Senior Manager, Alliances & Joint Ventures

Role overview

This leadership role is central to building and advancing Etihad’s global partnership agenda. You will steer the strategy, management, and governance of alliances and joint ventures, with the aim of improving commercial returns, strengthening network performance, increasing competitiveness, and ensuring a smooth guest experience across partner airlines. The position calls for strategic judgment, strong commercial insight, cross-functional leadership, and excellent relationship management.

What you will do

• Create and execute long-term alliance and joint venture strategies that improve network strength and generate durable commercial value.
• Lead high-level discussions with partner airlines on codeshare growth, interline expansion, joint venture collaboration, and wider commercial cooperation.
• Manage partnership-driven revenue performance across a portfolio of more than $200M, with focus on connectivity, contract adherence, SPA optimization, and overall commercial outcomes.
• Own the creation, upkeep, and governance of partnership agreements, including codeshare and SPA contracts, blockspace arrangements, and joint venture structures.
• Make sure all partnership activity meets regulatory, commercial, and operational requirements.
• Drive the full lifecycle of new or expanded interline, codeshare, and joint venture partnerships, from business case preparation and project oversight to distribution setup, stakeholder coordination, and joint announcements.
• Guide the codeshare schedule publication process so that schedules are accurate, connections are optimized, and distribution is effective.
• Improve partnership processes, systems, and cross-functional ways of working through continuous enhancement efforts.
• Track, evaluate, and report on partnership-enabled revenue and key performance indicators, and keep senior leadership informed with regular insights.
• Spot opportunities to deepen partnership value through loyalty, marketing, cargo, procurement, customer experience, and operational collaboration.
• Provide senior management with informed recommendations on performance, risks, and strategic opportunities linked to partnerships.
• Coach and develop junior colleagues, encouraging strong analytical habits, commercial thinking, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Represent the airline in senior partner discussions, external steering groups, and industry forums when needed.
• Promote alliance and joint venture priorities across the organization to build alignment and engagement across functions.

Requirements

• A master’s degree or bachelor’s degree in business, economics, aviation management, or a similar field.
• 10 to 12 years of experience in alliances, network planning, revenue management, sales, marketing, or comparable commercial airline roles.
• Hands-on experience with complex airline partnerships, joint ventures, or large-scale commercial initiatives.
• Proven ability to negotiate, build business cases, and manage cross-functional programs.
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical ability, with the skill to interpret complex data and turn it into strategic action.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence and collaborate across multiple teams and seniority levels.
• Solid project management capability with the ability to handle several priorities at once.
• A high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and cultural sensitivity when dealing with global partners.
• Advanced proficiency in data management systems such as Zenz, along with strong Excel and PowerPoint skills.

About Etihad

Etihad Airways is the UAE’s national carrier and a global aviation brand with a growing international footprint. Operating from Abu Dhabi, the airline connects people across continents and cultures while pursuing its Journey 2030 goals to expand its fleet, broaden its network, and develop its people for a new chapter of growth and excellence.

Additional information

You can learn more about the company through its official website.

Recruitment fraud notice

Be cautious of fake job offers from people or organizations pretending to represent the Etihad group. The company will not request personal details, bank information, or any payment during hiring. Interviews take place face-to-face or by video/telephone before any formal offer is issued. If someone asks you for money, treat it as a scam.