Research & Strategy Manager | Product Development & Design

Role Overview

In the Product Development and Design (PDD) division, we don’t just follow industry trends—we define them. As the Research & Strategy Manager, you will be the intellectual engine behind the future of Qatar Airways’ inflight portfolio. You will lead a high-performing research and analytics team to synthesize market intelligence, competitor benchmarking, and “voice-of-customer” data into actionable product roadmaps. From seating and cabin design to IFE and connectivity, your strategic frameworks and commercial justifications will ensure our 5-star experience remains the global benchmark for luxury travel.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Research & Market Intelligence

Competitive Benchmarking: Lead deep-dive analysis and macro-environment scanning to maintain a differentiated and dominant market position for our inflight products.
Innovation Tracking: Monitor emerging technologies and shifting customer behaviors across the aviation, hospitality, and lifestyle sectors to inspire the next generation of product innovation.
Insight Synthesis: Translate complex qualitative and quantitative research into structured strategic recommendations, scenario plans, and opportunity frameworks.

2. Business Case Development & Strategy

Financial Modeling: Develop comprehensive business cases for major initiatives—including new cabin interiors, seating upgrades, and connectivity enhancements—underpinned by rigorous ROI analysis and cost justifications.
Strategy Formulation: Partner with the SVP and VP of Product Strategy to shape long-term planning and ensure alignment with Qatar Airways’ broader commercial objectives.
Transformation Leadership: Support CX (Customer Experience) transformation programs by providing the data-driven evidence required to drive organizational change.

3. Operational Excellence & Process Design

Methodology Integration: Apply Lean Six Sigma principles to redefine business processes, SOPs, and KPI frameworks, enhancing the department’s operational efficiency.
Research Initiatives: Drive customer surveys, focus groups, and competitor analysis to capture real-time passenger expectations and market dynamics.
Executive Communication: Craft high-level reports and performance dashboards for management review, influencing senior stakeholders through clear and persuasive storytelling.

About You: Skills & Qualifications

Professional Experience:
- 7+ years in strategy, product research, insights, or management consulting.
- Proven background in aviation, travel, or hospitality sectors is highly preferred.
- Demonstrated success in supporting strategic planning through structured, data-driven analysis.
Technical Mastery:
- Certification: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (or higher) with experience in SOP and KPI design.
- Tools: Advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint for financial modeling and executive presentations.
- AI & Data: Skilled in leveraging AI tools to analyze large datasets and maintain competitor intelligence databases.
Communication & Influence: Exceptional verbal and written skills, with a proven ability to articulate complex strategies to senior leadership.
Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Strategy, Aviation Management, or a related discipline.

Why Join the Qatar Airways Story?

Our story is one of spectacular growth—from four aircraft to twelve world-leading businesses. In the PDD team, you will find infinite opportunities to grow while working on the industry’s most rewarding challenges. We offer a truly international community where “impossible” is only a challenge, and where your strategic vision will help us achieve what’s never been done before.

Are you ready to architect the future of 5-star aviation? Apply now by uploading your CV and joining our award-winning strategy team in Doha.

As we look toward the next decade of cabin innovation, which emerging lifestyle trend do you believe will have the greatest impact on passenger expectations for long-haul travel?

More information

Job Location : Qatar-Doha
City : Doha
Company Name : Qatar Airways Group
Closing Date : 2026-04-30

More Jobs

To apply for this job please visit careers.qatarairways.com.