IFEC UI / UX Program Manager | Product Development and Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: IFEC UI / UX Program Manager | Product Development and Design
Company: Qatar Airways
Location: Doha, Qatar
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Product Development & Design Operations (GTM Enablement)
Date Posted: December 1, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in managing and developing the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) for Qatar Airways' In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) systems, including seatback monitors, handset interfaces, and connectivity portals.
• The Program Manager will be responsible for the entire GUI design lifecycle, from concept and development to implementation and ongoing operational management across the airline's fleet.
• A key focus will be on evaluating and integrating emerging UI/UX technologies and best practices to enhance user-friendliness, visual appeal, and brand consistency across all IFEC platforms.
• This position requires strong stakeholder management skills to coordinate with internal teams, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and system suppliers to ensure seamless GUI development and customization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Program Manager" and core responsibilities lean towards product development and design, the emphasis on operationalizing GUI development, managing fleet-wide customizations, and ensuring functional usability within a complex aviation ecosystem positions this role within the broader GTM Enablement and Operations domain. It bridges product strategy with operational execution for in-flight digital experiences.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all visual design elements and development aspects of the Graphical User Interface (GUI) for seatback In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) systems, handset interfaces, and IFEC mobile applications.
• Evaluate and integrate new and emerging UI/UX methods and technologies across digital platforms, identifying best practices to enhance Qatar Airways' GUI design framework.
• Develop intuitive, user-friendly, and visually appealing GUI designs that are brand-reflective and maintain continuity across all IFEC platforms and applications, aligning with Qatar Airways' brand strategy.
• Create comprehensive user flows for seatback IFE products and Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs), incorporating the latest industry trends in user experience principles to ensure ease-of-use navigation and functionality for all age groups.
• Manage cross-functional stakeholder deliverables and responsibilities related to GUI management across the Qatar Airways Group, coordinating effectively with multiple OEM suppliers and their system-specific requirements.
• Develop comprehensive testing plans and scenarios for usability and functionality (NB testing) across all GUI design platforms to ensure a high-quality user experience.
• Ensure adherence to work health and safety requirements by all managers and supervisors involved in GUI development and implementation, providing necessary training and supervision.
• Drive the operational and functional activities related to GUI development and customizations for both current and upcoming Qatar Airways fleet.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities extend beyond pure design to include operational management, fleet-wide implementation, and stakeholder coordination, indicating a need for strong project and program management skills within an operational context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field such as Design, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in product development and design, with a strong focus on UI/UX for digital platforms.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders in a corporate or aviation environment.

Required Skills:

• UI/UX Design & Development: Proven expertise in designing intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces and experiences for digital products.
• GUI Development (Aviation Focus): Deep understanding of multiple IFE systems from leading OEMs and prior experience in GUI development specifically for the aviation sector.
• User Experience Principles: Strong knowledge of user-centric design methodologies, user flows, and usability testing principles.
• Stakeholder Management: Ability to effectively manage and communicate with diverse stakeholders, including internal teams, OEM suppliers, and vendors.
• Project/Program Management: Experience in planning, executing, and overseeing product development and design projects from inception to completion.
• Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of Linux and Android-based UI/UX development environments.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent spoken and written English skills, with strong presentation abilities to articulate design concepts and project plans.
• Managerial Acumen: Demonstrated ability to delegate work, mentor, coach, and train team members.

Preferred Skills:

• IFE/Connectivity Systems: Hands-on experience with IFE/Connectivity systems, either from an airline perspective or an IFE/C vendor.
• Brand Strategy Integration: Experience in ensuring design continuity and brand reflection across multiple digital platforms.
• Media Encoding & Content Delivery: Understanding of media encoding, integration, and content delivery processes relevant to IFEC.
• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile or other iterative development methodologies for product design and deployment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific knowledge in IFE systems and GUI development for aviation, alongside broader UI/UX and program management skills, highlights the specialized nature of this role within the airline industry. Managerial skills and experience in mentoring are also key indicators of a leadership-oriented position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• UI/UX Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 detailed case studies demonstrating the end-to-end UI/UX design process for complex digital products, ideally with a focus on aviation, entertainment systems, or complex interactive platforms.
• GUI Development Examples: Include examples of GUI designs and implementations, particularly those developed for aviation or comparable interactive systems, highlighting problem-solving and user-centric solutions.
• User Flow & Wireframing: Present examples of user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes that illustrate navigation design, information architecture, and user journey mapping.
• Brand Integration Examples: Demonstrate how you have successfully integrated brand guidelines and maintained visual consistency across different digital interfaces.
• Project Scope & Impact: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the project scope, your specific role, the challenges faced, the design solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes or user feedback.

