Research & Strategy Manager | Product Development and Design

About the Role

Qatar Airways is hiring a Research & Strategy Manager to join its Product Development & Design Division in Doha. This position sits at the center of inflight product planning, using research and market insight to shape future product decisions across cabins, seating, onboard services, inflight entertainment, connectivity, customer experience, and broader innovation initiatives.

The role works closely with the VP of Product Strategy and Insights, subject matter experts, product owners, and outside partners to ensure product development is supported by clear commercial logic, customer evidence, market awareness, and the airline’s long-term goals. You will also guide the research and analytics team in turning qualitative and quantitative findings into business cases, roadmaps, and transformation programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out competitor benchmarking, customer voice analysis, and wider market scanning to support strong product positioning.
• Convert customer feedback and industry trends into structured strategic recommendations, scenario options, and opportunity maps.
• Partner with senior leadership to support strategy development, long-range planning, and cost justification where needed.
• Prepare detailed business cases for new cabin concepts, seat enhancements, IFE upgrades, connectivity improvements, and onboard experience projects, including financial modelling, ROI analysis, and strategic recommendations.
• Monitor new technologies, innovations, and changing customer behavior across aviation, hospitality, tourism, and lifestyle sectors to inform future product direction.
• Lead or support research programs such as surveys, focus groups, and competitor studies to better understand passenger expectations and market movements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by refining business processes, SOPs, and KPI structures to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Handle additional duties assigned by the line manager or head of department.

About You

The ideal candidate is a driven and analytical professional who can combine research, strategy, and commercial thinking to influence product development decisions.

Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Business, Strategy, Aviation Management, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in strategy, product research, insights, and/or management consulting, ideally within aviation, travel, hospitality, or a similar sector.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or a higher certification, or an equivalent process improvement methodology, with practical experience in SOP development and KPI framework design.
• Demonstrated strength in strategic planning, structured analysis, and insight-led recommendations, with the ability to use AI tools to research and analyze large data sets.
• Experience building and maintaining competitor intelligence databases and delivering regular strategic market updates.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas convincingly to senior stakeholders.
• Advanced MS Office skills, especially Excel and PowerPoint, with experience in dashboards, timeline tracking, executive presentations, and management reports.

Additional Information

Reference: 223984

Location: Qatar, Doha

Job Family: Corporate & Commercial

Closing Date: 2026-06-30

About Qatar Airways Group

Qatar Airways Group has grown from four aircraft into a global business spanning 12 different divisions. The organization is known for ambitious growth, record-setting performance, and a culture that encourages bold thinking and continuous progress. Team members contribute to customer experiences, operational excellence, and innovation across a worldwide community.

Application Note

Interested candidates should complete the application form and submit a CV for consideration.