Head of Aviation

MAG (Airports Group); Bentfield; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Subsidised public transport

Huge range of company discounts

2 volunteering days per year

Free Virtual GP service, available 24/

Care Concierge service

Job summary

MAG (Airports Group) is seeking a Head of Aviation at Stansted Airport to drive growth, manage relationships with airlines and partners, and expand the route network. You will lead strategic account management and short-haul European business development, including contract negotiations, pricing and route development.

You will work with travel trade, corporate partners and internal MAG teams to improve load factors, hit revenue targets and translate industry insights into actionable plans.

Qualifications

• Extensive key account management experience in aviation or travel sectors.
• Strong understanding of airline networks and airport dynamics.
• Excellent commercial and analytical skills; able to translate data into strategy.
• Proven ability to lead negotiations, pricing and route development.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management at senior levels.
• Experience in business planning and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Lead relationships with airlines and aviation partners to grow Stansted’s network.
• Identify opportunities to expand route network and diversify carrier base.
• Drive short-haul European business development, including contracts and pricing.
• Collaborate with travel trade, corporate partners and MAG teams to boost seat sales.
• Translate aviation strategy into clear, executable plans and market intelligence.

Skills

Key account management

Aviation sector knowledge

Airline network understanding

Commercial operations

Industry relationship building

Market intelligence

Strategic planning

Budgeting & planning

Presentation & storytelling

Tools

PowerPoint

Job description

Every year, London Stansted Airport connects 30 million passengers with more than 190 destinations across the globe. Part of the largest UK owned airport operator group, MAG, London Stansted Airport supports 12,000 jobs on site and generates around £7.75bn each year for the region.

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. You’ll also have access to some great benefits including:

• 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

The role

As Head of Aviation, you’ll play a key role in driving the continued growth and commercial success of Stansted Airport. Leading relationships with airlines and aviation partners, you’ll identify and maximise opportunities to expand the route network, diversify the carrier base and strengthen the airport’s market position.

You’ll lead strategic account management and short-haul European business development, including contract negotiations, pricing agreements and route development. Working closely with travel trade, corporate partners and internal teams across MAG, you’ll help drive seat sales, improve load factors and deliver against commercial and revenue targets.

As a senior external representative for MAG, you’ll build strong industry relationships, provide market intelligence and strategic insight, and ensure aviation strategy is translated into clear, actionable outcomes.

What will make you successful in the role?

• Extensive key account management experience, ideally within the 'aviation sector.
• Strong understanding of airline networks, commercial operations and airport dynamics.
• Excellent commercial and analytical skills, with the ability to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• Strong PowerPoint skills with the ability to turn market and route data into a clear, commercially focused airline presentation.
• Ability to influence and build relationships with senior stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• A consultative mindset with the ability to unite stakeholders and lead the resolution of commercial aviation challenges.
• Ability to translate aviation strategies into clear, executable plans.
• Experience in business planning and budgeting.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• An established network of airline and aviation industry contacts.