Colour Material Finish Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Colour Material Finish Design Manager

Company: Etihad Airways

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Operations / Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Define and lead the material aesthetic and tactile direction for the entire Etihad guest experience, from ground facilities to aircraft cabins, ensuring brand consistency and innovation.

• Drive material innovation initiatives by identifying opportunities and strategically developing new materials and finishes that enhance the guest journey.

• Oversee the conceptual direction and development of both soft and hard products, including onboard amenities, aircraft seats, and architectural environments, with a focus on CMF.

• Manage product and material development lifecycles in collaboration with internal partners and external suppliers, ensuring quality, feasibility, and adherence to brand standards.

• Establish and maintain comprehensive CMF guidelines and a robust material asset library, both physical and digital, to serve as a central resource for design and development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Colour Material Finish Design Manager," the core responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a role that bridges design strategy, product development, and operations. This role is crucial for ensuring the tangible execution of brand identity through material choices, requiring strong project management and supplier relationship skills akin to operations. The focus on defining "tactile direction" and managing "product and material development" positions this as a key operational role within the design and product lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and articulate a holistic CMF design strategy that aligns with Etihad's brand identity and "Journey 2030" ambition, ensuring a consistent and elevated guest experience across all touchpoints.

• Lead the conceptualization and CMF design for new onboard soft products (e.g., amenities, textiles) and provide CMF design support for hard products such as new aircraft seats, cabin interiors, and architectural elements in ground facilities.

• Collaborate closely with Brand, Cabin Interiors, Product & Hospitality, and Cabin Crew & Service teams to translate brand strategies into tangible CMF design opportunities and solutions.

• Manage the end-to-end product and material development process with external suppliers and manufacturers, including sourcing, prototyping, testing, and final production, ensuring adherence to technical specifications and aesthetic requirements.

• Create and maintain detailed CMF guidelines for ground, aircraft, product, and service applications, serving as the definitive reference for all design and development activities.

• Build and manage a comprehensive onsite and digital material asset library, cataloging all Etihad in-production CMF samples, specifications, and industry-relevant materials, including managing supplier relationships and their contributions.

• Organize and facilitate supplier visits for new product and material demonstrations, fostering innovation and identifying potential new partners or solutions.

• Conduct thorough research into design and cultural trends, material innovations, and competitor CMF strategies to inform Etihad's future design direction and maintain a competitive edge.

• Champion the subject matter expertise in CMF design, commanding respect and effectively influencing stakeholders across various departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a need for strategic thinking, hands-on product development, and rigorous documentation, all of which are operational in nature. The emphasis on managing external suppliers and internal stakeholders for tangible outcomes highlights the operational execution aspect of this design role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Interior Design, Transportation Design, Textile Design, Graphic Design, or a closely related design field with a specialization in Colour, Material, and Finish (CMF) design.

Experience: Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in CMF design, gained within a leading design consultancy or an in-house design department. Ideal experience would be within aviation, automotive, hospitality, or other guest-experience-driven industries.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in Colour, Material, and Finish (CMF) design principles and application.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement CMF strategies aligned with brand identity and strategic objectives.

• Strong understanding of material properties, manufacturing processes, and technical requirements for soft goods, seats, aircraft cabins, and architectural environments.

• Exceptional visualization skills, including proficiency in 2D sketching and 3D rendering software to effectively communicate CMF concepts.

• Excellent storytelling and presentation skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and visually communicate complex design ideas to diverse audiences.

• Proven experience in managing product and material development with external suppliers and manufacturers, from concept to production.

• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills, with the ability to build consensus and drive alignment across multiple internal departments (Brand, Cabin Interiors, Product & Hospitality, Cabin Crew & Service).

• Keen aesthetic sensitivity and a strong affinity for current design trends in product, hospitality, and transportation design.

• Deep understanding of brand language and the ability to translate it into tangible CMF expressions.

• Ability to act as a subject matter expert, commanding respect and influencing decisions. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience with aviation-specific material development and certification processes.

• Familiarity with sustainability initiatives and the use of eco-friendly materials in design.

• Knowledge of textile engineering, upholstery, and finishes relevant to aircraft interiors.

• Experience in managing a physical and digital material library.

• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.

• Understanding of User Experience (UX) principles as they relate to material interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "7 years of experience" requirement, coupled with the emphasis on managing suppliers, product development lifecycles, and creating guidelines, suggests a mid-to-senior level role where operational efficiency and execution are paramount, not just creative ideation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong track record in CMF design, demonstrating a clear understanding of how material choices impact brand perception and guest experience.