Process Documentation:

• Design Frameworks: Ability to document and present established UI/UX design frameworks and methodologies used for efficient and standardized product development.
• Workflow Optimization: Evidence of creating or improving design workflows to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and speed to market for new features and updates.
• Testing Protocols: Documentation of user testing protocols, A/B testing plans, and how feedback is incorporated into iterative design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to present a portfolio that not only showcases design aesthetics but also demonstrates a structured approach to UI/UX development, problem-solving, and operational implementation within a technically demanding environment like aviation IFEC.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Program Managers with 6-10 years of experience in a specialized technical field like aviation IFEC, and considering the cost of living in Doha, Qatar, a competitive annual salary range is estimated between QAR 250,000 - QAR 400,000 (approximately USD 68,000 - USD 110,000). This range is dependent on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees and dependents.
• Generous paid annual leave and public holidays.
• Relocation assistance and accommodation support for expatriate hires.
• Travel benefits and discounts on Qatar Airways flights for employees and their families.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
• Access to a dynamic and multicultural work environment.
• Pension or end-of-service benefits as per Qatar labor law.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Flexibility may be required to accommodate project deadlines, international stakeholder coordination, and operational needs of the airline industry, which may include occasional work outside standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimate is based on research of similar Program Manager roles in the aviation and technology sectors in Doha, Qatar, considering the experience level and specialized skills required. Benefits are typical for a large international airline based in the GCC region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aviation & Travel Services. Qatar Airways is a global leader in air transportation, known for its commitment to innovation, service excellence, and continuous growth across multiple business sectors. Company Size: Large Enterprise (Over 10,000 employees). This implies a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration. Founded: 1997. With a history of rapid expansion and breaking industry records, Qatar Airways has established a culture of ambition, forward-thinking, and a drive to achieve the seemingly impossible.

Team Structure:

• The IFEC UI/UX Program Manager will likely be part of a larger Product Development, Digital Transformation, or Engineering department within Qatar Airways.
• The team structure will involve close collaboration with UI/UX designers, software developers, product managers, IT infrastructure teams, fleet management, and potentially external vendor management teams.
• Reporting lines will likely be to a Senior Manager or Director of Digital Products or IFE Systems, with direct interaction with project stakeholders across various business units.

Methodology:

• This role will involve applying a blend of product development lifecycle methodologies, UX design best practices, and agile project management principles.
• Emphasis will be placed on data-driven decision-making for UI/UX enhancements, user feedback analysis, and performance metrics of IFEC systems.
• Workflow planning and optimization will be critical for managing development cycles and ensuring timely deployment across the fleet.
• Automation and efficiency practices will be sought to streamline GUI customization and maintenance processes.

Company Website: https://www.qatarairways.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Qatar Airways' culture is characterized by ambition, innovation, and a "dare to achieve" mindset. This role will operate within a large, established organization that values continuous improvement and pushing boundaries, especially in digital customer experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within Product Development and Digital Operations. It requires a blend of specialized technical expertise (UI/UX, IFEC systems) and strong program management capabilities, indicating a move towards leadership and strategic influence in digital product deployment.

Reporting Structure: The IFEC UI/UX Program Manager will report to a senior leader within the Product Development, Digital, or Engineering division. They will work closely with cross-functional teams, including IT, marketing, operations, and external suppliers, requiring strong collaboration and influence without direct authority over all parties.

