Senior Aviation Development Manager

Edinburgh Airport is Scotland's busiest airport and a leading European gateway, serving a diverse route network spanning short-haul European, domestic UK, and long-haul markets. We focus on sustainable growth, high-quality partnerships with airlines and tourism bodies, and delivering outstanding connectivity for Scotland's economy.

We are seeking a commercially aware and analytically strong Senior Aviation Development Manager to drive collaborative initiatives that drive airline growth, route development, and long-term aviation partnerships at Edinburgh Airport. The ideal candidate will combine strategic thinking with advanced analytical capabilities to identify new route and growth opportunities, deliver compelling, data-backed airline business cases, and deliver sustainable passenger growth for Edinburgh Airport.

They will support forecasting across the organization and help shape the airport's budget and business plan. They will help define and support the Aviation Development team strategy and identify new growth opportunities for the airport. They will be responsible for leading the team's Aviation Development team and for delivering data and insights that help achieve the team's objectives. A strong understanding of aviation economics, forecasting, and market intelligence is essential. This role is pivotal in shaping the airport's future connectivity, enhancing its market position, and supporting sustainable aviation growth through evidence-based decision-making.

This role will be primarily based at Edinburgh Airport, with travel domestically and internationally as required. The successful candidate will serve as a knowledgeable and collaborative representative of Edinburgh Airport in external forums, and on airline visits, using data and insight to foster strong and collaborative relationships.

About the Recruitment Process

The recruitment process for this role will be comprised of two stages. The interviews will involve an aviation development task, alongside an interview where we will ask competency-based, values-based and technical questions. You will meet with our Head of Aviation, Chief Commercial Officer, and other key stakeholders from across the business throughout the interview process.

Depending on the volume of candidates, we may include a first stage Teams screening call as part of the process.

We are committed to supporting diverse ways of thinking and working, so if you require adjustments in the recruitment process, please let us know on your application. You can find out more about our interview process and the types of questions we askhere .

What you'll be doing

Conduct in-depth market analysis, traffic forecasting, and scenario modelling to identify and prioritise route development opportunities.

Utilise analytical models to evaluate and monitor route performance, airline profitability, and market potential.

Produce high-quality, data-rich business cases and presentations for airline partners and internal stakeholders.

Lead on aviation business development, delivering sustainable passenger growth with both existing and potential new airline partners.

Lead commercial negotiations for these airline partners, using data to inform decision making.

• Build, maintain and manage strong relationships with airlines, tour operators, and other stakeholders.
• Support the development of the annual Budget, Five-Year Plan, and reforecasts by providing analytical challenge and insight.

Work cross-functionally with operations, marketing, and finance to ensure successful airline performance.

What we're looking for

To apply for this role, you'll need:

Qualifications and experience

• Demonstrated experience in aviation business development or airline network planning, route analysis, and commercial strategy.
• Degree in aviation management, economics, data science, business analytics, or a related field.
• Experience working with UK and international carriers and understanding of airline economics.

Strategic thinker with strong analytical and commercial mindset

Strong quantitative and analytical skills, and an ability to translate complex data into meaningful, actionable insights.

Demonstrable presentation, sales and negotiation skills.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
• Passion for aviation and commitment to sustainable, data-informed growth.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

What we'll offer you

• Pension scheme- employer contributions can be up to 7%
• 32 days holiday, based on full time roles, increasing with service
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Supporting your health and wellbeing- private healthcare after 1 years' service, access to our Employee Assistance Programme and occupational health services
• Free car parking on site and when you go on holiday
• We offer a range of other benefits, find out more here

Why EDI?

We are Edinburgh Airport, where Scotland meets the world. The success of the airport comes down to our people, and you can help us deliver even more big days for our passengers and colleagues. The development of your career is important to us, and we'll support and encourage this every step of the way. We offer in-house and external training, both role specific and based on your objectives.

As a business we're driven by our values - they're at the core of our culture and everything we do. We will ask questions based on our values during your interview, as we're looking for people who will demonstrate these values day-in, day-out. So if this sounds like you, apply now and get ready for your career to take off.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to ensuring applicants with a disability can participate fully in our recruitment process. Please let us know in your application form if you require any adjustments, such as parking arrangements or alternative methods of communication.

We work with Inclusive Employers, who are a leading organisation for employers committed to prioritising inclusion. We are supported by them through leadership workshops, a variety of resources and webinars, demonstrating our commitment to an inclusive workplace and ensuring all our employees feel valued. This partnership is part of our wider Diversity and Inclusion strategy, and you can find out more here.

We give colleagues the opportunity to engage with different people and projects, within our business and beyond. You can get involved in a variety of different employee groups , including Diversity, STEM, Wellbeing, or create your own community - it's important to us that you can share your interests and be yourself at work.