional development. Join us in a role that not only challenges you but also allows you to contribute to the safety and efficiency of global aviation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Refresh – Integrated Project Team Lead (IPT) (LR10)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Aquila ATMS and understanding their values and projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see your passion for air traffic management and how you can contribute to their goals!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. The more comfortable you are discussing your experience and skills, the better you’ll perform when it counts. We believe in you!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar. Remember, we’re rooting for you to shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Refresh – Integrated Project Team Lead (IPT) (LR10)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the Head of Refresh role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior role, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in complex environments, and how you’ve driven performance and collaboration.
Highlight Financial Acumen:We want to see your strong financial awareness! Include details about your experience managing budgets, forecasting, and delivering on financial targets. This will show us you're ready to own the Refresh Portfolio's financial performance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aquila
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Aquila ATMS and their Refresh Portfolio. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex programmes. Be ready to discuss how you've driven performance and collaboration in past roles, as this is crucial for the Head of Refresh position.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Brush up on your financial management skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget management, forecasting, and delivering against margin targets. This will demonstrate your strong commercial awareness, which is essential for this role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've built relationships with customers and stakeholders in previous roles. Prepare to share specific instances where you successfully managed expectations and delivered results, as this will be a significant part of your responsibilities at Aquila.