Operations Impact: This role has a significant impact on the passenger experience, which is a key differentiator for airlines. By optimizing the UI/UX of IFEC systems, the program manager directly influences customer satisfaction, brand perception, and potentially ancillary revenue generation through enhanced connectivity and entertainment offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in aviation IFEC systems, advanced UI/UX design for complex environments, or digital product strategy within the airline industry.
• Leadership Development: Progress into senior management roles overseeing larger product portfolios, digital transformation initiatives, or technology strategy for customer-facing platforms.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader experience by working on other digital initiatives or customer experience projects within the Qatar Airways Group.
• Industry Certifications: Pursue advanced certifications in UI/UX, program management (e.g., PMP, Agile certifications), or aviation technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth from specialized program management to broader digital leadership, leveraging the unique context of airline operations and customer experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based in a corporate office environment within Qatar Airways' headquarters in Doha. This setting is designed for collaboration, strategic planning, and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Doha, Qatar. The specific office location will be within the Qatar Airways corporate facilities, likely in proximity to other product development and IT teams.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect access to meeting rooms, project war rooms, and open-plan areas designed to foster teamwork and idea sharing among product teams.
• Technology & Tools: The workspace will be equipped with necessary hardware, software, and access to Qatar Airways' IT infrastructure to support design, development, and communication.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with UI/UX designers, developers, product managers, and other stakeholders through formal meetings, workshops, and informal discussions.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week provides a structured environment, but the dynamic nature of airline operations and global product deployment may necessitate occasional flexibility to meet critical deadlines or address urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Doha suggests a structured, collaborative office environment typical of major corporate headquarters, with a focus on team-based project execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team will review applications and CVs for basic qualifications and experience.
• Technical Interview (Round 1): Focus on UI/UX principles, GUI development experience, knowledge of IFE systems, and technical skills (Linux, Android). This may involve a technical assessment or a deep dive into past projects.
• Program Management Interview (Round 2): Assessment of program management skills, stakeholder management, problem-solving abilities, and experience with complex project delivery. Case study discussions may be introduced here.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion on role fit, leadership potential, team collaboration style, and strategic vision for IFEC UI/UX.
• Final Interview/Panel: May involve senior leadership to assess overall fit with company culture and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your UI/UX design, GUI development, and program management skills, with a preference for aviation or complex interactive systems.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design/development process, key challenges, solutions implemented, and measurable outcomes. Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, live demos if possible) effectively.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., improvements in user satisfaction, task completion rates, reduction in support queries, adherence to budget/timeline).
• Highlight Process: Explain your design and development methodologies, how you manage stakeholders, and how you adapt to project constraints or evolving requirements.
• Tailor to Qatar Airways: Briefly explain how your experience and approach align with Qatar Airways' brand, values, and the specific challenges of the IFEC domain.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: Be prepared for a case study that might involve designing a new feature for an IFE system or proposing a strategy to improve user engagement. Focus on your thought process, user-centricity, and ability to translate requirements into actionable design and development plans.
• Stakeholder Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing conflicting stakeholder priorities or communicating complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Technical Scenarios: Be ready to discuss challenges related to GUI development for aviation, integration with OEM systems, or optimizing performance on limited hardware.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes both technical proficiency in UI/UX and IFEC systems, as well as robust program management skills. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases strategic thinking and measurable impact is critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision (for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design).
• Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello (for task tracking, workflow management, and documentation).
• Collaboration: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom (for communication and virtual meetings with global teams and stakeholders).

