At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major aviation transformation programmes and manage complex stakeholder environments.
- Company: Specialist UK consulting firm focused on critical national infrastructure.
- Benefits: Entrepreneurial culture, career growth opportunities, and the chance to shape emerging workstreams.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop towards Associate Director level in a dynamic, non-hierarchical environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation while working with executive teams and trusted partners.
- Qualifications: 6-12 years experience in aviation or regulated environments with strong programme delivery skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
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)
Speak to Blue Astral. 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.
Senior Manager - Airport Transformation in Slough employer: Blue Astral Consulting
Contact Detail:
Blue Astral Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager - Airport Transformation in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aviation industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Senior Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company's recent projects and challenges. Show them you understand their world and can bring valuable insights to the table. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings; be proactive! Reach out directly to firms you admire, like ours, and express your interest. Sometimes the best roles aren’t even advertised yet!
✨Tip Number 4
When you get that interview, focus on showcasing your problem-solving skills. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex projects in the past. We love hearing about real-world experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager - Airport Transformation in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Manager in Airport Transformation. Highlight your experience in aviation and any relevant projects you've led, especially those involving complex stakeholder management and capital planning.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about aviation transformation and how your background aligns with our entrepreneurial culture. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've structured ambiguous problems into deliverable plans. We love candidates who can think critically and communicate effectively, so don’t shy away from sharing your success stories!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Astral Consulting
✨Know Your Aviation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of airport operations and transformation programmes. Familiarise yourself with recent trends in aviation, especially around capital project planning and customer experience improvements. This will show that you're not just a consultant but someone who understands the industry inside out.
✨Master Stakeholder Management
Given the complex stakeholder environments you'll be dealing with, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple parties in previous roles. Think about times when you navigated politically sensitive situations or built strong relationships with clients and partners. This will demonstrate your ability to operate autonomously within client teams.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've structured ambiguous problems into clear, actionable plans. Use specific examples from your past experiences where you delivered executive-ready outputs like steerco packs or business cases. This will highlight your consulting discipline and structured approach to problem-solving.
✨Emphasise Your Coaching Experience
As a Senior Manager, you'll likely be expected to coach junior consultants. Prepare to talk about your mentoring experiences and how you've supported others in their professional development. This will not only showcase your leadership skills but also align with the firm's focus on delivery excellence and team collaboration.