Principal Manager - Products - In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity

AIR CANADA; Toronto; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Canada is seeking an executive to lead the In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity product portfolio, guiding strategy, development, and delivery across Air Canada, Air Canada Express, and Air Canada Rouge. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product lifecycles from concept to service.

What matters most is a track record in product leadership within technology-enabled environments, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to drive customer-focused

Qualifications

• Undergraduate university degree in engineering, business, commerce, digital technology, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of professionals spanning business development, product design, implementation, and operations.
• Lead the development of In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity products through lifecycle stages.
• Develop entertainment and connectivity strategies for Air Canada and affiliated brands.
• Manage relationships with internal teams and third-party vendors for content, connectivity, and software development.

Skills

Leadership

Product development

Strategy

Negotiation

Cross-functional

Communication

Education

Undergraduate degree

Job description

Belonging to Air Canada is to belong to a Canadian symbol, Air Canada recently voted best airline in North America. Take your career to new heights by joining our innovative and diverse team at the forefront of passenger air transport.

Reporting to the Director – In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity, the successful candidate will be responsible for leading and implementing the strategic vision for In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity products currently deployed by Air Canada and its affiliated brands, as well as upcoming products and services aimed at enhancing the value proposition offered to customers and the company's position within the industry. The incumbent leads the development of In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity products throughout their lifecycle, from concept and business case to design, implementation, and delivery, heading an integrated team that encompasses business development, product design, implementation, and operations. This person works in parallel with the Specialist – Products and Analytics – In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity, who leads, using data, the continuous management and optimization of these products in service.

The successful candidate will focus on improving the customer experience to ensure the maintenance of Air Canada's leadership position in these areas. It is important that this person is knowledgeable about new products or services to be launched in the industry and is able to leverage these concepts and solutions to guide Air Canada's future offerings.

This position requires a high level of collaboration with the Onboard Products 360 organization as a whole, which also includes cabin product development, engineering, and operational functions related to product lifecycle, in order to identify, develop, and implement entertainment and connectivity solutions as part of new fleet acquisition and cabin retrofit programs.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of experienced professionals encompassing business development, product design, implementation, and operations.
• Lead the development of In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity products throughout their lifecycle, from concept and business case to design, implementation, and commissioning.
• Develop entertainment and connectivity strategies to be implemented aboard Air Canada, Air Canada Express, and Air Canada Rouge aircraft.
• Assume responsibility for relationships with all internal colleagues and third-party vendors regarding content, connectivity, and software product development and delivery.
• Lead the negotiation process with Air Canada Strategic Sourcing for items related to the assigned portfolio.
• Assume responsibility for compliance with the portfolio's strategic orientation by the Business Development, Product Design, Implementation, and Operation groups regarding product performance, customer experience, and company programs.
• Establish and manage a portfolio of business cases for all assigned programs as well as the annual business plan and budget related to In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity product development.
• Develop product increment and evolution strategies for short-term (tactical), medium-term, and long-term product cycles.
• Integrate performance data and lessons learned from the in-service use by the Specialist – Products and Analytics – In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity into next-generation product requirements.
• Explore and evaluate emerging in-flight entertainment and connectivity technologies as well as vendor offerings, and transform promising concepts into future product opportunities for Air Canada.
• Challenge suppliers and partners on their insufficiently developed ideas and proposals.
• Lead market research and testing processes for new products and services that are part of the assigned portfolio.
• Lead product development for Prestige Commercial Partnerships that increase monetization opportunities for in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems.
• Assume responsibility for In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity budgets (capital expenditure budgets and annual software and product development budgets).
• Ensure the implementation and delivery of assigned programs within agreed-upon timelines and budgets, which will be linked to one or more of the following elements:
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Customer acquisition and retention strategies
  • Annual budget and performance against the assigned budget
  • Contribution to revenue and market growth objectives

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate university degree in engineering, business, commerce, digital technology, or a related discipline.
• Seven years of management experience in a technology-related field.
• Proven experience in leading product development and delivery, from design to entry into service, an asset.
• Experience in the airline industry, a strong asset.
• Knowledge of Air Canada's products and services and customer value propositions, an asset.
• Demonstrated understanding of an airline's technical systems, knowledge of emerging technologies, and ability to understand how these technologies can improve management methods.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in user interface design and development, an asset.
• Ability to work in small teams and collaborate cross-functionally with multiple sectors of the company.
• Understanding and use of project management methodology (PMM).
• Creative spirit and solution-oriented approach.
• Leadership experience within an airline, or related to content, or in the connectivity technology industry (streaming, linear television, video-on-demand systems, in-flight connectivity).

Conditions of Employment:

Candidates must be eligible to work in the country concerned at the time a job offer is made and are responsible for obtaining necessary work permits, visas, or other authorizations. Proof of eligibility must be provided before the start date.

Language Requirements:

All things being equal, preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Air Canada is resolutely committed to diversity and inclusion and aims to create a healthy, accessible, and rewarding work environment that showcases the unique contribution of our employees to our company's success.

As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage diverse applications so that we can have a workforce that is varied and representative of our customers and the communities where we live and serve.

Air Canada thanks all candidates for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.