• Detailed case studies of past CMF design projects, highlighting the strategic thinking, material selection process, development challenges, and successful outcomes.

• Visual examples of 2D sketches, 3D renderings, and physical material samples that illustrate your visualization and tactile design capabilities.

• Evidence of managing product and material development with suppliers, including examples of technical specifications, prototyping, and production oversight.

• Documentation of CMF guidelines or material standards developed for previous projects or organizations.

• Examples of how you have translated brand strategy into tangible CMF design solutions across multiple touchpoints. Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow design for material innovation and product development cycles, showcasing your structured approach to bringing new CMF concepts to life.

• Documentation that illustrates your process for creating and managing a material asset library, including cataloging, specification, and supplier relationship management.

• Case studies that demonstrate your process for collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, engineering, product development) to achieve integrated design solutions.

• Evidence of your process for researching and integrating current design and cultural trends into CMF strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on tangible design outcomes and product development, a portfolio is critical. The emphasis on process documentation highlights the operational aspect of ensuring consistency and quality in CMF execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the location (Abu Dhabi, UAE), the specialized nature of the role, and the required 7+ years of experience within a major airline, the estimated salary range for a Colour Material Finish Design Manager is likely between AED 300,000 to AED 450,000 per annum (approximately USD 81,700 to USD 122,500). This range is based on industry benchmarks for senior design and product development roles in the aviation and hospitality sectors in the UAE, considering the cost of living and competitive compensation packages offered by large corporations like Etihad Airways.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision) for employee and dependents.

• Generous annual leave allowance, in line with UAE labour laws and company policy.

• Access to airline travel benefits, including discounted flights for employees and their families.

• Retirement savings plan or end-of-service benefits as per UAE regulations.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and attending industry conferences.

• Relocation assistance may be provided for eligible international candidates.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Access to Etihad's employee assistance program.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically around 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, given the project-driven nature of design and development, some flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, particularly during critical phases of product development or when coordinating with international suppliers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for senior design and management roles in the UAE aviation industry. Benefits are standard for multinational corporations of Etihad's stature in the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aviation / Travel & Tourism. Etihad Airways is a global leader in the aviation industry, renowned for its commitment to innovation, luxury, and exceptional guest experience. This context means the operations within design must be held to extremely high standards, focusing on quality, safety, and brand alignment.

Company Size: Etihad Airways is a large, multinational corporation, employing tens of thousands of people globally. This scale implies well-defined processes, significant resources, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration, but also requires strong individual initiative to navigate and influence within a large structure.

Founded: Etihad Airways was founded in 2003. Its relatively recent establishment compared to some legacy carriers means it has often been positioned as a modern, forward-thinking airline, with a focus on cutting-edge design and service innovation. This history suggests a culture that embraces new ideas and is receptive to design-led advancements.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within a broader Design, Product Development, or Commercial Division, possibly reporting to a Head of Design, Director of Product Development, or a senior executive overseeing guest experience.

• The CMF Design Manager will lead initiatives and collaborate with various internal teams, including Brand, Cabin Interiors, Product Development, Hospitality, Cabin Crew, and potentially Engineering and Procurement.

• The team structure emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, requiring the CMF Design Manager to act as a central point of contact and influencer for material-related aspects of projects. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: While design is creative, the role requires grounding CMF strategies in market research, trend analysis, and guest feedback to ensure relevance and impact.

• Holistic Design Approach: The emphasis is on creating a cohesive guest experience across all touchpoints, requiring a systematic approach to integrating CMF decisions across different product categories and environments.

• Supplier Partnership & Innovation: A key operational methodology involves fostering strong relationships with external suppliers to drive material innovation, ensure quality production, and manage development timelines effectively.

Company Website: www.etihad.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Etihad's position as a premium airline and its relatively recent founding is key to appreciating the emphasis on innovation and guest experience in this role. The team structure highlights the need for strong interpersonal and project management skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, requiring significant specialized expertise and leadership in CMF design. It sits at the intersection of creative design and operational execution, demanding both strategic vision and hands-on management of product development lifecycles.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Director or Head of Design, Product Development, or a similar senior leadership position within the Revenue & Commercial Division. This structure indicates direct influence on high-level product and brand strategy.

Operations Impact: The CMF Design Manager has a profound impact on the tangible perception of the Etihad brand. Their decisions directly influence the aesthetic appeal, tactile quality, durability, and overall guest satisfaction with cabin interiors, soft goods, and ground environments. This role is critical for operationalizing the brand's premium positioning and ensuring a consistent, high-quality guest experience that differentiates Etihad in a competitive market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to lead larger design teams, manage broader product portfolios, or take on more strategic roles in overall guest experience design.

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific material technologies, sustainable design, or advanced manufacturing processes relevant to the aviation industry.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Transition into roles focusing on overall product strategy, innovation management, or brand experience development across the airline.

• Industry Influence: Opportunities to represent Etihad at industry conferences, contribute to standards development, and build a strong professional network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Manager" title, combined with 7+ years of experience and direct impact on brand experience, positions this as a significant career step, offering both specialized growth and broader leadership potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, based at Etihad Airways' headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The work environment is likely a professional corporate office setting, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This location offers a dynamic, multicultural environment and serves as the central hub for Etihad's global operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace that encourages interaction with diverse teams, including designers, product developers, brand specialists, and hospitality experts.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, rendering tools, material sample libraries, and potentially prototyping facilities.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, cross-functional workshops, and stakeholder presentations, facilitating knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving.

• Global Exposure: While based in Abu Dhabi, the role will involve interaction with global suppliers and understanding international design trends.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. However, the demands of product development cycles and global coordination may occasionally require flexibility to accommodate critical deadlines or supplier communications across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Abu Dhabi is typical for senior roles in major airlines, ensuring direct oversight and integration with core operations and teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess alignment with the core requirements for CMF design expertise and relevant industry experience.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (e.g., Head of Design/Product), focusing on your experience, technical skills, and understanding of CMF principles, brand strategy, and product development. Be prepared to discuss your career path and motivations.

• Portfolio Presentation: A crucial stage where you will present a curated selection of your best work. This is an opportunity to showcase your CMF design process, problem-solving abilities, and the impact of your work. Focus on projects relevant to aviation, automotive, or hospitality.

• Case Study/Technical Assessment: You may be given a design challenge or a scenario to work through, assessing your ability to apply CMF principles, develop concepts, and articulate solutions under pressure. This could involve concept sketches, mood boards, or a written response.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from departments you would collaborate with (e.g., Cabin Interiors, Product Development, Brand) to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate CMF considerations into broader projects.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership potential, and cultural fit within Etihad Airways.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your CMF expertise, relevance to the aviation/hospitality industry, and ability to translate brand strategy into tangible outcomes.

• Showcase the Process: For each project, walk through your methodology: problem identification, research, concept development, material selection rationale, technical considerations, supplier collaboration, and final results/impact.

• Highlight Brand Alignment: Emphasize how your CMF choices supported or enhanced the brand identity and guest experience of the product or environment.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your CMF designs (e.g., improved durability, guest satisfaction scores, cost savings).

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals (renderings, photos, material samples if applicable) to tell a compelling story about each project. Ensure clarity and aesthetic appeal.

• Address Technical Aspects: Be prepared to discuss the technical properties of materials, manufacturing feasibility, and potential challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Etihad's Brand: Research Etihad's current brand positioning, design aesthetic, and recent product developments.

• CMF Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge of material properties, common finishes, and industry trends in aviation, automotive, and luxury hospitality.

• Problem-Solving Framework: Practice articulating your approach to design challenges using a structured method (e.g., Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test, Implement).

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare examples of how you have effectively communicated design intent and managed feedback from diverse stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes portfolio presentation and problem-solving, reflecting the practical, execution-oriented nature of this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CMF Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard 2D design and 3D modeling/rendering software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator; Rhino, Alias, KeyShot, Blender, SketchUp) for visualization and concept development.

• Material Databases & Libraries: Familiarity with online material databases and experience managing physical material sample libraries.

• PLM/PDM Systems: Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or Product Data Management (PDM) systems may be beneficial for managing product development data.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Trend Research Tools: Ability to utilize online resources, industry publications, and trend forecasting services (e.g., WGSN, Pantone Connect) for material and design trend analysis.

• Presentation Software: Advanced proficiency in presentation tools (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote) for creating compelling visual narratives.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira, Microsoft Project) for tracking development timelines and supplier deliverables.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly listed, proficiency in visualization tools and experience with material databases are critical for this role, directly impacting the operational efficiency of CMF development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Execution: A commitment to delivering high-quality, meticulously executed CMF designs that meet rigorous standards for aesthetics, durability, and functionality.

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: A drive to explore new materials, technologies, and design approaches to keep Etihad at the forefront of the aviation industry.

• Collaboration & Partnership: A belief in the power of teamwork, fostering strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to achieve shared goals.

• Brand Integrity: A deep respect for and dedication to upholding and enhancing the Etihad brand identity through every design decision.

