Manager – Aircraft Interiors (PDD)

About the Role As Manager – Aircraft Interiors, you will lead and support a team responsible for shaping Qatar Airways’ creative cabin vision and product strategy. This role bridges design innovation and operational execution—drawing inspiration from industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, and hospitality—to deliver world-class cabin interiors that reflect the Qatar Airways brand.

You will oversee the development and management of the airline’s cabin product portfolio, transforming conceptual designs into tangible, high-quality interior solutions across both new and existing aircraft fleets, including seating, galleys, lavatories, and storage areas.

Key Responsibilities Strategic:

• Manage all customer-facing cabin interior products and onboard features across new and existing aircraft programs.
  
  
• Develop and implement interior product plans that elevate passenger comfort, design aesthetics, and brand identity.
  
  
• Define and refine cabin interior specifications, features, lighting, and branding to meet Qatar Airways’ quality and comfort standards.
  
  
• Integrate cross-industry design trends and insights from leading automotive and consumer brands to maintain the airline’s position as an industry leader in cabin design.
  
  

Operational:

• Collaborate with external design studios to conceptualize and evolve Qatar Airways’ future cabin design language.
  
  
• Partner with Product Development, R&D, and suppliers (aviation and non-aviation) on seating, lighting, materials, and interior innovations.
  
  
• Translate design briefs into visual narratives, mood boards, and concept directions for internal alignment and senior stakeholder approval.
  
  
• Lead multiple aircraft interior projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines and quality standards are maintained.
  
  
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to deliver distinctive, brand-aligned cabin design features.
  
  
• Oversee planning and implementation of cabin configurations including layout, seating, colour palettes, and finish selections.
  
  
• Coordinate with the Technical Aircraft Programs team to align design milestones with aircraft delivery schedules.
  
  
• Maintain and manage a comprehensive library of materials, finishes, and design documentation for all aircraft programmes.
  
  
• Research and source innovative materials and finishes, ensuring alignment with operational requirements and aesthetic goals.
  
  
• Reimagine customer needs and translate creative briefs into compelling and functional interior product designs.
  
  

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Industrial Design, Product Design, Engineering, or related discipline.
  
  
• Experience: Minimum of 8 years’ relevant experience, ideally within the automotive, airline, or premium consumer electronics sectors.
  
  
• Proven track record in product innovation, R&D, or design studio environments within multinational organizations.
  
  
• Strong project management and time management capabilities, with the ability to lead complex cross-functional programmes.
  
  
• Demonstrated team leadership and people development skills.
  
  
• Creative thinker with a strong commercial mindset and ability to deliver cost-effective solutions without compromising design integrity.
  
  
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with confidence in presenting ideas and influencing senior stakeholders.
  
  
• Ability to make swift, informed decisions to meet project deadlines and operational priorities.
  
  

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.