The Manager Product Design is responsible for leading the end-to-end design and development of passenger-facing products across Etihad Airways' travel experience. This includes aircraft cabin interiors, seating, in-flight amenities, and ground experience products such as lounges and check-in environments. The role ensures that all designs reflect Etihad’s brand identity, enhance passenger comfort, and meet commercial, operational, and sustainability goals.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement design strategies for all physical and experiential product touchpoints (e.g., seating, lighting, cabin layouts, onboard amenities, and ground services).
- Lead the industrial/product design process from research and ideation through to prototyping, testing, and final delivery.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Guest Experience, Brand, Engineering, Procurement, and external design agencies and suppliers.
- Translate customer insights and emerging trends into design concepts that drive innovation and deliver world-class guest experiences.
- Participate in supplier selection and manage relationships to ensure design intent is maintained throughout production and implementation phases.
- Ensure all designs are feasible, cost-effective, sustainable, and compliant with aviation regulations and safety standards.
- Manage the design approval process, including internal stakeholders and external partners such as OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers).
- Contribute to the continuous evolution of Etihad’s brand language through thoughtful, human-centered product design.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Transportation Design, or a related field (Master’s degree is a plus).
- Minimum 5 years of experience in product or industrial design, preferably within transportation, aviation, automotive, or luxury sectors.
- Strong portfolio showcasing physical product design with an ergonomic understanding and high attention to aesthetic and functional detail.
- Proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering tools (e.g., Rhino, SolidWorks, KeyShot) and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary design projects and coordinating with engineering and manufacturing teams.
- Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and CMF (Color, Material, Finish) strategy.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale to senior stakeholders.
