Senior Advisor, Software Operating Model

Senior Advisor, Software Operating Model & Transformation

Summary

Location: Various Locations (Remote + Travel) OR (Hybrid - if located near a client office)

Day Rate: Negotiable

Duration: 6-8 Months

Availability: ASAP

About the Client

My client is the air transport industry's IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft, and governments.

Their technology powers more seamless, safe, and sustainable air travel. Join a global technology leader enabling mission-critical operations across the aviation ecosystem — from airports and airlines to border agencies and ground operations.

The organisation is advancing through a strategic transformation, evolving from a traditional infrastructure-driven company into a modern, world-class software enterprise.

To accelerate this shift, we are seeking a seasoned Senior Advisor to help define, embed, and operationalise the capabilities, culture, and governance required for a truly software led organisation.

You will work closely with the Executive Management Team and senior leaders across the business to shape how product, engineering, data, and platform functions operate in the future.

About the Role

Job Summary:

This role is suited to a highly experienced software-native leader — someone who has operated at COO/CPO level in a scaled software company or who has advised large technology organisations on operating model transformation.

You will define the target software operating model, shape leadership capabilities, modernise governance and performance frameworks, and help build the structures and habits required for product-led execution at scale.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Define the Target Software Operating Model

• Assess organisational maturity across product, engineering, data, platform and delivery capabilities.

• Recommend structures, governance models and talent strategies that support software scalability and innovation.

• Provide benchmarks, frameworks and design principles inspired by modern high performing software organisations.

2. Strengthen Software Capabilities Across Leadership & Teams

• Design and deliver tailored learning experiences for the Executive Management Team and senior leaders (e.g., product-led operations, engineering excellence, platform thinking).

• Develop a foundational Software Mindset Curriculum to enable enterprise-wide cultural and behavioural alignment.

3. Modernise Governance, Reviews & Performance Metrics

• Redesign key business reviews (QBRs, portfolio reviews, operating reviews) around software-native indicators such as reliability, adoption, customer value, product velocity and engineering health.

• Introduce data-driven reporting frameworks that enhance transparency, prioritisation and decision-making.

4. Improve the Business–Technology Operating Interface

• Clarify accountabilities across Business Units, GEOs, and Technology & Engineering organisations.

• Recommend modern ownership models and ways of working between product, engineering, commercial and platform teams.

• Align portfolio management, OKRs and investment/funding approaches to a product-led operating model.

5. Embed Software Maturity Across the Organisation

• Support the creation of internal playbooks, onboarding materials and repeatable practices that institutionalise modern product and engineering behaviours.

• Ensure that new structures, processes and mindsets are adopted consistently across global teams

What we are looking for Required Skills & Experience:

• Former COO, CPO, CTO, SVP of Product/Engineering, or senior operations leader in a scaled software organisation (typically $300M+ revenue), or equivalent advisory experience.

• Deep understanding of modern software development lifecycles, product management, data platforms, agile delivery and product-led growth.

• Proven track record in organisational transformation and executive-level enablement.

• Exceptional communicator and facilitator with credibility across both technical and commercial audiences.

• Prior consulting experience and exposure to aviation or other complex B2B environments are strong advantages.