• Data-Informed Creativity: Utilizing research, trends, and guest insights to inform creative decisions and ensure design solutions are relevant and impactful.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and Influential: The CMF Design Manager is expected to be a proactive partner, initiating conversations, sharing insights, and influencing decisions across departments.

• Clear Communication: Emphasizing transparent and effective communication, ensuring all stakeholders understand CMF strategies, technical requirements, and project progress.

• Constructive Feedback Loop: Fostering an environment where feedback is welcomed, discussed constructively, and used to refine designs and processes.

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with teams like Cabin Interiors, Product Development, and Hospitality to ensure CMF is integrated holistically into the overall guest experience design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values highlight a blend of creative passion with a strong operational focus on quality, collaboration, and brand consistency, essential for a premium service provider like Etihad.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Practicality: The primary challenge lies in sourcing and developing innovative CMF solutions that are also manufacturable, durable, cost-effective, and compliant with aviation regulations.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Aligning diverse stakeholder priorities and perspectives on CMF decisions across multiple departments (e.g., Brand, Engineering, Cabin Crew) can be complex.

• Global Supply Chain Dynamics: Navigating the complexities of a global supply chain, including lead times, supplier reliability, and material availability, while ensuring consistent quality.

• Rapidly Evolving Trends: Staying ahead of fast-paced design and material trends while ensuring long-term relevance and brand consistency for an airline.

• Sustainability Demands: Meeting increasing demands for sustainable materials and manufacturing processes within the constraints of aviation requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Material Technologies: Access to training and resources on cutting-edge materials, sustainable alternatives, and advanced manufacturing techniques relevant to the aviation sector.

• Industry Conferences & Exhibitions: Opportunities to attend leading design, materials, and aviation industry events to stay abreast of innovations and network with peers.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training and mentorship focused on enhancing leadership, strategic planning, and cross-functional management skills.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunities to gain deeper insights into other areas of airline operations, such as cabin engineering, product sourcing, or guest experience strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding these challenges and growth areas will help candidates tailor their applications and interview responses to demonstrate preparedness and ambition.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a brand's identity into a comprehensive CMF strategy for a complex product or environment like an aircraft cabin." (Focus on your methodology, research, and alignment with brand goals.)

• "How do you approach managing relationships with external material suppliers to ensure both innovation and reliable production timelines?" (Highlight your supplier management skills, negotiation tactics, and risk mitigation strategies.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to balance competing stakeholder demands (e.g., cost, aesthetics, durability, sustainability) in your CMF design decisions." (Demonstrate your problem-solving and negotiation skills, and how you achieve consensus.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What aspects of Etihad Airways' current design or guest experience resonate most with you, and how would your CMF expertise enhance them?" (Showcase your research into Etihad and your ability to connect your skills to their brand.)

• "How do you envision contributing to Etihad's 'Journey 2030' ambition through your role in CMF design?" (Connect your responsibilities to the company's strategic objectives.)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment and how you would work with teams like Cabin Interiors and Product Development." (Illustrate your teamwork and communication style.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with an overview of your role and the project's objectives. Clearly articulate the problem you solved and the strategic goals of the CMF strategy.

• Showcase Material Selection Rationale: For each key material or finish, explain why you chose it, referencing functional properties, aesthetic qualities, brand alignment, and manufacturing feasibility.

• Demonstrate Visualization Skills: Use high-quality renderings and sketches to bring your concepts to life. If possible, include physical samples or detailed descriptions of tactile qualities.

• Highlight Process and Collaboration: Detail your development process, including any challenges faced with suppliers or internal teams, and how you overcame them.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, present tangible outcomes such as improved durability, positive guest feedback, cost efficiencies, or successful product launches.

• Concise Storytelling: Be concise and engaging. Practice your narrative to ensure a smooth flow and clear message within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that align with Etihad's brand and the operational demands of the role will be crucial for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Colour Material Finish Design Manager position at Etihad Airways:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form via the provided link, ensuring all sections are filled accurately and comprehensively.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 7+ years of CMF design experience, focusing on achievements in product development, supplier management, and brand translation. Use keywords from the job description such as "CMF Design," "Material Innovation," "Brand Strategy," "3D Rendering," and "Guest Experience."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio that showcases your strongest CMF projects. Prioritize examples relevant to aviation, automotive, or hospitality. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your process, material rationale, visualization skills, and project outcomes. Be ready to present it.

• Research Etihad Airways: Familiarize yourself with Etihad's brand identity, recent design initiatives, and its "Journey 2030" strategy. Understand their commitment to guest experience and innovation.

• Practice Your Narrative: Prepare concise and compelling stories for your portfolio presentation and to answer potential interview questions, focusing on how your skills and experience align with Etihad's needs and culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.