Senior Manager - Interior Design

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national airline is looking for global talent to build on our ambition to be the World’s most inspiring airline with an exceptional guest experience.

JOB ROLE 

We are seeking a design-savvy, experienced Manager, Ground and Product Design in the development of airport interiors such as lounges, check-in counters, concierge offices, and employee facilities. This role will also be responsible for overseeing product design, such as onboard equipment (e.g. dishware, cutlery), co-branded products, custom furniture, lighting, and other furnishings. This position reports to the Senior Manager, Interior Design.

The Manager - Interior Design, will be the brand and guest champion during the entire lifecycle phase of all design and development in ground facilities and products. This shall include the early stages of definition, specification throughout the design and production phases, and up to final launch and entry into service. They will also manage the workflow and output quality of all designers, consultants and suppliers to ensure high standards are met within timeline constraints.

GENERAL ACTIVITIES

• Lead airport design, including airline-controlled check-in areas (desks, custom signage), kiosks, chauffeur drive facilities, premium lounges, concierge rooms, crew rooms (check-in, rest areas), and corporate management offices.
• Lead product design onboard equipment (e.g. dishware, cutlery), co-branded products, custom furniture, lighting, and other furnishings.
• Work with other stakeholders on the design of the Riyadh Air terminal of the future King Salman International Airport
• Be the custodian to manage and control all CMF (Colour, Material, Finish) standards for ground facilities and guest products.
• Champion the brand, guest expectations and operational/service feasibility during all vendor meetings, communications and product reviews.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to deliver and implement new ground products, with key internal stakeholders such as technical, operations, safety, catering, network planning, asset management and external stakeholders such as airport authorities, suppliers and design agencies as required.
• Develop and maintain product roadmap and implement the design vision and lifecycle of ground facilities and products.
• Management, coordination, and supervision of all parties involved, both internal and external, in the design, definition and development process focusing on brand and customer experience requirements.
• Translate industry trends, needs and expectations into workable product solutions.
• Ensure CMF selections and product features are crew and guest centric at the same time meeting brand, stature and commercial objectives.
• Liaise with technical teams to ensure design inputs are feasible in terms of maintenance, safety, quality control and commercial viability.
• Research industry wide best practices and products by conducting competitor analysis (bench marking) of leading airlines, airports, their interior features and products and manage the collection of quantitative and qualitative data.
• Maintain high level of knowledge of Company policies and procedures, GACA regulations and Operations Specifications.
• Perform any related activities according to business requirements.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS 

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of work experience, preferably with strong customer service orientation, and proven track record of professionalism and accomplishment with a leading airline in interior and/or product design.

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Design, Engineering, Marketing or any related field.
• Post-graduation qualification will be an added advantage.

Competency Requirements

• Strong proficiency in MS Office
• Strong understanding of hospitality design and customer objectives in product development
• Problem-solving and decision making
• High levels of innovation and influencing
• Business acumen
• Strong sense of design fundamentals, aesthetics and able to communicate design language effectively
• Good interpersonal skills
• Strong sense of initiative and accountability
• High level of professionalism and work ethics
• Adaptability and desire to work in an evolving/start-up environment where policies and processes are being created
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills