Job description / Role

Synopsis

In this role as a Head of Projects- Ops Efficiency, you are accountable to provide visionary leadership to drive strategic transformation initiatives across Etihad’s Operations & Guest Division. Aligned with the Chief Operations & Guest Officer’s (COGO) overarching vision, you will spearhead high-impact projects that enable both incremental enhancements and transformative capability shifts. Specific ownership for strategic projects targeting excellence in the operational performance of the division, primarily fuel efficiency along with innovative initiatives that drive superior safety and operational standards. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations Enablement, you will have full oversight of a team of Project and Engagement Managers, ensuring alignment with Etihad’s long-term strategic objectives.

Accountabilities

– Partner with the Director of Operations Enablement and senior leadership, including divisional Vice Presidents, to shape and prioritize strategic initiatives that advance the performance and competitiveness of Etihad’s Operations & Guest Division.
– Lead the end-to-end execution of mission-critical projects, ensuring they deliver measurable business outcomes, and positioning the Operations & Guest Division as a key enabler of Etihad’s Growth strategy
– Act as a strategic advisor and collaborator to senior stakeholders across the division, fostering alignment on key priorities and ensuring the successful implementation of initiatives that drive operational excellence.
– Provide executive-level reporting and insights to the centralized Operations & Guest PMO, with a focus on risk management, mitigation strategies, and delivering on time and within scope.
– Champion innovative problem-solving and agile project management methodologies to overcome complex challenges and ensure the continuous improvement of project delivery frameworks.
– Drive cross-functional collaboration with senior leaders across Etihad to ensure that key stakeholders are engaged and aligned with the broader strategic vision, ensuring seamless integration of initiatives across the organization.
– Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing team, cultivating a culture of accountability, engagement, and commitment to Etihad’s long term strategy.

– A graduate degree, with extensive experience in aviation and a proven track record in leading large-scale transformation projects at the executive level.
– A minimum of 15+ years’ leadership experience in the aviation sector, with a deep understanding of operational complexities and expertise in driving strategic change.
– Comprehensive knowledge of airline operations, with specialized expertise in one or more areas such as Airports, Technical Operations, or Flight Operations.
– A visionary leader with exceptional stakeholder management and the ability to influence and drive change at all levels of the organization.

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world’s leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Together with Etihad’s codeshare partners, Etihad’s network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. All this ties into Etihad’s ambitious Journey 2030 strategy. The airline plans to double its fleet size and triple the number of customers over the next six years as it sets out to be the airline everyone wants to fly!

About the Company

Etihad Airways is the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates. The airline was set up by a Royal Decree in July 2003, with Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, as its hub. Etihad started commercial operations in November 2003.

With Etihad, everyone who flies with us is welcomed as our guest.

This simple credo illuminates everything we do, from big things like making sure that our fleet is one of the most advanced in the sky, to small touches like letting you choose the films you watch.

Were proud to be the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates. At the crossroads between Europe and Asia, our home reflects our commitment to bringing the world closer together – as does our highly cosmopolitan staff.