Head Billing Operations & Data Processing

About the Company

At IATA, we represent over 350 airlines worldwide, striving to make aviation safer, smarter, more sustainable, and inclusive. We speak for the airlines of the world, serving and supporting over 300 of them across all continents.

About the Role

Reporting to the Executive Director, BSP & CASS, the Head Billing Operations & Data Processing will lead the Global Delivery Center (GDC) Data Reporting, Data Processing and Billing Operations, whilst providing business systems support for the BSP and CASS. The incumbent will work directly with the Head, IATA Data Processing Center, the Assistant Director Billing Reporting and the Senior Manager Standardization Data Processing to develop data processing strategies as well as business and operational processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the DPC strategy in partnership with the GDC team, the I&D team, and the Regional Process Managers; ensure the timely delivery of the DPC roadmap and the successful implementation of approved projects, including IBSPs, NFE, ADM, and IDPC initiatives
• Responsible for the operational management of BSP and CASS data processing systems (for ticketing and orders), ensuring achievement of the 99.98% on-time settlement KPI and the timely delivery of all critical ISS reporting
• Responsible for ensuring the production and availability of dashboards and reports for ISS stakeholders, both internally and, where applicable, externally through BSPLink
• Ensure systems effectively interface with dependent and interdependent systems to meet end-to-end operational and business requirements, in close collaboration with the I&D team
• Contribute to, facilitate, and coordinate the implementation of new BSP and CASS operations, as well as the enhancement and expansion of existing services and functionalities
• Provide input into vendor contracting and service definitions for providers supporting ISS data processing and sales reporting activities
• Attend industry group meetings and lead the team in influencing discussions and outcomes in alignment with IATA's strategic objectives and agenda items
• Prioritize and coordinate system enhancements and change requests in collaboration with the I&D team
• Act as an interface between other business stakeholders, I&D, GPOs, and regional teams working on all data processing and collection of sales from ISS participants
• Actively support the Executive Director, BSP & CASS in identifying and implementing business and vendor solutions that enhance system efficiency and help maintain or reduce ISS unit costs
• Play a key role in reviewing financial services projects, assessing their impact on DPC operations and initiatives, and prioritizing required system developments
• Support the team and industry initiatives related to Agency Debit Memos (ADM) by contributing to the development and implementation of business solutions
• Ensure a high level of service in support of billing operations, providing assistance to third-party partners, including GDSs, acquiring partners, and other service providers
• Lead, recruit, coach, and manage the Data Operations and Reporting team, with a strong focus on data governance, operational excellence, and the promotion of best practices across the GDC
• Oversee NDC operations, support compliance among participating airlines and agents, and collaborate with stakeholders on reporting sales from carriers transitioning to NDC and modern retailing models
• Ensure the team provides top level support on key applications such as BSPLINK, CASSLINK, IBSPS, and NDC/Settlement with Orders APIs
• Oversee and ensure the timely capture of sales records within ISS to enable settlement services, including maintaining continuity and integrity of data feeds from airlines, GDSs, and other sources
• Develop and drive the strategy for sales processing and data enrichment services, including commission calculation and validation, tax reporting, and other value-added reporting requirements

Essential Requirements

• Significant experience (minimum 10 years) managing systems operations and reporting within an airline or another aviation industry organization operating in financial, settlement, distribution, or data-processing environments
• Strong people management skills, with experience leading teams of subject matter experts (SMEs) responsible for Data Processing Center operations
• Proven track record of successfully delivering global projects and implementing business system solutions supporting airline distribution, settlement, and supply chain processes
• Experience engaging with C-level stakeholders, coupled with the leadership skills required to manage industry working groups and drive consensus
• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively in international and cross-cultural environments
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities within tight deadlines
• Ability to think innovatively, challenge existing ways of working, and drive continuous process improvement
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and logical-thinking skills
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills in English

Employment Type: Permanent
Travel Required: Yes