Senior Product Area Manager

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

Senior Product Area Manager – Data Science

As Senior Product Area Manager for Data Science, you’ll be responsible for the end‑to‑end transformation of an operational domain through the introduction of decision‑support tooling, machine learning and optimisation capabilities.

This is a senior, hands‑on role that sits at the intersection of data science, software delivery and operational change. You will own the full lifecycle of a data‑science‑led product area, from discovery and modelling through to delivery, adoption and value capture, working closely with technical teams and senior business stakeholders.

What you’ll do

• Own the end‑to‑end programme of data science and optimisation product delivery for an operational domain
• Develop a deep understanding of the domain, its processes and decision points, identifying opportunities for improved outcomes through data‑driven decision support
• Define modelling approaches and business logic aligned to the integrated operations vision
• Create and manage delivery roadmaps covering discovery, build, testing, deployment and adoption
• Act as the primary interface between technical delivery squads and senior business stakeholders
• Ensure development teams have the clarity, inputs and prioritisation needed to deliver at pace
• Lead governance with Heads of Department, Directors and Managing Committee members
• Drive change management, including communications, training and engagement to ensure adoption and value capture
• Lead product management including user experience and front‑end design to ensure tools are fit for purpose
• Track adoption, performance and value realisation of delivered products
• Mentor and develop direct reports and wider delivery team members
• Support agile, learning‑driven delivery focused on measurable business value
• Provide technical input and challenge across data science and software engineering decisions

What you’ll bring to British Airways

• Strong hands‑on experience leading data‑science‑led product delivery in complex environments
• Deep understanding of machine learning, optimisation and decision‑support techniques
• Fluency in Python and confidence engaging directly with data scientists and engineers on technical detail
• Ability to bridge technical and business worlds, translating complex concepts for varied audiences
• Strong product, programme and stakeholder leadership capability
• Analytical, pragmatic and value‑focused mindset
• Confidence influencing at senior leadership and executive level
• Collaborative approach with a passion for using data to drive better decisions

Your experience

• Background in data science, machine learning or operations research, or equivalent industry experience
• Several years’ experience delivering complex programmes or products at scale
• Experience working in product‑led, agile delivery environments
• Experience running or optimising operational business processes
• Experience presenting and gaining buy‑in from senior leadership
• Experience in transport, airline, network or operational domains is advantageous

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.