Senior Associate Director - Airport Planning
Senior Associate Director - Airport Planning

Senior Associate Director - Airport Planning

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative airport planning projects and mentor a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join Jacobs, a global leader in solving critical urban and environmental challenges.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements, well-being perks, and a supportive culture.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of aviation while fostering sustainability and collaboration.
  • Qualifications: Experience in airport planning and familiarity with aviation standards required.
  • Other info: We value diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Market Transportation

At Jacobs, we\’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world\’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

As a Senior Associate Director within our Aviation Planning team, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping the future of airport development—leading complex, high-impact planning projects across the UK and internationally. You’ll bring strategic direction, technical expertise, and a passion for sustainable aviation to a dynamic and collaborative team.

Your leadership will inspire innovation, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and support the growth of our airport planning capability. You’ll mentor fellow planners, guide project delivery, and help expand our portfolio of commissions through strong client relationships and industry insight.

In this role, you will:

  • Lead multidisciplinary teams in delivering complex airport planning projects with precision and creativity.
  • Engage stakeholders with clarity and confidence, building trusted relationships across the aviation sector.
  • Champion sustainable development and drive innovation in planning approaches and tools.
  • Collaborate with the Capability Director and Team Leads to grow our people, processes, and planning expertise.
  • Contribute to the development of flexible, high-performing teams that thrive on shared success and diverse thinking.
  • Jacobs’ Aviation team is active at all major UK airports—including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester—and is expanding globally with a growing portfolio of international commissions. We’re proud of our dynamic, diverse, and international team, united by a shared passion for aircraft, airports, and the future of aviation.

    Join us and be part of a business that’s invested in your success and committed to shaping a more connected, sustainable world.

    Here\’s what you\’ll need

    We’re looking for someone with demonstrable experience in airport planning, with expertise in at least one of the following areas:

  • Airport Master Planning
  • Project Management
  • Landside and Urban Planning
  • Airside Planning and Design
  • Terminal Planning and Design
  • Capacity & Demand Assessments / Facility Requirements
  • Airport Operations
  • Additional skills and experience we value:

  • Extensive experience in international aviation/airport projects
  • Familiarity with EASA, ICAO, IATA standards, and UK CAPs
  • Experience in bid preparation and business development
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and planning tools
  • #UKTransportation #LI-AS5

    Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.
    With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at .
    We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about our .
    Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. For greater online accessibility please visit to view and access our roles.
    As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

    We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

    Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via .

    Senior Associate Director - Airport Planning employer: Jacobs

    At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As a Senior Associate Director in Airport Planning, you will be part of a collaborative team dedicated to innovative solutions in sustainable aviation, with access to flexible working arrangements and a wealth of resources for personal and career development. Join us in London, where your contributions will not only shape the future of airport development but also foster a sense of belonging within a diverse global community.
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    Contact Detail:

    Jacobs Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Senior Associate Director - Airport Planning

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network with professionals in the aviation sector, especially those who have experience with Jacobs or similar companies. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to make connections and learn about the latest trends in airport planning.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Familiarise yourself with Jacobs' recent projects and initiatives in airport planning. This knowledge will not only help you understand their approach but also allow you to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their goals during interviews.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams in past projects. Highlight your ability to inspire innovation and foster collaboration, as these are key qualities Jacobs is looking for.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Stay updated on the latest regulations and standards in airport planning, such as EASA, ICAO, and IATA. Being knowledgeable about these will show your commitment to the field and your readiness to tackle the challenges of the role.

    We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate Director - Airport Planning

    Airport Master Planning
    Project Management
    Landside and Urban Planning
    Airside Planning and Design
    Terminal Planning and Design
    Capacity & Demand Assessments
    Facility Requirements Analysis
    Airport Operations Knowledge
    Stakeholder Engagement
    Business Development
    Bid Preparation
    Familiarity with EASA, ICAO, IATA Standards
    Strong Proficiency in Microsoft Office
    Planning Tools Expertise
    Leadership and Mentoring Skills
    Strategic Thinking
    Collaboration and Team Building

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in airport planning and project management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in areas like Master Planning, Airside Planning, or Terminal Design.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for sustainable aviation and your leadership skills. Mention how your experience aligns with Jacobs' values and the specific requirements of the Senior Associate Director role.

    Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your familiarity with EASA, ICAO, and IATA standards, as well as your proficiency in Microsoft Office and planning tools. These are key skills that Jacobs is looking for.

    Showcase Your Impact: Provide examples of past projects where you led multidisciplinary teams or engaged stakeholders effectively. Highlight how your contributions have driven innovation and improved project outcomes in airport planning.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs

    ✨Showcase Your Expertise

    Make sure to highlight your experience in airport planning, especially in areas like Master Planning and Project Management. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've led and the impact they had on airport operations.

    ✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

    As a Senior Associate Director, you'll need to inspire and lead teams. Share examples of how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams and fostered a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

    ✨Understand Industry Standards

    Familiarise yourself with EASA, ICAO, and IATA standards, as well as UK CAPs. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show your depth of knowledge and commitment to best practices in aviation.

    ✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders

    Engage with the interviewers by demonstrating your ability to build trusted relationships across the aviation sector. Share experiences where you effectively communicated with stakeholders and how that contributed to project success.

    Senior Associate Director - Airport Planning
    Jacobs
    Location: London
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    • Senior Associate Director - Airport Planning

      London
      Full-Time
      43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)
    • J

      Jacobs

      10000+
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