Manager Aircraft Appearance

Synopsis

Let your career take off with the World’s Leading Airline, Etihad Airways. Work in the forefront of the airline and travel industry, with the airline that has reimagined the flying experience through its pioneering products and services.

If you would like to be involved in a true, transformational journey, now is the time.

As a Manager for Aircraft Appearance, you will lead and manage the Cabin Cleaning function to ensure consistent delivery of safe, on-time, and best-in-class cabin cleanliness and presentation standards across our network. You will be responsible for strategic vendor management, performance measurement, support contract negotiation, financial oversight, and continuous improvement. This includes setting departmental strategy, driving operational efficiency, managing supplier relationships, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and supporting cost-effective service delivery.

Accountabilities

• Establish and maintain best-in-class cabin appearance standards aligned to brand expectations and guest experience.
• Set the department’s vision, service strategy, and improvement roadmap.
• Oversee daily cabin appearance operations to ensure safe, reliable, and high-quality service delivery.
• Provide operational direction, guidance, and briefings to supervisors and agents; ensure optimal resource allocation (people, equipment, facilities).
• Manage disruptions and delays, ensuring timely service recovery and adherence to safety, hygiene, and regulatory standards.
• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of equipment, raising risks and requirements proactively.Lead the management of contracted cabin appearance service providers, ensuring delivery to SLA and KPI standards.
• Implement, track, and review performance measurement frameworks, enforcing corrective actions when needed and exercise strong financial awareness by monitoring contractor costs, identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Analyse operational data, financial trends, and quality audits to identify opportunities for service enhancement and cost optimization.
• Participate in contract negotiations, Standard Ground Handling Agreement reviews, RFP processes, ensuring commercial value and service continuity.
• Build productive relationships with suppliers and airport stakeholders to enhance operational performance and financial discipline.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Cabin Appearance team to maintain high performance, safety awareness, and service quality.
• Work collaboratively with Airside/Ramp operations, Cabin Crew, Airport Authorities, Safety, HR, Finance, and cross-functional teams to ensure aligned, efficient service delivery.

Education & Experience

• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 7 years relevant experience in airline or ground handling operations
• Preferred knowledge and relevant industry experience of airport operations preferably gained in through international exposure, with hands-on knowledge of cabin Cleaning operations