Head of Aviation Strategy & Insight in Manchester

About MAG

At MAG we provide the airport facilities and travel services that people need to connect with the world. As the largest UK owned airport operator, we serve over 66 million passengers a year from Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands Airports. With over 270 destinations across the globe, our businesses not only bring people together but also support the prosperity of the regions in which we operate. Sustainability is one of our core values, and it shapes everything we do. We're committed to protecting the environment and supporting our local communities. Our programmes include airport and airline decarbonisation, comprehensive education, skills and employment support and community engagement initiatives including volunteering opportunities.

At MAG, we recognise creating a first-class journey for our customers starts by creating a first-class career journey for our colleagues and we are committed to building inclusive environments in which our people can thrive.

Benefits

• Bonus scheme
• 10% company contribution pension
• Car allowance
• Private medical scheme
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Free parking
• Subsidised public transport
• Huge range of company discounts
• 2 volunteering days per year
• Free Virtual GP service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Care Concierge service

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join MAG in a newly created leadership role, giving you the chance to shape how one of the UK's largest airport groups uses data, insights and market intelligence to drive its aviation strategy. Reporting to the Associate Director of Strategy, you'll lead the Aviation Strategy & Insights function, transforming complex aviation, commercial and market data into strategic recommendations that influence decisions across Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports. This is a highly analytical leadership role where data is at the centre of every decision. Working with a variety of internal and external data sources, you'll identify opportunities to grow existing airline partnerships, secure new routes and support long‑term passenger and cargo growth through evidence‑based business cases and market insights.

Acting as the custodian of MAG's aviation strategy, you'll ensure analytical standards, methodologies and strategic assumptions are consistent across the Group, enabling confident, data‑driven decision making. You'll work closely with senior stakeholders including Aviation Directors across our airports and other teams including aviation, commercial, corporate affairs providing trusted insights that shape investment decisions, supports business planning and helps maximise the opportunities available across MAG.

What Will Make You Successful?

You'll bring significant experience in aviation strategy, aviation analytics, airline network planning, forecasting or another highly analytical strategic environment where data is used to influence commercial and business decisions. You’ll be naturally curious and thrive on solving complex problems through analysis. Comfortable working with multiple large datasets, you'll have the ability to interpret complex information, identify meaningful trends and translate insight into clear, compelling recommendations for senior stakeholders. You'll combine exceptional analytical capability with strong commercial awareness, understanding how data can be used to shape strategy, strengthen business cases and identify future growth opportunities.

Experience using tools such as Power BI, alongside advanced Excel and data visualisation skills, will allow you to deliver high‑quality insight that supports decision making across the business. Equally important is your ability to communicate technical and analytical concepts to a wide range of audiences. You'll be confident presenting to senior teams, influencing senior stakeholders and building trusted relationships across multiple business functions. Finally, you'll be an inspiring leader who enjoys developing high‑performing teams, creating a culture of analytical excellence and championing the value of data and insight in shaping the future of aviation at MAG.

Equal Opportunities & Reasonable Adjustments

We’re building something brilliant at MAG: a diverse team of Journey Makers who share our values and want to make a difference. We’re on a mission to be number one in our industry, and that takes talent in all its forms. With so many exciting roles across our airports and businesses, there’s space for your unique strengths to shine. Whether this is your first role or your next big step, we want to hear from you – even if you don’t think you tick every box. What matters most is what you bring. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, just let us know. We’re committed to helping you perform at your best. At MAG, every journey matters.

Our Colleague Communities play a big part in that: Women’s Network, Embrace (Race & Ethnicity), Fly with Pride (LGBTQIA+), Mind Matters (Mental Health), PACT (Parents & Carers), RespectABILITY (Disability & Neurodiversity), and the CAVU Global ID&E Affinity Group.

Based at either Manchester Airport, London Stansted Airport, East Midlands Airport or our London office. Permanent role. Flexible/Hybrid working for a better work/life balance. We are proud to be a diverse employer, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds.