Operations Optimisation Lead (18-month Contract)

Role Introduction

Reports to: Operations Optimisation Manager

Cathay has established an Operations Planning team (OPN) with the vision to “orchestrate operational excellence through cutting-edge planning solutions, digital innovation, and insights, enabling Cathay to become the world’s most resilient and efficient airline”.

Within OPN, the Operations Performance & Optimisation team focuses on enhancing Cathay's operations planning and operations delivery by implementing advanced digital optimisation capabilities, aiming to improve Cathay’s operational performance holistically.

As the Operations Optimisation Lead, you will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between business teams and technology partners. You’ll be responsible for deploying integrated optimisation capabilities that span across multiple time horizons—from long-term operations planning to real-time delivery. This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making and operational execution by embedding advanced analytics and simulation tools directly into the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with technical partners to deliver robust optimisation and simulation tools that support strategic decision-making. Provide detailed input to ensure the most effective techniques are used, balancing runtime efficiency with solution accuracy
• Participate in model formulation, solution design, and validation to ensure high-quality outcomes
• Work closely with technical teams to develop operations forecast models that predict key disruptions such as flight delays and unplanned maintenance. Contribute to solution design and assist in testing and validating model accuracy to support proactive operational planning
• Apply Operations Research expertise and digital optimisation capabilities to identify opportunities for improvement in operations planning and delivery. This includes refining aircraft buffer strategies, enhancing network design for resilience, and improving cost valuation within the Cathay Operations Decision Model
• Support the development of methodologies for continuous calibration and tuning of optimisation tools and forecast models. Help assess model accuracy and ensure they consistently deliver measurable business value
• Partner with business end-users to integrate optimisation capabilities into daily operations. Help translate complex technical concepts into practical applications, ensuring adoption even among those unfamiliar with operations research

Requirements

• 4-6 years of experience in a position in applying optimisation to business challenges, or as product manager for optimisation tools with practical experience in optimisation research
• Airline operations experience is preferred, especially in operations planning, operations management (IOC/OCC), and aircraft maintenance planning.
• Experience with applying optimization in resource scheduling, assignment and disruption management, is highly desirable
• Experience implementing business change and collaborating with end-users to integrate optimisation tools for decision support
• Capability to clearly articulate complex technical issues to business and leadership teams in an understandable manner
• Strong interpersonal skills and capability to perform effectively under pressure

Personal & Application Information