Overview

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices. We work across global industries, delivering work that defines the future and makes a societal impact. We pride ourselves on collaboration, learning, and growth, and being a proudly employee-owned business that empowers and values everyone. Our aviation specialist team is based in London and delivers major airport planning and development projects globally.

Role purpose

We are seeking an Account Leader / Client Director to engage with clients, generate and secure project opportunities, contribute to the growth of our aviation portfolio, and be accountable for the delivery of major airport planning and development projects. The successful candidate will be proactive and dynamic with a business development mindset and a proven ability to win work with world-class airports. They will work with a globally diverse team of airport planners, engineers, and analysts.

Responsibilities

Business Development

• Proactively seek and pursue new business opportunities to grow the airport master planning and capacity portfolio
• Leverage an established industry network to build and maintain relationships with new and existing clients
• Represent Mott MacDonald at industry conferences, networking events, and client meetings to enhance our profile

Account Leadership

• Accountable for the relationship with one or more significant airport clients as Account Leader / Client Director
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships with key directors at airport owners and operators
• Capture planning and pre-positioning for upcoming opportunities, and convert prospects into opportunities
• Drive the bidding process to convert prospects into projects; be responsible for bid teams and high-quality, technically and commercially sound proposals
• Manage risk and commercial performance on projects
• Collaborate with the Aviation Market Director, Practice Leaders, and Resource Managers to bring the right resources to deliver to the client’s satisfaction and meet profit targets
• Address client issues and fulfil their aspirations
• Oversee other discipline projects with your clients to maintain the relationship

Project Delivery

• Direct major airport planning and development projects with your clients or others as required
• Perform the role of Project Director/Principal, coaching and mentoring Project Managers and Technical Leaders
• Accountable for successful completion of all projects under your oversight, including governance, commercial, financial, technical, health, safety, welfare, and realization of client benefits
• Direct projects to deliver quality on time and on budget to maintain customer satisfaction and target profit

Candidate specification

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

Essential

• A proven track record of success in business development and winning work with major airports
• Extensive experience in airport planning and capacity, including large-scale airport development programmes
• Excellent communication skills including client and stakeholder negotiation
• A degree in airport planning, air transport management, aeronautical engineering, civil engineering; other relevant qualifications may be considered
• Chartership is not essential to apply but is expected for qualifications aligned with a professional institution
• Fluency in English; other languages valued
• A strong and active network of clients in the aviation industry
• Ability to travel regularly to domestic and international clients and work overseas on key projects as required
• Proficient in Microsoft software
• Knowledge of simulation modelling tools and the ability to manage others to use them for capacity and demand analysis

Personal characteristics

• Proactive and self-motivated with a learning mindset
• Excellent networking skills and ability to build client relationships
• Well-connected in the airport sector with an industry reputation
• Strong business development skills with experience generating and winning work
• Team player who nurtures colleagues and fosters collaboration
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with clients and leading cross-functional teams
• Strong project director skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald Ltd. is not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision follows changes to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We welcome applications from candidates eligible for alternative immigration routes not requiring sponsorship as Skilled Worker now or in the future.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

We place equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, promoting fair employment practices and equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression and are committed to an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

Accessibility

We want you to perform your best at every stage of recruitment. If you are disabled or need support to apply or attend an interview, please contact reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com to discuss how we can assist you.

Benefits and working arrangements

We offer flexible working and are open to discussing how we can support responsibilities beyond the workplace.

We offer some fantastic benefits including

• Health and wellbeing
  • Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues
  • Health cash plan for everyday costs
  • Peppy access for menopause support for all UK colleagues
  • Wellbeing programs for you and your family
  • Flexible benefits to include health-related options
• Financial wellbeing
  • Matching pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%
  • Life assurance up to 4x salary (option to 6x)
  • Income protection and return-to-work support
  • Flexible benefits including critical illness insurance and will writing
  • Annual bonus schemes and sharing in business success
• Lifestyle
  • Holiday entitlement of 33-35 days, plus buy/sell options
  • Holiday increase to 35 days after 5 years
  • Employee saving schemes and retail discounts
• Enhanced family and carers leave
  • 26 weeks paid maternity/adoption leave and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave
  • Shared parental leave up to 24 weeks paid
  • Additional leave for caring responsibilities
• Learning and development
  • Primary annual professional institution subscription
  • Opportunities to develop technical and soft skills
• Networks and social outcomes
  • Groups supporting diverse communities and social impact

Location(s): Croydon, London, Southampton. Contract Type: Permanent. Work Pattern: Full Time. Market: Transport. Discipline: Aviation. Job Ref: 8278. Recruiter Contact: Ainsley Anstess.