This position is no longer open for applications

In partnership with our client, the first full-service airline to be launched in over 17 years, we are pleased to invite applications for the position of Senior Manager IFE & Connectivity.

This position will be based in Riyadh, offering a unique and exciting opportunity to influence what will become the new standard of international air travel.

We are seeking an expert in the development of IFE selection and Connectivity (IFEC) solutions for commercial aviation. The candidate must be able to develop, drive and implement innovative solutions for best-in-class inflight entertainment experiences for customers and ensure that all connectivity solutions are integrated across the entire customer journey.
This position shall be responsible for the overall development of all IFEC products, ranging from GUI, UX, connectivity portals, digital applications, gaming integration and any other connected devices or portals to drive onboard customer experience excellence.

The candidate shall supervise all IFEC technology projects from market research, product selection, customisation development through to final deployment (in conjunction with technical teams).

Key Responsibilities
· Collaborate with cross functional teams to deliver and implement IFEC Innovation projects, with key internal and external stakeholders such as aircraft OEMs, suppliers, brand agencies and content service providers.
· Champion the brand, customer expectations and digital future proofing during all vendor meetings, communications, and product reviews.
· Develop and maintain digital innovation roadmaps to ensure best in class market positioning for the airline.
· Collaborating with various stakeholders to build business cases for project innovations, customisation options, and vendor selection, including management buy-in and budgetary targets.
· Ensure necessary updates and status of programs is provided to senior management and manage the necessary buy-in and approval process where necessary.
· Work collaboratively with all digital innovation stakeholders across the business to ensure a “digitalfirst” experience while supporting a cohesive and 360-degree view of the airline customer to drive insights for decision making revenue and marketing efforts.
· Continuously monitor the design, performance, and functionality of all IFEC technologies of competitors and vendor products.
· Translate customer trends, needs and expectations into workable product solutions.
· Collaborate closely with marketing and brand teams to ensure that all GUI look and feel aligns to the overall company brand guidelines and positioning.
· Develop a world class user experience for all IFEC related products.

• Manage external suppliers and work internally with colleagues across the business to ensure all stakeholders deliver the best possible IFEC product
• Support the content team on implementation of all new content and ongoing operational management of the content service provider (CSP) from a system and platform perspective.
• Align quality of product features and user experiences with industry expectations and customer expectations such as Skytrax, AirSats, CSAT etc.
• Negotiate contracts and service level agreements with suppliers to ensure best deals are secured (cost/quality)
• Work with commercial teams to develop retailing options for all digital products and services onboard the aircraft
• Participate in OEM and Vendor evaluation process, taking into consideration necessary brand, operational, technical, and financial effectiveness of selections.
• Performance analysis of various IFEC features and applications, using passenger usage statistics, revenue figures and demographics to assess the performance of IFEC products.
• Research industry wide best practices and products by conducting competitor analysis (bench marking) of leading airlines, their IFEC product offering and manage the collection of quantitative and qualitative data.
• Keep fully abreast of all key product and technology developments in the IFEC market, innovation roadmaps, certification status and make recommendations for product improvements to keep at the forefront of IFEC technology.
• Maintain high level of knowledge of Company policies and procedures and Operational Specifications.
• Undertake any other duties as and when required by the company.
• Take responsibility for own ongoing personal development and growth of expertise.
• Train and develop other employees, including Saudi Nationals to support ongoing human capital development initiatives of the country.

Essential Criteria

Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline such as digital marketing, product development, software development and software engineering.
• Post-graduation qualification an added advantage.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 8 year’s work experience in the development and deployment of IFEC programs across both widebody and narrow-body fleets covering all aspects of product innovation, from hardware, software, games, maps, connectivity solutions to media integration.

Professional Competencies

• Strong proficiency in MS Office
• Strong understanding of aircraft configuration, IFEC existing and emerging technologies.
• Critical thinking skills and innovation
• Business acumen

Languages

• Must be fluent in English, Arabic would be an advantage

Location

• This position operates from the office, headquartered in Riyadh, but requires significant travel.

Miscellaneous

• This is a full-time, permanent position and you must acknowledge the requirement to relocate should you be successful in the recruitment process.
• You must be willing to sign a non-disclosure undertaking before we can discuss the role in any greater detail.
• You apply in the understanding that you will be required to provide two professional references and a criminal record check should you be successful in the first stage of the recruitment process.

If you are interested in applying for this position and you meet the requirements, please send your updated CV to: Neil Leighton at Line Up Aviation.