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics (for web/app interfaces), or specialized IFE analytics platforms to track user behavior, feature usage, and engagement metrics.
• Reporting Dashboards: Tableau, Power BI, or custom-built dashboards to visualize IFEC system performance, user feedback, and project status.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how IFEC data might integrate with CRM or customer loyalty platforms could be beneficial.
• System Integration: Familiarity with APIs and integration strategies for connecting IFEC systems with broader airline IT infrastructure or third-party content providers.
• Development Environments: Proficient in working with Linux and Android-based development environments for GUI implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-standard design and project management tools is expected, along with an understanding of how data analytics informs UI/UX decisions in a B2C context like in-flight entertainment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to explore and implement new technologies and design approaches to enhance the passenger experience and operational efficiency.
• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable, and user-friendly digital products that meet the stringent standards of the aviation industry.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnership to achieve common goals.
• Customer Focus: Placing the passenger experience at the center of all design and development decisions, ensuring ease of use and satisfaction.
• Efficiency: A dedication to optimizing processes and workflows to ensure timely delivery and effective management of complex projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Active engagement with various departments (IT, Marketing, Operations, Fleet Management) to gather requirements, align on strategies, and ensure seamless integration of IFEC solutions.
• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs, processes, and project execution, fostering continuous improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned across teams and projects to build collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect Qatar Airways' broader corporate ethos of ambition and excellence, applied specifically to the digital product development and operational delivery of IFEC systems.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of IFEC Systems: Navigating the intricate technical landscape of various OEM IFE systems, hardware limitations, and evolving connectivity solutions.
• Global Fleet Management: Ensuring consistent UI/UX across a diverse and growing fleet, with varying system configurations and upgrade cycles.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Managing expectations and requirements from numerous internal departments and external suppliers, each with their own priorities.
• Rapid Technological Change: Keeping pace with fast-evolving digital trends, consumer expectations, and new technologies in the entertainment and connectivity space.
• Balancing Innovation and Stability: Implementing new features while maintaining the reliability and safety-critical nature of aviation systems.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UI/UX Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like accessibility design, gamification in digital interfaces, or AI-driven personalization for passenger experiences.
• Aviation Technology Deep Dive: Gaining comprehensive knowledge of aircraft systems, cabin interiors, and the operational aspects of airline IT infrastructure.
• Leadership and Program Management: Developing skills in strategic planning, team leadership, and managing large-scale digital transformation projects within a global enterprise.
• Industry Engagement: Participating in aviation technology conferences, UX/UI forums, and vendor-specific training to stay abreast of industry advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges due to the specialized aviation context and the dynamic nature of digital technology, but also provides substantial growth potential in both technical and leadership capacities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for evaluating and integrating new UI/UX technologies into an existing product ecosystem, particularly within a regulated industry like aviation." (Focus on your methodical approach, risk assessment, and pilot testing strategies.)
• "How would you manage conflicting design requirements from different stakeholders (e.g., Marketing vs. IT vs. Operations) for a new IFEC feature?" (Highlight your negotiation skills, user-centric decision-making, and ability to find common ground.)
• "Walk us through a challenging GUI development project you managed. What were the primary obstacles, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method answer emphasizing problem-solving and results.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Qatar Airways and the opportunity to shape the in-flight digital experience?" (Research Qatar Airways' recent achievements, brand values, and their commitment to innovation.)
• "How do you foster a collaborative environment and ensure effective communication within a cross-functional product team?" (Discuss your approach to team dynamics, feedback mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement.)
• "How do you measure the success of UI/UX design initiatives, and how would you track the impact of your work on passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency?" (Prepare to discuss key metrics and reporting strategies.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative, starting with the problem and ending with the impact.
• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals (mockups, wireframes, user flows) and ensure they are easy to understand.
• Process Emphasis: Clearly articulate your design and development process, highlighting your problem-solving approach and how you incorporate user feedback.
• Quantifiable Results: Present metrics and data that demonstrate the tangible benefits of your work.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a given timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, program management capability, and a strong understanding of user-centric design principles within the unique context of the aviation industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this IFEC UI / UX Program Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Qatar Airways careers portal via the provided URL.
• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your resume highlights your experience in UI/UX design, GUI development (especially for aviation), program management, and stakeholder engagement. Quantify achievements with specific numbers and results.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio showcasing 3-5 of your most relevant projects, emphasizing your process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work. Be ready to present and discuss these in detail.
• Research Qatar Airways: Understand the company's brand, values, recent innovations, and strategic goals, particularly concerning digital customer experience and IFEC.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common interview questions, focusing on the STAR method for behavioral questions and practicing your presentation strategy for your portfolio.

⚠️ 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.

---