Manager Aircraft Programmes - BFE

Synopsis

In this role as a Manager Aircraft Programmes, you are accountable to primarily manage the complete BFE development programme for seats, IFE, IFC or monuments as allocated by the head of aircraft programmes.  To manage the specification and development process for any new aircraft entering the Etihad fleet and ensure that the aircraft definition including Avionics, Systems, External Livery and Cabin Interior meet Etihad Guest Experience, Guest Services and Operations requirements. To deliver Etihad aircraft cabin re-configurations to an agreed scope and schedule in order to ensure that Etihad maintains its market leading position with innovative cabin interiors and effective layouts. 

Accountabilities

• Manage the complete BFE development process and milestones for Seats, Galleys, IFE, Connectivity, Lavatories, Stowage, Lighting, Cabin Systems, and external livery to ensure a world class Guest Experience, space and cost-effective cabin layouts and aircraft delivery to schedule.
• Represent Etihad and lead the reviews at the BFE and aircraft milestone reviews and ensure the entry and exit criteria are managed successfully for Etihad, BFE provider and the OEM action items. Manage the BFE to BFE supply chain and ensure timely delivery of all Etihad deliverables
• Manage the aircraft specification process with Aircraft Manufacturers and Etihad internal stakeholders like Flight Operations, Guest Experience, Guest Services and Cargo in order to establish an agreed aircraft specification that meets Etihad business requirements for a cost-effective operation and superior cabin interior Guest Experience. 
• Manage and coordinate the cabin installation process for new Etihad aircraft at Aircraft Manufacturers to ensure that Etihad supplier activities are performed to agreed schedules and quality standards and protect the aircraft delivery schedule.
• Establish and agree the scope of work for the modification of Etihad aircraft cabin interior incl. IFE, Connectivity, and cabin systems to ensure that all Guest Experience, Guest Services and Technical requirements are captured, and that the aircraft modification delivers a cost-effective and superior Guest Experience.
• Manage the development, certification, and execution of Cabin Re-Configuration programmes with third party Design Organisations, Aircraft Manufacturers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure that aircraft are being modified to the agreed specification and schedule, and that products meet Etihad quality requirements.
• Lead regular aircraft programme review meetings with Aircraft Manufacturers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure that actions are being executed to the agreed schedule and meet Etihad contractual requirements. 
• Establish project schedules, risk register and regular programme status reporting for cabin interior developments to monitor actual progress against plan and initiate corrective actions to protect aircraft deliveries.

Education & Experience

• University degree or diploma level qualification in the relevant field
• Experience:
• 8-10 years of total experience including 5 years job-related experience in the field of BFE Development, Aircraft Programme project management, Airline Engineering and/or Product Development is generally preferred.
• Sound knowledge of BFE development process including milestone deliverables and certification regulations  
• Strong background and skills in project management; experience in a multi-cultural working environment.
• Training & Knowledge:
  Formal training in airframe and cabin equipment, project management and/or aircraft specific type courses is preferred. 
• Permanent education to secure up-to-date understanding of current and anticipation of future regulatory and legislative needs as well as basics of financial airline management.
• Strong interpersonal skills and social competence, team player; self-starter; strong communications skills, creative and innovative to always be one step ahead; decisive and firm, but fair in agreeing targets; analytical and modeling intelligence and strategic thinking; business intelligence and applications management; strong negotiation and presentation skills.

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