Associate Director, Airports Product Lines

Associate Director, Airports Product Lines

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Prattwhitney

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead product vision and strategy for innovative airport solutions.
  • Company: Join Collins Aerospace, a leader in aerospace technology.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and wellness programs.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of air travel and technology.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in product leadership and strategic planning.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology. Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defence industry.

We are currently seeking an Associate Director of Product within our Airports Solutions team who will oversee the product vision, strategy, and execution for the Passenger Journey and Airport Operations portfolios. This is a highly critical and visible leadership position responsible for leading a global team of Product Managers and Product Owners and collaborating effectively across key stakeholders in the business to drive collective business success.

What You Will Do

  • Define a compelling vision, strategy, and roadmap for a portfolio of Airports products across the Passenger Journey and Airport Operations.
  • Drive relentless execution of committed development milestones to ensure on‑time delivery.
  • Plan and facilitate product strategy and planning events, including Quarterly Product Planning & Program Increment (PI) Planning, ensuring alignment across functional teams.
  • Act as an industry thought leader with a strong understanding of market trends that will directly influence portfolio strategy, roadmaps, and prioritisation.
  • Identify and understand emerging industry trends such as biometrics, smart airports, AI‑driven analytics, sustainability, and digital transformation to inform strategic decisions.
  • Dynamic people‑leader responsible for managing, leading, and coaching a team of Product Managers to drive innovation and end‑to‑end product lifecycle, including ongoing performance conversations and upskilling plans.
  • Provide indirect leadership to partnering organisations and facilitate strong stakeholder collaboration to drive shared business outcomes and identify areas to optimise performance with a 'one team' mindset.
  • Develop business cases and investment strategies for new and existing products and enhancements.
  • Leverage data to track market adoption, profitability, and ROI.
  • Play a pivotal role in crafting the portfolio strategy during the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and Long‑Range Plan (LRP) cycles.
  • Partner with Business Development and Sales to support business growth by maintaining and expanding current customer relationships and developing opportunities with potential customers.
  • Review and update product pricing models and commercialisation strategy on a regular basis in collaboration with stakeholder teams.
  • Create and oversee the annual product investment and maintenance budgets with profit & loss accountability, providing regular forecast updates.
  • Lead strategic supplier conversations and maintain relationships with suppliers, ensuring that we provide best‑in‑class products to customers.

What you learn

  • To work in a highly diverse and matrixed organisation.
  • Learning from your super‑talented and accomplished peers and leaders.
  • Specific industry expertise and knowledge.

Experience & skills

  • Proven experience as a Senior Product Leader with demonstrable work experience defining a compelling portfolio vision, strategy, and roadmap.
  • Proven track record of translating product strategy into execution.
  • Data‑driven decision making and prioritisation skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership of a team of product managers and product owners.
  • Experience managing geographically distributed teams and establishing engaged, high‑performing teams and culture.
  • Expertise in go‑to‑market strategies, pricing, and competitive positioning.
  • Ability to build strategic partnerships within the aviation ecosystem.
  • Excellent customer‑oriented attitude.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead in a matrixed organisation.
  • Experience with product financial management, business acumen, and a strong commercial mindset to measure return on investment and ultimately manage product P&L.
  • Exceptional presentation and negotiation skills with the ability to influence senior executives and stakeholders.

Certifications we prefer

  • Experience working with airports and/or aerospace.
  • Experience with digital identity, biometrics, and/or passenger solutions.
  • Product Management certifications such as Certified Product Manager, SAFe, or Agile.

Essential qualifications

  • A University Degree or equivalent experience. Engineering/Other Technical Positions: Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM).
  • Must have current RTW status in the UK.

What we Offer you

  • 25 days Annual Leave + Public Holidays + Purchase more option.
  • Attractive Compensation & Bonus Scheme.
  • Professional Development & Growth Support with professional fees.
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Healthcare benefits (including a healthcare cash plan).
  • Staff Discounts.
  • Work/Life Balance & Wellness Programs.
  • Employee Recognition & Referral Bonuses.
  • Death in Service Benefit.
  • Generous Employer Contribution to Pension Scheme.

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Associate Director, Airports Product Lines employer: Prattwhitney

Collins Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Crawley, West Sussex, where innovation meets collaboration. Employees benefit from a robust professional development programme, generous annual leave, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, all while contributing to cutting-edge aerospace technology that shapes the future of the industry. With a commitment to diversity and employee recognition, Collins Aerospace fosters a culture of growth and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.

Prattwhitney

Contact Details:

Prattwhitney Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Airports Product Lines

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their vision and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the Associate Director role. Keep it concise but impactful, highlighting your leadership and strategic thinking.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Collins Aerospace.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Airports Product Lines

Product Vision and Strategy
Portfolio Management
Leadership Skills
Stakeholder Collaboration
Data-Driven Decision Making
Go-to-Market Strategies
Financial Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Associate Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and product management expertise, as these are key for us.

Showcase Your Vision:In your application, don’t just list your past roles; share your vision for the future of airport products. We want to see how you can drive innovation and strategy in this space, so let your passion shine through!

Be Data-Driven:Since data-driven decision making is crucial for this role, include examples of how you've used data to inform your strategies or improve product performance. This will resonate well with us and show you understand the importance of metrics.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Prattwhitney

Know Your Product Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into Collins Aerospace's Airports product lines. Understand the Passenger Journey and Airport Operations portfolios, and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their strategy. This shows you're not just interested in the role but are genuinely invested in their mission.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

As an Associate Director, you'll be leading a global team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and motivated teams in the past. Highlight your experience in fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders, as this is crucial for driving collective business success.

Stay Ahead of Industry Trends

Familiarise yourself with emerging trends like biometrics, AI-driven analytics, and digital transformation in the aerospace sector. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can influence product strategy and how you would leverage them to enhance the Passenger Journey and Airport Operations.

Prepare for Strategic Conversations

Expect to engage in discussions about product financial management and investment strategies. Brush up on your data-driven decision-making skills and be ready to present your ideas on optimising performance and driving profitability. This will demonstrate your commercial mindset and ability to manage product P&L effectively.