Aviation Planning Lead

Nearheal; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking an Aviation Planning Lead to establish and execute a national growth strategy across Australia, strengthening relationships with airport operators, government agencies and aviation stakeholders.

You will provide strategic and technical leadership for aviation planning, driving growth, client engagement and project delivery outcomes across our Transport & Infrastructure business.

Qualifications

• At least 15 years of experience in aviation planning, strategy, or related consulting environments.
• Strong understanding of airport planning, aviation demand forecasting, master planning and aviation infrastructure development.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver complex aviation projects.
• Established relationships within the aviation sector and capability to execute growth strategies.
• Strong commercial acumen and stakeholder management with executive-level influence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the national Aviation Planning growth strategy aligned with the T&I business plan.
• Identify and secure strategic opportunities across airport, government and private sector clients.
• Build trusted advisor relationships with airport executives, aviation authorities and infrastructure investors.
• Lead capability development, workforce growth and recruitment of critical aviation planning talent.
• Drive technical excellence and innovation across airport master planning, aviation forecasting, airfield and terminal planning, digital aviation and future mobility.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in planning, engineering, aviation management or related discipline

Job description

Lead and grow WSP’s national Aviation Planning capability, shaping strategy, client relationships and integrated solutions for the future of aviation.

What if you could do the type of work the world needs?

At WSP, we see the world differently. We’re one of the world’s top professional services firms, bringing together planners, engineers, advisors and scientists to solve complex challenges and create lasting value for communities.

Our Transport & Infrastructure (T&I) business works with airport operators, governments and industry partners to plan and deliver the aviation infrastructure and services that connect communities, support economic growth and respond to a rapidly changing sector.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking an Aviation Planning Lead to establish and execute our national growth strategy, strengthen our market presence and build a high-performing, connected aviation planning team.

About the Role

As Aviation Planning Lead, you will provide strategic and technical leadership for WSP’s Aviation Planning business across Australia, driving growth, client engagement and strong project delivery outcomes.

You will develop and execute the national Aviation Planning growth strategy, identify and secure strategic opportunities, and strengthen our position with airport operators, government agencies and aviation stakeholders.

Working across transport planning, advisory, engineering, environment, property and digital teams, you will bring together the right expertise to deliver integrated solutions and complex aviation planning and advisory projects.

You will also build capability and succession across the practice, drive technical excellence and innovation, and provide senior oversight on strategically important pursuits and projects.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Develop and implement the national Aviation Planning growth strategy aligned with the T&I business plan.
• Identify, prioritise and secure strategic opportunities across airport, government and private sector clients.
• Build trusted advisor relationships with airport executives, aviation authorities, regulators and infrastructure investors.
• Lead capability development, workforce growth and recruitment of critical aviation planning talent.
• Drive technical excellence and innovation across airport master planning, aviation forecasting, airfield and terminal planning, digital aviation and future mobility.
• Support major pursuits and project teams through senior oversight, governance, risk management, quality assurance and commercial decision-making.

This national role can be based in any of our Australian office locations and will work across our Transport & Infrastructure business.

About You

You are a strategic, commercially astute aviation leader with the credibility to influence at executive level and build trusted relationships across the industry.

You bring strong market awareness, a growth mindset and the ability to translate opportunity into sustainable business outcomes, while maintaining a clear focus on client value, technical excellence and commercial performance.

Collaborative and enterprise-focused, you can bring together multidisciplinary teams, develop future talent and lead with integrity, sound judgement and accountability in a complex and evolving environment.

You will bring:

• At least 15 years of experience in aviation planning, strategy, transport infrastructure or a consulting environment.
• Deep understanding of airport planning, aviation demand forecasting, master planning and aviation infrastructure development.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex aviation projects.
• Established aviation sector relationships and a proven ability to develop and execute growth strategies.
• Strong commercial acumen, stakeholder management and communication skills, including experience influencing executive‑level clients and decision‑makers.
• A bachelor’s degree in planning, engineering, aviation management or a related discipline, with relevant professional accreditation; postgraduate study would be well regarded.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our global community of more than 83,000 people working together to make a positive impact in communities close to home and around the world.

As a permanent employee, you will have access to WSP’s Employee Share Purchase Plan, as well as programs that support your health, wellbeing and career development.

Melbourne, Victoria