Overview Principal Staff Advisor | ITS & Defence (Back-Office Systems, Tolling & Fare Collection | V2X | Traffic & Mobility etc.) – Global Executive Search
Location: Europe (with travel flexibility)
Sector: Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Mobility, and Transit Technology
We are seeking an accomplished Vice President to lead and scale a fast-growing ITS & Mobility organisation driving innovation across fare collection, real-time passenger information (RTPI), and integrated mobility platforms.
This is a strategic senior leadership role overseeing technology, operations, and commercial growth across multiple European projects. The ideal candidate will combine a deep understanding of the Intelligent Transport sector with proven experience in leading cross-functional teams, managing large-scale software deployments, and driving business transformation.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Growth
Provide executive oversight across technology, operations, and business development functions.
Define and execute long-term strategies to expand the organisation's presence across fare collection, RTPI, and digital mobility platforms.
Build and mentor high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
Represent the organisation at senior levels with transit authorities, city/state agencies, and strategic technology partners.
Commercial & Business Development
Lead strategic business development initiatives and secure major projects in fare collection, RTPI, and back-office software.
Oversee bid and proposal strategy, ensuring technical and commercial competitiveness.
Develop senior relationships with public and private sector stakeholders, influencing decision-makers and shaping partnership opportunities.
Drive P&L performance, ensuring growth targets and profitability objectives are met.
Operational Excellence
Oversee delivery of complex ITS programs, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to scope.
Lead operational improvements to optimise processes, scalability, and customer satisfaction.
Ensure full compliance with contractual, regulatory, and cybersecurity standards.
Promote a data-driven approach to performance management and continuous improvement.
Technology & Innovation
Direct the evolution of next-generation fare collection, RTPI, and back-office systems .
Champion innovation through cloud-native technologies, mobile ticketing, API integration, and data analytics .
Align product and solution development with client needs and industry trends to maintain technological leadership.
Foster collaboration between engineering, operations, and product teams to accelerate delivery and innovation.
Candidate Profile
Experience
12+ years' experience within Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Mobility, or related transit technology sectors.
Proven track record in executive leadership across technology, operations, or business development.
Strong understanding of fare collection systems, RTPI, CAD/AVL, and back-office software platforms .
Prior P&L ownership, budget management, and experience leading multidisciplinary teams.
Experience managing large-scale public sector contracts and vendor relationships.
Skills & Attributes
Visionary leader with a strategic and commercial mindset .
Deep technical appreciation of ITS and mobility technologies.
Excellent communicator with strong stakeholder and client management capabilities.
Confident decision-maker with a hands-on, pragmatic approach.
Adept at balancing innovation with operational delivery.
Education
Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA desirable).
Seniority level Executive
Employment type Full-time
Job function Management, Engineering, and Information Technology
Industries: Truck Transportation, Ground Passenger Transportation, and Rail Transportation
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