Aviation Market & Delivery Lead

Location/s: United Kingdom 
Recruiter contact: David McFall
Hiring manager contact: Richard Cusworth 
Closing date: 13/05/2026

Aviation Lead

We are looking to appoint a leader for our aviation activities in the EUNA ( Europe & North Africa) region, to provide focus on the development of our business with aviation clients across the EUNA region, and to support wider cross regional collaboration. The successful candidate will lead the development and delivery of a proposition in aviation in the region that draws on the breadth of capabilities across our Units and Divisions to deliver sustainable growth of the business on a best for Mott MacDonald and best for Client basis.

Overview of the role

Mott MacDonald is a global leader in provision of professional services for aviation, working as a partner to aviation clients in realising the airports of tomorrow. We provide a breadth of advisory, planning, design, delivery and business transformation services in support of global and regional clients – ranging from specialist advisory to major program delivery.

Our aviation activities draw on the full breadth of technical capabilities from across the Mott MacDonald business, and interface with our work in other markets and sub-markets. A core role of the aviation leader is therefore one of an integrator – irrespective of your own background you will bring together a diverse range of capabilities as a One Mott MacDonald offering.

Our EUNA region accounts for about 30% of our global aviation business by revenue, but hosts the greater part of our specialist aviation capabilities, and underpins our global heritage. As such, the EUNA aviation leader plays a central role in our wider global aviation leadership. They will work closely with the relevant Divisional leaders (including but not limited to our Aviation, Maritime and Offshore Division) to help support the growth and sharing of these capabilities.

Key duties and responsibilities will include:

Market leadership

• Work with the global aviation leader to identify and define aviation value proposition, service offerings and capabilities needed to deliver
• Lead a cross-unit market team to ensure a co-ordinated approach to aviation clients within the region and effective communication across the aviation community
• Establish and drive the execution of a strategy to deliver sustainable growth in aviation within the region in line with group and regional focus

Business Development:

• Proactively seek and pursue new business opportunities to grow the aviation portfolio across our full range of services
• Leverage an established industry network to build and maintain relationships with new and existing clients
• Represent Mott MacDonald with authenticity and integrity at industry conferences, networking events, and client meetings to enhance our profile

Account Leadership:

• Support the Regional Development Manager in establishing and maintaining the list of key aviation accounts and identifying appropriate Client Directors and performance metrics
• Support Client Directors in developing and maintain strong and robust client relationships with key directors at airport owners and operators
• Lead development of new client acquisition and oversight of the wider portfolio of aviation clients across the region. Capture planning and pre-positioning for upcoming opportunities and prospects with clients – identifying opportunities and turning them into prospects
• Drive the bidding process to convert prospects into projects; lead or provide strategic direction to bid teams, producing high-quality proposals that are both technically and commercially sound

Project Delivery:

• Provide strategic direction for delivery of aviation projects and programmes, acting as trusted advisor to clients, partners and Mott MacDonald teams
• Provide project management and / or technical leadership on selected aviation projects within your area(s) of expertise – including where appropriate the role of Project Director/Principal or Project Technical

 Technical Excellence

• Promote a culture of technical excellence in the execution of aviation work across the region
• Support Unit and Divisional leads in identifying future technical capabilities and competences to support current and future service lines
• Mentor and coach members of the aviation market community

Candidate specification

We are looking for a flexible and motivated professional with a breadth of experience and a genuine passion for the aviation industry.

Essential:

• Recognised leader within the UK and wider European aviation sector including proven track record in delivery and established senior relationships with regional clients and partners.
• Strong track record of leading and working within collaborative frameworks – to lead and influence within and across organisation structures without formal authority
• Proven track record of developing and maintaining relationships at senior (executive / director) level across aviation clients; likely to include specific track record of new business development and work winning.
• Extensive experience in at leading and delivering consultancy services to aviation clients in at least one of our primary areas of activity (advisory, planning, design, delivery, transformation)
• Excellent communication skills including client and stakeholder negotiation. Fluency in English is essential, with knowledge of other languages considered as an advantage
• Degree and professional qualification applicable to area of expertise is highly desirable, in line with criteria for key staff typically set by major aviation clients. Candidates otherwise demonstrating experience at least equivalent to that of a chartered member of a relevant professional institution may by exception be considered – with an expectation that they would seek to obtain Chartership of an appropriate institution where reasonably practicable.
• Wider external engagement and industry contribution, for example through conferences, publications, industry research, lecturing, professional boards.
• Proficient in Microsoft software

To deliver this role you will be required to travel regularly to domestic and international clients and be expected to work overseas on key projects as and when required

We are actively recruiting a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve. We recognise that differences in ability, skills and experience are a strength and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. 

We welcome applications from individuals at all experience levels who believe they possess the necessary skills. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Agile working  

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

Equality, diversity and inclusion 

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute. 

Accessibility

We want you to perform your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.