Welcome to this recruitment process with Vueling!
Applying is your first step to having the opportunity to join the first Top Employer airline in Europe. We hope the information you find here encourages you to apply so we can get to know you and stay connected.
Let's start by getting to know us better!
At Vueling, we love things to happen. We always do our best to go one step further and do it better. We invite our people to celebrate their unique strengths, work as a team to overcome challenges and achieve their goals for the greater good.
Our team is made of great professionals. Great and passionate people who collaborate, support and complement each other's skills.
We are one of Europe's leading low-cost airlines, with special relevance in the Spanish domestic market, as well as in France and Italy.
Job Purpose
The Airport IT & Innovation Lead is responsible for leading, executing, and delivering Vueling’s strategic airport innovation projects across the airline’s network. This role ensures the successful deployment of digital and technology initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and financial performance. The position owns multimillion-euro projects, manages key stakeholders across IT, airport operations, vendors, and executive committees, and drives measurable cost savings and operational improvements.
Main Accountabilities
• Own and deliver a portfolio of multimillion-euro airport IT and innovation initiatives, with full accountability for scope, timelines, budgets, risks, and realization of business benefits.
• Define, maintain, and execute the airport technology and innovation roadmap, aligned with Vueling’s operational strategy, cost objectives, and long-term network evolution.
• Lead innovation initiatives end-to-end, ensuring solutions meet operational, technical, commercial, regulatory, and customer experience requirements.
• Drive structural efficiency improvements and cost savings across the airport network through technology, process standardization, and data-driven decision-making.
• Provide matrix leadership to airport IT teams and project resources, coordinating priorities, delivery plans, and performance without direct line management.
• Act as the senior business interface with airport authorities, technology vendors, ground handling partners, and internal functions (Operations, IT, Finance, Procurement, Customer).
• Represent Vueling in IAG and external forums, contributing to group-level initiatives, sharing best practices, and influencing common technology direction.
• Prepare, challenge, and present business cases, investment proposals, and performance updates to the Head of Airport Business, Investment Committees, and the Management Committee.
• Anticipate market trends and emerging technologies in airport operations, translating them into pragmatic initiatives that deliver tangible value.
• Ensure governance, compliance, and risk management across all airport innovation and IT projects.
Main Responsibilities - Tasks
• Leading the end-to-end delivery of a portfolio of airport technology and innovation initiatives (e.g., self-service kiosks, biometrics, automated boarding, Vueling Terra, Mobile DCS), with full accountability for outcomes, timelines, and benefits realization.
• Defining delivery strategies, governance models, and execution plans for airport innovation projects, including prioritization, sequencing, and risk mitigation.
• Coordinating and influencing cross-functional teams (IT, Customer Experience, Commercial, Systems/DCS, Ground Operations) to align objectives, resources, and execution plans.
• Managing strategic relationships with external technology vendors, service providers, and airport authorities, ensuring contractual performance, integration quality, and long-term scalability.
• Identifying, prioritizing, and driving operational improvement opportunities through technology and digitalization, delivering measurable cost efficiencies, standardization, and service improvements.
• Scanning and assessing industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, translating insights into actionable initiatives aligned with Vueling’s airport strategy.
• Developing and presenting executive-level business cases, investment proposals, and ROI analyses to senior management and Investment Committees, supporting informed decision-making.
• Ensuring compliance, governance, and risk management across all projects, in line with airport regulations, safety standards, and operational policies.
• Providing on-site leadership during domestic and international airport rollouts, validating implementation quality, resolving escalations, and engaging senior local stakeholders.
Main Relationships
• Internal: IT Department, Customer Experience, Commercial, Systems (DCS), Ground Operations, Finance, Procurement, MC
• External: Airport authorities, technology vendors, system integrators, airport operators, regulatory bodies, industry networks and conferences, IAG.
Education
• University degree in Engineering (Industrial, Aeronautical, Telecommunications), Transport, Airport Management, IT, or related disciplines required.
• Postgraduate qualification in Digital Innovation, Operations, or Project Management is desirable.
• Project Management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile PM) highly valued.
Experience
• Minimum 7 years in airport operations, project management, and/or technology implementation.
• Proven experience delivering large-scale airport technology or digital projects.
• Track record managing multi-stakeholder projects involving airlines, airport authorities, vendors, and IT teams.
• Experience preparing executive-level presentations and business cases.
• Exposure to Investment Committees or similar governance forums.
• Experience in cost efficiency programs and process optimization through technology.
• Ideal experience in aviation or related projects.
Competencies
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Strong leadership and influencing skills in cross-functional environments
• Project and program management excellence
• Financial acumen and ROI evaluation
• Stakeholder management and negotiation
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver results in complex operational settings
Languages
• English: C1
• Spanish: C1
Other
• Willingness to travel frequently to domestic and international airports.
• Strong understanding of airport operations, regulations, and technology systems
Location
Barcelona-Viladecans, Spain
Level
Individual Contributor 5
We are the only Top Employer airline in Europe
For the second year running, Vueling is the only European airline and the only low-cost airline in the world to obtain this certification. The Top Employers Institute programme certifies organisations based on the participation and results of their HR Best Practices Survey. This survey covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing and more.
🟡 #FlyToYourFullPotential
Every single person who works with us is unique. Join us is accepting the invite to fly to your full potential through self-development and pursuing your professional passion. Our employee value proposition and benefits include staff travel, discounts, a flexible working model, and more! Want to learn more? Click here.
🟡 Our Culture
We thrive on teamwork and collaboration. Joining our team means being part of a cohesive unit that works together, shares knowledge, and supports each other.
Our positive working atmosphere is unique and essential to our productivity and growth. You'll be surrounded by diverse and dynamic professionals. We are passionate about what we do: Connecting People and Places! Learn more about our Mission, Vision, & Values.
🟡 Our Recruitment Process
Your experience as a candidate is critical for us. We firmly believe that understanding our process will alleviate anxiety and ignite your passion for this extraordinary experience! Please take a closer look at how our process works.
