Senior Manager - Airport Transformation in London

Our client is a specialist UK consulting firm focused on critical national infrastructure, with deep expertise across aviation, rail and utilities in particular. The organisation partners with executive teams and operational leaders to deliver meaningful, large-scale transformation programmes that improve how the UK works. The culture is entrepreneurial, non-hierarchical and delivery-focused. Consultants operate as trusted partners within client teams, combining strategic thinking with hands-on execution. The aviation practice is particularly well established, with a strong reputation and long-standing relationships in complex, regulated environments.

Due to sustained demand and a strong pipeline of work, the firm is seeking an experienced Senior Manager to join its Aviation practice.

This role sits at the heart of major aviation transformation programmes, including capital planning and multi-year change delivery within highly regulated airport environments. You will operate within client teams to deliver complex programmes involving:

• Capital project planning and delivery
• Operational and organisational transformation
• Customer experience and passenger information improvement
• Security and border environment change
• Complex stakeholder management across multiple parties
• Programme mobilisation and governance in regulated settings

While this is not a pure “strategy” role, it goes beyond traditional programme delivery. You will be expected to bring structured problem solving, consulting discipline and executive-level communication to operationally critical transformation initiatives. There is also scope for the right individual to:

• Build and deepen client relationships
• Shape emerging workstreams
• Contribute to account growth
• Develop toward Associate Director level

Key Responsibilities

• Lead workstreams within large aviation transformation programmes (with strong emphasis on the area of Airport Operations)
• Operate independently within client teams while maintaining consulting rigour
• Manage complex stakeholder environments across operational, commercial and regulatory groups
• Structure ambiguous problems into deliverable plans
• Provide executive-ready outputs (steerco packs, business cases, roadmaps)
• Coach and support junior consultants and associates
• Contribute to strengthening and expanding strategic client accounts

At this level, a proven sales track record is not required — however, credibility, delivery excellence and the attributes to support future account growth are essential.

Who you are

You have 6-12 years experience in aviation (airport operations), infrastructure or regulated environments, and you combine a strong track-record of programme delivery with strategic capability. You may be a talented industry professional with deep aviation/infrastructure expertise looking to move into consulting, or an experienced consultant from a large firm seeking a more entrepreneurial, less corporate environment.

Essential:

• Track record of delivering complex programmes or capital projects
• Experience working within or alongside airport operators, aviation authorities, or major infrastructure clients
• Strong stakeholder management in politically and operationally sensitive environments
• Ability to operate autonomously within client teams
• Commercial awareness and executive communication skills

Highly Desirable:

• Airport security or border environment experience
• Capital programme planning within regulated infrastructure
• Exposure to customer information, accessibility or operational performance improvement
• Data and digital transformation exposure (within infrastructure contexts)

Blue Astral is the strategic search partner supporting this hire. We have worked closely with the firm through its growth and have placed a number of senior individuals into the practice. Our long-standing relationship provides us with a detailed understanding of its leadership, culture and progression trajectory.

For a confidential discussion and additional insight beyond this brief, please click apply and attach your CV - we will then reach out and arrange an introductory call.