At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead airport design projects and secure high-value bids across Europe and the Middle East.
- Company: Join Arup, a global leader in innovative airport design.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, and a focus on health and wellbeing.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aviation while making a real impact on airport design.
- Qualifications: Significant airport design experience and fluency in Spanish and English required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Arup is recruiting an Airport Design Project Leader for its EIMEA team, based in Madrid, to drive growth and secure leadership in the airport design sector across Spain, Portugal, and key European and Middle Eastern markets. This strategic role involves leading multidisciplinary teams on large‑scale airport expansion projects, winning high‑value bids, and ensuring excellent project delivery. The leader will also help establish Spain as a centre of excellence in airport design, foster technical development, and build strong client relationships.
Candidates must have significant airport design experience, fluency in Spanish and English, proven bidding and team leadership skills, commercial expertise, and preferably international experience. This is an opportunity for a strategic leader passionate about aviation and business growth to shape Arup's future success in the sector.
Responsibilities- Lead multidisciplinary teams on large‑scale airport expansion projects.
- Win high‑value bids and secure project contracts.
- Ensure excellent project delivery, meeting client expectations.
- Establish Spain as a centre of excellence in airport design.
- Foster technical development and maintain strong client relationships.
- Significant airport design experience.
- Fluency in Spanish and English.
- Proven bidding and team leadership skills.
- Commercial expertise.
- Preferably international experience.
- Expertise in aviation planning, design, consultancy, or infrastructure delivery within airport or airline environments.
- Experience with airport planning, terminal and facility design, aviation operations, and logistics.
- Operational experience in baggage or material handling systems, airfield and/or terminal operations.
- Collaborative working in diverse, cross‑functional teams, often in client‑facing roles.
- Relevant qualifications in engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical), transport planning, architecture, urban or airport planning, or a closely related field.
- Knowledge of security risk management, aviation security, political science, international relations, or terrorism studies.
- Impactful Work: Help airports adapt, decarbonise, and enhance the passenger experience.
- Inclusive Culture: Be part of a team that values equity, respect, and belonging.
- Flexible Working: Offices across the UK with hybrid working options.
- Global Reach, Local Impact: Collaborate with experts across disciplines and geographies.
Arup provides an attractive reward package that includes competitive pay, profit sharing, private medical insurance, life assurance, accident insurance, income protection, and flexible benefits to support health, wellbeing, and learning opportunities. It is an equality‑focused, inclusive employer that welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. All positions are fully under the statutory and equal opportunity regulations.
Madrid-Based Airport Design Leader — Growth & Bids employer: Arup
Arup is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Madrid where innovation meets inclusivity. As a leader in airport design, employees benefit from impactful projects that enhance the passenger experience while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on professional development. With a commitment to equity and collaboration, Arup fosters a culture where diverse talents thrive, making it an ideal place for those passionate about aviation and business growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Madrid-Based Airport Design Leader — Growth & Bids
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in airport design. Show them you’re passionate about aviation and ready to lead!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You never know when you might meet someone from Arup or another key player in the industry. We suggest having a concise summary of your experience and what you can bring to the table ready to go.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Madrid-Based Airport Design Leader — Growth & Bids
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Airport Design Project Leader. Highlight your relevant experience in airport design, team leadership, and any successful bids you've led. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for aviation and business growth. Share specific examples of how you've driven success in previous roles, and don’t forget to mention why you’re excited about joining our team at Arup.
Showcase Your Multilingual Skills:Since fluency in both Spanish and English is key for this role, make sure to highlight your language skills prominently. If you have experience working in bilingual environments or with international teams, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arup
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your airport design knowledge and relevant projects. Be ready to discuss your experience in detail, especially any large-scale projects you've led. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the field but are also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Bidding Skills
Since winning high-value bids is a key part of the role, prepare examples of successful bids you've been involved in. Highlight your strategies and what made those bids stand out. This will demonstrate your commercial expertise and ability to secure contracts.
✨Fluency is Key
Given the bilingual nature of the role, practice your Spanish and English communication skills. Be prepared to switch between languages during the interview if necessary. This will show your fluency and comfort in both languages, which is crucial for client relationships.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership
Prepare to discuss your experience leading multidisciplinary teams. Share specific examples of how you’ve fostered collaboration and achieved project goals. This will highlight your leadership skills and ability to manage diverse teams effectively.
