Principal, In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity Product

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Reporting to the Director, IFEC, this role will be responsible for leading and executing the strategic vision for the In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) product that is currently deployed by Air Canada and the affiliated brands as well as the future products and services that are intended to enhance and evolve AC’s customer value proposition and industry position. The role leads the development of IFE and connectivity products across their full lifecycle — from concept and business case through design, execution and delivery into service — leading an integrated team that spans business development, product design, execution and operations. It works in parallel with the Specialist, IFEC Product and Analytics, who leads the continued management and optimization of these products in service using data.  

Key focus is on improving the customer experience and ensuring AC’s leadership position in these domains. A key deliverable of this position is having the knowledge of the new products/services that are to be deployed within the industry and to be able to take these concepts and solutions to guide future Air Canada offerings.   

The role requires a high degree of collaboration with the broader On-Board 360 organization, which also includes cabin product development, engineering, and the operational functions related to the product lifecycle, to identify, develop and deliver entertainment and connectivity solutions across new fleet acquisition and fleet refurbishment programs.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of experienced professionals spanning business development, product design, execution and operations  
• Lead the development of IFE and connectivity products across their full lifecycle, from concept and business case through design, execution and delivery into service
• Responsible for the development of In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) strategies that are to be pursued on Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge fleet types
• Own the relationships with all internal colleagues and third-party vendors as it pertains to content, connectivity and software product development and delivery.
• Lead the negotiation process with Air Canada Strategic Purchasing on items relating to the assigned portfolio
• Responsible for the strategic direction of the portfolio which is delivered through the business development, product design, execution and operations groups as it relates to product performance, customer experiences and business programs.
• Build and manage portfolio business cases for all assigned portfolio programs and yearly business plan and budget for IFEC product development.  
• Develop product increment and evolution strategies for short (Tactical) Medium and long-term product cycles  
• Incorporate in-service performance insights and lessons learned from the Specialist, IFEC Product and Analytics into next-generation product requirements
• Scout and evaluate emerging IFE and connectivity technologies and vendor offerings, and translate promising concepts into future Air Canada product opportunities
• Challenge vendors, partners on ideas/proposals lacking substance
• Lead market research and testing process of new product/service assigned that are part of the assigned portfolio
• Lead Product Development of Premium Marketing Partnerships that increase monetization opportunities of the Entertainment and Connectivity systems
• Responsible for IFEC Budgets (Capex budgets, annual software development and product budgets).
• Execution and delivery of assigned programs within the agreed timelines and budgets which will be linked to one or more of the following:
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Customer acquisition and retention strategies
  • Annual budget and performance against the assigned budget
  • Contribution to revenue/market growth objectives 
     

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering, Business, Commerce, Digital Technology, or a related discipline  
• 7 years’ management experience in a technology related field  
• Demonstrated experience leading product development and delivery, from concept through entry into service, would be an asset
• Previous airline experience would be a strong asset  
• Knowledge or exposure to Air Canada’s products and customer value propositions would be an asset
• Demonstrated understanding of airline technical systems and an aptitude for emerging technologies and ability to understand how these technologies can evolve business process
• Strong leadership, negotiating and analytical skills
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Experience in user interface design and development would be an asset  
• Ability to work in small teams and collaborate cross functionally across multiple areas of the corporation
• Understand and apply PMM (Project Management Methodology)
• Creative thinking and solution driven
• Previous experience in a leadership role within an airline or content or connectivity technology industry (streaming, linear TV, VOD systems, in-flight connectivity) 

Conditions of Employment:

Candidates must be eligible to work in the country of interest at the time any offer of employment is made and are responsible for obtaining any required work permits, visas, or other authorizations necessary for employment. Prior to their start date, candidates will also need to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the country of interest.

Linguistic Requirements

Based on equal qualifications, preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion

Air Canada is strongly committed to Diversity and Inclusion and aims to create a healthy, accessible and rewarding work environment which highlights employees’ unique contributions to our company’s success.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all to help us build a diverse workforce which reflects the diversity of our customers, and communities, in which we live and serve.

Air Canada thanks all candidates for their interest; however only those selected to continue in the process will be contacted.