Manager IFE Operations (UAE Nationals)

Role Overview

Manager IFE Operations at Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi, UAE. This position is reserved for UAE Nationals.

Company Overview

Etihad Airways is the UAE's national airline, operating from its hub in Abu Dhabi. The airline connects people across continents and cultures and is executing its "Journey 2030" ambition to double its fleet, expand its network, and grow its workforce for a new era of excellence.

Role Purpose

Manage the day-to-day operations and logistics of the In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) department, including media and software updates, headset logistics, IFEC vendor management, and contract administration.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Logistics

• Establish and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and manuals for IFEC operations and logistics to ensure adherence to best practices and corporate governance.
• Manage IFEC stock, headsets, and print collateral supply chain, including stock levels, reordering, refurbishment, and contract management to ensure adequate items are available for operational needs.
• Assist the line manager in implementation of new IFEC product initiatives for current and future fleet, including on-site testing and roll-out.

Vendor & Contract Management

• Manage in-flight entertainment and connectivity vendors at EY account manager level on a day-to-day basis to ensure compliance with contracted Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and take timely action to rectify technical issues.
• Negotiate, adjust, and manage programme timelines with vendors and OMPC to meet programme deadlines.

Governance & Reporting

• Generate timely weekly and monthly financial, technical, and stock reports on usage and performance for senior management and ancillary reporting teams.
• Identify trends and provide immediate corrective action and long-term technical solutions as necessary in consultation with stakeholders.
• Manage the IFEC department's operational costs by ensuring all expenses are in line with approved budgets, including verification of invoices from hardware vendors, creation of purchase orders, and goods received notices.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the IFEC department in technical and engineering meetings to consult, influence, negotiate, and prioritise guest experience initiatives.
• Communicate launch of IFEC programmes and initiatives in a timely manner to all internal and external stakeholders affected.

Training & Development

• Draft training requirements and documentation in coordination with the Service and Delivery teams.
• Ensure effective training of cabin crew on the various IFEC platforms, products, and services.

Research & Analysis

• Conduct research, benchmarking, and IFEC product analysis to help create tender documentation and business cases.
• Attend overseas travel, industry expos, and conferences as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum five years' experience in In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity, either with an airline or with an IFE supplier or vendor.
• Experience working in cross-cultural environments.
• Media experience is an advantage.

Additional Information

• Role close date: 10th November 2026.
• Overseas travel required for research, benchmarking, industry expos, and conferences.