At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic advisory for airports, shaping future planning and technology strategies.
- Company: Join SITA, a global leader in air travel technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible work options, competitive benefits, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of airports and enhance passenger experiences.
- Qualifications: 10 years in airport advisory or related consulting roles with strong strategic skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
WELCOME TO SITA At SITA, we keep airports moving, airlines flying smoothly, and borders open. Our technology and communication innovations power the success of the global air travel industry. You'll find us in 95% of international airports, working closely with over 2,500 transportation and government clients. Each partnership brings unique challenges, and we thrive on delivering fresh solutions and cutting‑edge tech to keep operations running like clockwork. We don't just move the world forward—we're proud to be recognized as a Great Place to Work® by 79% of our employees and certified in most of our growing locations. Here, we feel empowered, supported, and inspired to grow. Are you ready to love your job? The adventure begins right here, with you, at SITA.
The Head/Director of Business Consulting, Airports leads the Airport BU advisory agenda, helping shape how SITA supports the future of airports across portfolios and priority areas. Working closely with GEOs, TAM Transformation & Services, and other SITA teams, the role influences customer strategy, supports airport planning, and strengthens SITA’s position as a trusted advisor at CxO level. The role offers the opportunity to shape strategic customer conversations, influence airport priorities, and build a distinctive advisory capability that strengthens Airport BU portfolio relevance and long‑term growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Advisory Leadership: Build and lead a small, high‑impact Airports advisory team, scaling in line with customer, GEO, and portfolio demand. Develop the Airports advisory proposition, engagement model, governance, methodologies, and reusable knowledge assets for a globally deployable Business Consulting model. Leverage TAM Transformation & Services, internal domain expertise and external consultants or specialist firms to extend broader consulting, transformation, and delivery capability where needed.
- Advisory & Advocacy – Strategy, Passenger Experience & Flow: Lead advisory engagements covering future airport vision, technology strategy, IT maturity assessments, master planning, and digital roadmaps across Airport BU portfolios. Champion passenger experience and flow, including modelling, simulation, capacity optimisation, digital engagement, and end‑to‑end journey design. Promote integrated airport planning across infrastructure, operations, passenger processing, and technology. Translate advisory work into clear customer outcomes, including stronger airport strategies, better planning decisions, and improved alignment between business priorities and technology investment.
- GEO Enablement, Market Engagement & Portfolio Advocacy: Build strong partnerships with GEOs, equipping them with strategic content, consulting narratives, and advocacy tools. Support GEOs and Airport BU teams in executive and industry forums with insight and thought leadership. Shape early advisory opportunities with GEOs and Airport BU teams to create stronger portfolio pull‑through and support revenue generation. Support GEOs in positioning SITA earlier in airport planning, passenger flow, and transformation discussions within priority accounts.
- Planning Integration & Portfolio Strategy Support: Integrate advisory services into airport planning and investment discussions, linking operational concepts, infrastructure, technology strategy, and business cases. Promote cross‑portfolio thinking that connects Airport BU capabilities and portfolio strategy to customer planning priorities and future airport development. Support earlier engagement in customer planning cycles and help align advisory priorities with Airport BU portfolio strategy, investment themes, and long‑term growth goals.
Expected Outputs / Success Measures:
- Deliver high‑value strategic advisory engagements that support airport vision, planning, passenger flow optimisation, and technology investment decisions.
- Create reusable advisory methodologies, frameworks, and knowledge assets that can be deployed consistently across GEOs and customer opportunities.
- Provide executive‑level customer advisory support that strengthens CxO relationships and positions SITA earlier in airport planning and investment discussions.
- Enable GEOs with strategic narratives, thought leadership, and opportunity‑shaping support that improves portfolio pull‑through and market relevance.
- Measure success through stronger trusted‑advisor positioning, earlier involvement in customer strategy discussions, and visible contribution to Airport BU portfolio growth and revenue generation.
Qualifications Experience:
- Strong experience (c.10 years) in airport advisory, planning, strategy, or related business consulting roles.
- Demonstrated consulting capability in problem structuring, client advisory, methodology development, and practice building.
- Strong track record in building and scaling consulting or advisory practices, including methods, frameworks, and reusable assets.
- Working in partnership with regional teams, product teams, and matrix organisations.
- Engaging credibly at CxO level and influencing strategic customer discussions.
Deep understanding of:
- Airport operations, business models, and the drivers shaping airport priorities.
- Airport planning, passenger experience, and the wider airport stakeholder ecosystem.
- Aviation technology, digital strategy, and airport economics in the context of investment decisions.
Strong strategic and commercial judgement:
- Opportunity shaping and pipeline development.
- Business case development and portfolio alignment.
- Understanding of airport investment priorities and value drivers.
Profession Competencies:
- Business Acumen
- Consulting Process & Methods
- Financial Acumen
- Supplier Relationship Management
Core Competencies:
- Adhering to Principles & Values
- Communication
- Creating & Innovating
- Customer Focus
- Developing Talent
- Impact & Influence
- Leading Execution
- Managing Performance
- Results Orientation
- Strategic & Commercial Thinking
- Teamwork
- Visionary Thinking & Leading Change
Education & Qualifications:
- MBA/accreditations or equivalent - Consultancy accreditations an advantage (e.g. Diploma in Management Consultancy offered by Institute of Business Consulting and the Chartered Management Institute).
What We Offer:
- Flex Week: Work from home up to 2 days/week (depending on your team's needs).
- Flex Day: Make your workday suit your life and plans.
- Flex‑Location: Take up to 30 days a year to work from any location in the world.
- Employee Wellbeing: We have got you covered with our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), for you and your dependents 24/7, 365 days/year. We also offer Champion Health – a personalized platform that supports a range of wellbeing needs.
- Professional Development: At SITA, we believe growth fuels innovation. Our learning ecosystem offers access to world‑class platforms and programs designed to help you thrive.
- Competitive Benefits: Competitive benefits that make sense with both your local market and employment status.
SITA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workforce. In support of our Employment Equity Program, we encourage women, aboriginal people, members of visible minorities, and/or persons with disabilities to apply and self‑identify in the application process.
Head/Director Business Consulting in Reading employer: SITA
At SITA, we pride ourselves on being a Great Place to Work®, where our employees feel empowered and inspired to grow. With flexible working options, a strong focus on employee wellbeing, and extensive professional development opportunities, we foster a collaborative and innovative work culture that supports your career aspirations. Join us in shaping the future of air travel while enjoying a rewarding and meaningful career in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head/Director Business Consulting in Reading
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head/Director Business Consulting at SITA!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like SITA or be willing to refer you for that Head/Director Business Consulting position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from SITA who’s on the lookout for their next Head/Director Business Consulting star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head/Director Business Consulting role at SITA!
We think you need these skills to ace Head/Director Business Consulting in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at SITA. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at SITA
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at SITA. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
