At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering optimisation initiatives and deliver innovative digital solutions.
- Company: Join British Airways, a pioneering airline with over 100 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff travel perks, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation by shaping engineering decision-making.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering delivery, coding skills, and strong leadership abilities.
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. It’s something we’ve been doing for over 100 years, ever since we launched the world’s first international scheduled air service between London and Paris. 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. So, whether you are a reassuring voice on the end of a phone, a smile at the door, under a wing keeping the turbines spinning or landing us gently in far‑flung places, 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, which is why, at British Airways, the sky is never the limit.
This role will lead the Integrated Optimisation vision within Engineering, overseeing the delivery of digital software and optimisation capabilities that enable a step‑change in engineering decision‑making and operational performance. This is a senior, hands‑on leadership role. You will be accountable for shaping and delivering optimisation tools, data platforms and engineering‑led decision support, working closely with engineers, developers and data scientists. You will be expected to understand the technical detail, challenge solutions constructively and guide delivery based on real engineering constraints and opportunities.
What you’ll do
- Lead the shaping, prioritisation and delivery of the Integrated Optimisation roadmap for Engineering
- Act as the single point of contact for Engineering across BA and IAG for integrated optimisation initiatives
- Lead and develop high‑performing, delivery‑focused teams using agile techniques where appropriate
- Oversee the delivery of new digital software and optimisation capabilities across engineering planning horizons
- Inform and prioritise development based on technical architecture, process flows, constraints and business needs
- Work closely with data and analytics teams to ensure delivery is data‑led and technically robust
- Conduct technical reviews with developers and engineering teams, providing practical challenge and guidance
- Own integrated optimisation capex and opex funding within agreed business plans
- Build strong relationships with operational teams and trade unions, connecting optimisation outcomes to real‑world engineering activity
- Represent Engineering across wider BA and IAG transformation and technology programmes
- Ensure optimisation activity aligns to key operational metrics and drives improved decision‑making across Engineering
What you’ll bring to British Airways
- Strong hands‑on experience leading engineering‑led digital and optimisation delivery in complex operational environments
- Practical understanding of optimisation algorithms, data requirements and software delivery
- Confidence engaging with developers, engineers and data scientists on technical detail
- Ability to balance deep technical understanding with big‑picture strategic leadership
- Strong delivery focus with the ability to prioritise effectively across competing demands
- Calm, resilient leadership style suited to complex, high‑pressure environments
- Clear, confident communicator able to engage frontline colleagues through to senior leadership
Your experience
- Experience leading the delivery of digital and optimisation solutions in engineering or operational environments
- Strong knowledge of airline engineering operations and drivers of performance
- Experience working in product‑led, agile delivery environments
- Hands‑on experience with coding and optimisation work, including leading and reviewing developer output
- Coding experience in Python, with the ability to review code and provide technical feedback
- Proven stakeholder engagement experience, including presenting complex information at senior levels
- Track record of delivering change at scale and driving measurable operational outcomes
What we offer
We believe that all the people who work with us should feel valued for the part they play. It’s one of the reasons our rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. 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. We encourage all those who work for us to consider opportunities right across our business to help you develop and progress. We never stand still, and we don’t expect our people to either.
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. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.
Head of Engineering Integrated Optimisation employer: British Airways
At British Airways, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As the Head of Engineering Integrated Optimisation, you will lead high-performing teams in a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages professional growth. With unique benefits like unlimited staff travel and a commitment to inclusion and diversity, you'll find a rewarding career that truly takes you places.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering Integrated Optimisation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at British Airways on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the role. Understand the Integrated Optimisation vision and think about how your experience aligns with it. Bring specific examples of your past work that showcase your skills in engineering and optimisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams in high-pressure environments. British Airways values calm and resilient leaders, so share stories that highlight your ability to guide teams through challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the British Airways family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering Integrated Optimisation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for engineering and optimisation shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission at British Airways and how you can contribute to our vision.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Share specific examples of projects you've led or contributed to, especially those involving digital solutions and optimisation in complex environments. This helps us understand your hands-on experience.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the Head of Engineering Integrated Optimisation role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, showing us why you're the perfect fit for this senior leadership position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Airways
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Head of Engineering Integrated Optimisation, you’ll need to demonstrate a solid understanding of optimisation algorithms and software delivery. Brush up on your coding skills, especially in Python, and be ready to discuss technical details with developers and data scientists.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires calm and resilient leadership, especially in high-pressure environments. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through complex projects, using agile techniques, and how you’ve prioritised effectively across competing demands.
✨Connect the Dots
Be ready to explain how your previous experiences align with British Airways' operational needs. Highlight your knowledge of airline engineering operations and how your optimisation solutions have driven measurable outcomes in past roles.
✨Engage and Communicate
Strong communication skills are key for this position. Practice presenting complex information clearly and confidently, as you’ll need to engage with everyone from frontline colleagues to senior leadership. Think about how you can connect optimisation outcomes to real-world engineering activities.
