A career without limits
As the nation’s flag carrier, we take great pride in connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain.
It’s something we’ve been doing for over 100 years, ever since we launched the world’s first international scheduled air service between London and Paris.
This originality has been in our blood since day one. It’s the spirit we share with the people that fly with us, our partners, and our colleagues.
So, whether you are a reassuring voice on the end of a phone, a smile at the door, under a wing keeping the turbines spinning or landing us gently in far‑flung places, a job at British Airways is yours to make.
We know great things can happen when you’re inspired to think big and bring your ambition to work every day, which is why, at British Airways, the sky is never the limit.
The role
Head of Engineering Integrated Optimisation
This role will lead the Integrated Optimisation vision within Engineering, overseeing the delivery of digital software and optimisation capabilities that enable a step‑change in engineering decision‑making and operational performance.
This is a senior, hands‑on leadership role. You will be accountable for shaping and delivering optimisation tools, data platforms and engineering‑led decision support, working closely with engineers, developers and data scientists. You will be expected to understand the technical detail, challenge solutions constructively and guide delivery based on real engineering constraints and opportunities.
What you’ll do
- Lead the shaping, prioritisation and delivery of the Integrated Optimisation roadmap for Engineering
- Act as the single point of contact for Engineering across BA and IAG for integrated optimisation initiatives
- Lead and develop high‑performing, delivery‑focused teams using agile techniques where appropriate
- Oversee the delivery of new digital software and optimisation capabilities across engineering planning horizons
- Inform and prioritise development based on technical architecture, process flows, constraints and business needs
- Work closely with data and analytics teams to ensure delivery is data‑led and technically robust
- Conduct technical reviews with developers and engineering teams, providing practical challenge and guidance
- Own integrated optimisation capex and opex funding within agreed business plans
- Build strong relationships with operational teams and trade unions, connecting optimisation outcomes to real‑world engineering activity
- Represent Engineering across wider BA and IAG transformation and technology programmes
- Ensure optimisation activity aligns to key operational metrics and drives improved decision‑making across Engineering
What you’ll bring to British Airways
- Strong hands‑on experience leading engineering‑led digital and optimisation delivery in complex operational environments
- Practical understanding of optimisation algorithms, data requirements and software delivery
- Confidence engaging with developers, engineers and data scientists on technical detail
- Ability to balance deep technical understanding with big‑picture strategic leadership
- Strong delivery focus with the ability to prioritise effectively across competing demands
- Calm, resilient leadership style suited to complex, high‑pressure environments
- Clear, confident communicator able to engage frontline colleagues through to senior leadership
Your experience
- Experience leading the delivery of digital and optimisation solutions in engineering or operational environments
- Strong knowledge of airline engineering operations and drivers of performance
- Experience working in product‑led, agile delivery environments
- Hands‑on experience with coding and optimisation work, including leading and reviewing developer output
- Coding experience in Python, with the ability to review code and provide technical feedback
- Proven stakeholder engagement experience, including presenting complex information at senior levels
- Track record of delivering change at scale and driving measurable operational outcomes
What we offer
We believe that all the people who work with us should feel valued for the part they play. It’s one of the reasons our rewards go far beyond a competitive salary.
From the day you join us, you’ll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights. You’ll also receive up to 30 discounted ‘Hotline’ airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family.
At British Airways you’ll have the chance to take on new challenges and move forward in a way that feels right for you. We encourage all those who work for us to consider opportunities right across our business to help you develop and progress.
We never stand still, and we don’t expect our people to either.
Inclusion & Diversity
At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work.
Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.
