Job Description/Specification:
Qatar Airways is seeking an experienced Technology Innovation Partnerships Manager to lead strategic partnerships that accelerate digital transformation and sustainable business growth. The role will manage a broad portfolio of innovation engagements and build strong relationships with startups, technology companies, universities, research institutions, government entities, and other strategic partners.
The successful candidate will develop and execute partnership strategies aligned with the airline’s digital innovation roadmap, identify emerging technologies, manage commercial and procurement processes, and lead collaborative innovation initiatives from concept through implementation.
Key Responsibilities
Innovation & Partnership Strategy
- Develop and execute partnership strategies aligned with Qatar Airways’ digital innovation roadmap.
- Identify and evaluate startups, technology companies, academic institutions, research centres, and government organizations.
- Build and manage a collaborative open innovation ecosystem.
- Develop strategic partnerships with government entities to support innovation initiatives and alignment with national priorities.
- Establish relationships with universities and research centres for collaborative R&D, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing.
- Conduct market research, technology scans, and trend analysis to identify emerging opportunities.
Innovation Programme Management
- Design and lead open innovation programmes, including hackathons, industry challenges, and co-creation workshops.
- Facilitate design thinking and service design sessions with internal and external stakeholders.
- Drive corporate technology innovation initiatives and proof-of-concept activities.
- Support the adoption of emerging technologies including AI, IoT, Web 3.0, robotics, cloud technologies, and data analytics.
- Lead digital transformation initiatives that create measurable business and customer value.
Commercial & Procurement Management
- Lead the development, negotiation, and management of partnership agreements.
- Manage commercial terms, intellectual property arrangements, and contractual requirements.
- Coordinate procurement processes including RFI, RFP, tenders, and trial agreements.
- Manage vendors and strategic technology partners throughout the partnership lifecycle.
- Ensure partnership activities are delivered within agreed budgets, timelines, and quality standards.
Governance & Performance
- Ensure data and information security requirements are incorporated into partnership activities.
- Maintain compliance with Qatar Airways policies, technology standards, procurement procedures, and applicable regulations.
- Define and monitor KPIs for innovation programmes and strategic partnerships.
- Prepare reports and management updates on partnership performance, innovation initiatives, risks, and opportunities.
- Identify risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
Stakeholder & Team Leadership
- Facilitate collaboration between IT, business functions, external partners, and other stakeholders.
- Provide strategic guidance to project teams and innovation partners.
- Establish team objectives, priorities, workflows, and performance expectations.
- Recruit, coach, mentor, and develop team members.
- Promote succession planning and continuous professional development.
- Support national talent development initiatives through coaching and mentoring.
Minimum Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Business, Technology, Innovation Management, or a related field.
- Minimum 6 years of relevant job-related experience.
- A Master’s Degree or higher is preferred.
Experience
- Proven experience in technology innovation, digital transformation, strategic partnerships, or IT-related business development.
- Strong experience managing technology vendors and procurement processes.
- Experience developing and managing partnerships within an open innovation ecosystem.
- Proven experience organizing innovation events, workshops, hackathons, or similar programmes.
- Experience managing large-scale technology projects and transformative digital solutions.
- Experience with Agile, Lean Startup, Continuous Integration, and Continuous Delivery methodologies.
- Experience working with cloud-based technologies and emerging technology solutions.
- Leadership experience managing and developing IT or technology teams is preferred.
Technical Skills
- Technology Innovation & Digital Transformation
- Strategic Partnerships
- Open Innovation Ecosystems
- Vendor & Procurement Management
- Design Thinking & Service Design
- Agile & Lean Startup
- Cloud Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence
- IoT & Robotics
- Web 3.0
- Data Analytics
- Technology Trend Analysis
- Project & Portfolio Management
- Contract & Commercial Management
- RFI, RFP & Tender Management
- KPI & Performance Reporting
- Microsoft Office
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree or higher in Computer Science, Business Development, Innovation Management, or a related discipline.
- 6+ years of leadership experience in technology innovation partnerships or a related IT environment.
- Minimum 6 years of experience managing IT resources or technology teams.
- Relevant certifications such as PMP, ITIL, or Cloud Technology certifications.
- Aviation industry experience is an advantage.
- Experience working with innovation labs, accelerators, or incubators.
- Exposure to enterprise-level digital transformation programmes.
- Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements related to technology procurement.
Core Competencies
- Strategic Thinking
- Innovation & Creativity
- Partnership Development
- Stakeholder Management
- Leadership & Team Development
- Commercial Awareness
- Negotiation
- Problem Solving
- Analytical Thinking
- Project Management
- Communication
- Decision Making
- Collaboration
- Change Management
- Results Orientation
About Qatar Airways Group
Qatar Airways Group brings together a diverse portfolio of businesses and a global workforce focused on innovation, excellence, and continuous growth. The organization offers professionals the opportunity to work on large-scale initiatives and contribute to the development of innovative solutions within an international environment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are encouraged to submit their updated CV through the Qatar Airways application process for consideration.