SummaryIn this role as a Head of Projects- Operational Cost, you are accountable to provide visionary leadership to drive strategic transformation initiatives across Etihads Operations & Guest Division. Aligned with the Chief Operations & Guest Officers (COGO) overarching vision, you will spearhead high-impact projects that enable both incremental enhancements and transformative capability shifts. Focus on delivering significant improvements in financial performance, primarily through cost optimization and, where applicable, enabling revenue growth. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations Enablement, you will have full oversight of a team of Project and Engagement Managers, ensuring alignment with Etihads 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 Etihads 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 Etihads 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 Etihads long term strategy.

Qualifications & Leadership Experience

• 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.LI-SK1

About Etihad AirwaysEtihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the worlds 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 Etihads codeshare partners, Etihads 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 Etihads 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!To learn more, visit

Etihad Airways