Aviation Master Planning Director

Candidate specification

We are looking for a flexible and motivated professional with world class airport master planning experience and a genuine passion for the aviation industry.

Mott MacDonald is an equal opportunity employer, and we do value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate, and we take positive steps to create an inclusive culture.

To apply for this position, you must have:

• A degree or post graduate qualification in aeronautical engineering, civil engineering, architecture, air transport management, or airport planning or similar discipline. Candidates with economics, sustainability, finance or business-related studies may also be considered
• Fluency in English – knowledge of other languages will be valued
• World class experience in the aviation industry, ideally with a chartership or fellowship qualification or the ability to demonstrate equivalent transferrable skills from another relevant industry
• Demonstrable professional experience in leading airport master planning projects at major international airports together with more than one deep technical field within airport planning (airfield & apron, operations, terminal, landside, airspace, etc.) is expected and required
• Chartership is not essential to apply for this role but is expected of a candidate who has qualifications aligned with a professional institution

We are looking for candidates with the following characteristics:

• Ability to lead strategic client facing projects representing Mott MacDonald and the supporting services
• Highly conversant with strategic and detailed aviation issues influencing near and long term with the ability to create resilient affordable, deliverable and approvable outcomes
• Fully familiar with IATA ADRM and ICAO Annex 14 and related documents. Familiarity with FAA documents a plus
• Ability to manage multi-company teams in delivery of major planning projects
• Stakeholder management skills
• Flexibility for frequent travel overseas for short and possibly longer term assignments (subject to separate agreement)
• Proactive and with a learning mindset
• Foster teamwork and collaboration in others as part of a multi-disciplinary team and a diverse range of projects
• Methodical approach to problem solving and with the ability to apply critical thinking
• Ability to organise, manage and supervise medium projects to large workstreams, including resources across various disciplines
• Expertise in project and programme management with contractual knowledge and the ability deliver commercially successful projects
• Ability to manage and supervise more junior staff members, including the ability to train them in developing new skills
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills, which allow you to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients and the public
• Excellent written communication and attention to detail, being able to produce accurate technical drawings and professional reports
• Ability to build and nurture client relationships, to identify and secure opportunities for follow-on work and win new prospects
• Proficient in Word, PowerPoint and Excel (Power BI desirable)
• Ability to manage others to work efficiently in drawings platforms, such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, AviPlan, Infraworks, Navisworks, Revit, etc. to produce airfield and terminal spatial planning outputs
• Knowledge of simulation & modelling tools for airfield and terminal and the ability to manage others to use them to deliver capacity and demand analysis outputs

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UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

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 can contribute.

AI Usage

At Mott MacDonald, we see the value AI can bring, but we take a people-first approach to hiring. While AI tools can help candidates prepare and build confidence, every application and hiring decision is reviewed by our recruitment and hiring teams. We encourage the responsible use of AI while ensuring we get to know the real person behind the application.

Accessibility

We want you to feel supported and able to perform at your best throughout our recruitment process. If there is anything we can do to make applying or interviewing with us more accessible, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we'll be happy to discuss how we can help.

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

Financial wellbeing

• We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.
• Life assurance equal up to 4 x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 x your salary.
• Our income protection scheme provides a financial benefit, as well as absence and return to work support due to long-term illness or injury.
• Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing.
• As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues in various ways including annual bonus schemes.

Employee Ownership

• Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success.
• Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses.
• As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution.
• Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future.
• For our senior roles you will have a direct pathway towards ownership from day one.

Health and wellbeing

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
• Health cash plan to support you with every day health costs and treatments.
• Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues.
• A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing program, including access for you and your family.
• Ability to flex your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family too.

Lifestyle

• A minimum of 33-35 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays and dependent on level, with the ability to buy or sell leave through our flexible benefits programme.
• 10 days additional paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
• Holiday entitlement increased to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years’ service.
• Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high-street retailers.

Enhanced family and carers leave

• Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
• Our shared parental leave matches maternity leave meaning we pay up to 24 weeks at full pay.
• Up to five additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities, two of which are paid.
• We offer policies and dedicated support to help military families balance service life with career and wellbeing.

Learning and development

• Primary annual professional institution subscription.
• A broad range of opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self-development options.

Networks, communities, and social outcomes

• Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.
• We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and Gold Award holders in the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme, supported by our dedicated internal Armed Forces Network.
• Make a difference within our communities through our social outcomes.

Apply now, or for more information about our application process, click here.