Global Aviation Finance Strategy Director

FTI Consulting, Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 109,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

FTI Consulting is seeking a Director of Aviation in its Global Aviation practice. The role combines technical expertise with strategic analysis across aviation sectors, including fleet, maintenance, operations, finance and labor.

It requires leadership of workstreams, client contact, and delivery of insights to senior stakeholders. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in airlines/aviation, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with MS Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 5+ years post-graduation experience in airlines and/or aviation industry, consulting, professional services or similar environment.
• Willingness to travel to clients and FTI offices.

Responsibilities

• Assess client operations across functions to identify efficiency gaps and cost reduction opportunities.
• Support development and execution of strategic initiatives for aviation clients (airlines, MROs, OEMs, lessors, ground handling).
• Conduct industry research, benchmarking, and market analysis to inform recommendations.
• Develop implementation roadmaps and support change management processes.
• Build financial models to evaluate business cases, route economics, and restructurings.
• Support development of commercial strategies, pricing frameworks, and M&A evaluations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Quantitative skills

Conceptual skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Who We Are

FTI Consulting is the leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation. We work with many of the world’s top multinational corporations, law firms, banks and private equity firms on their most important issues to deliver impact that makes a difference. From resolving disputes, navigating crises, managing risk and optimizing performance, our teams respond rapidly to dynamic and complex situations.

At FTI Consulting, you’ll work side-by side with leaders who have shaped history, helping solve the biggest challenges making headlines today. From day one, you’ll be an integral part of a focused team where you can make a real impact. You’ll be surrounded by an open, collaborative culture that embraces diversity, recognition, professional development and, most importantly, you.

Are you ready to make your impact?

About the Role

In FTI Consulting’s Corporate Finance segment we focus on our clients’ strategic, operational, financial, and labor needs by addressing the full spectrum of unique challenges faced by our airline and aviation clients.

We are currently seeking a Director of Aviation in our Global Aviation practice. The Global Aviation team is a rapidly growing practice that brings together deep technical expertise across core aspects of an airline, including Fleet, Maintenance, Airport Operations, Finance, Labor, and others, supporting our clients through all stages of the business lifecycle.

What You’ll Do

This role will provide technical expertise and analysis at an advanced level; applying a strategic mindset, cross-functional expertise, and deep aviation knowledge in the following ways:

• Assess client operations across functions such as network planning, fleet management, cargo operations, ground services, and maintenance to identify efficiency gaps and cost reduction opportunities

• Support the development and execution of strategic initiatives for aviation clients across segments including airlines, MRO providers, aerospace OEMs, aircraft lessors, and ground handling operators, among others

• Conduct industry research, competitive benchmarking, and market analysis to inform client recommendations

• Develop implementation roadmaps and support clients through change management processes

• Build financial models to evaluate business cases, investment decisions, route economics, and organizational restructuring scenarios

• Support clients in developing commercial strategies, pricing frameworks, and partnership or M&A evaluations within the aviation ecosystem

• Monitor aviation industry trends including regulatory changes, sustainability mandates (e.g., SAF adoption, carbon offset programs), digital transformation, and emerging technologies

• Contribute to internal knowledge-building efforts, white papers, and point-of-view documents that strengthen the firm’s aviation practice

• Translate complex data into actionable insights and present findings to senior client stakeholders

• Lead workstreams within larger consulting engagements, managing timelines, deliverables, and cross-functional coordination

• Serve as a day-to-day client contact, building trusted relationships and ensuring project quality meets firm standards

How You’ll Grow

This is an excellent opportunity for a person with airline and/or aviation industry experience who wants to provide analytics-based solutions to the aviation industry, while contributing to the growth of the Global Aviation team.

You will partner with our diverse clients and internal teams to continue to learn and grow in new and complex areas and technologies. In addition to airline and aviation industry work, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to large-scale restructurings and other efforts across other complex industries as they arise to gain a variety of skills towards becoming a more well-rounded practitioner.

As you progress through your career at FTI Consulting, we offer tailored programs for critical professional milestones to ensure you are prepared and empowered to take on your next role.

What You Will Need to Succeed

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree

• 5+ years post-graduation professional work experience in airlines and/or aviation industry, consulting, professional services or similar/related environment

• This role requires travel to clients and FTI offices

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional analytical, quantitative, and conceptual skills

• Highly proficient in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

• Familiarity with Internet-based financial research resources for corporate information, SEC filings, competitive data, etc

_ FTI Consulting is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation. _

Compensation
Minimum Pay: $109,000
Maximum Pay: $224,000

_ Compensation Disclosure: The compensation range reflects potential base salary for the role. Actual compensation is determined based on a wide array of relevant factors including market considerations, business needs, and an individual’s location, skills, level of experience, and qualifications._