At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy for innovative aerospace seating solutions and drive design excellence.
- Company: Join Thompson Aero Seating, a leader in premium aircraft interiors.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, generous leave, and health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aviation design and influence industry innovation.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years in industrial design, preferably in aerospace, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Earnings
Salary discussed on application
The Senior Manager Product Strategy will esponsible for defining and driving the long-term, world class product strategy for the TAS product portfolio.
This role operates at the intersection of design leadership, innovation, and business strategy.
The successful candidate will shape future product direction, influence cross-functional decision-making, and ensure that design excellence, user experience, and engineering feasibility are embedded into the organisation’s product roadmap.
This is a highly visible leadership role requiring both hands-on design expertise and strategic thinking within a complex, regulated aerospace environment.
Responsibilities
- Balancing airline customer needs, passenger experience, engineering feasibility, certification requirements, manufacturing capability, and long-term market opportunity define and lead the long-term market positioning and growth trajectory for TAS product development
- Identify emerging trends in premium seating, cabin interiors, mobility, sustainability, and user experience to inform future product development.
- Monitor competitor product strategy and develop SWOT compared with the TAS product portfolio
- Shape design strategy across multiple programmes, platforms, and product lifecycles.
- Influence executive decision-making on product direction, customer experience, and innovation priorities.
- Lead the creation of forward-looking concepts, design frameworks, and innovation pipelines.
- Explore new technologies, materials, and design methodologies to deliver competitive advantage.
- Drive breakthrough thinking in areas such as cabin experience, human-machine interaction, lightweighting, and sustainability.
- Translate complex technical and regulatory requirements into visionary yet feasible design solutions.
- Partner with senior stakeholders across engineering, commercial, R&D, certification, and manufacturing teams.
- Align design strategy with market needs, customer insights, and commercial goals.
- Act as a key advisor on strategic programmes, bids, and high-value customer engagements.
- Provide mentorship and direction to senior designers and multidisciplinary teams.
- Build and nurture high-performing design capability across the organisation.
- Promote best practice in design thinking, human-centred design, and systems integration.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Reward
- Annual bonus (linked to company performance)
- 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years' service)
- 37.5 hours per week
- Health cash plan
- Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
- Holiday Purchase Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
- Electric Car Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
- IVF & Assisted Conception Policy
- Women in Business - Corporate Member
- Service Awards
- Local charity /sponsorship activities
- Dedicated employee parking
- Discounted Gym membership
- Learning and development opportunities
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
- 10–15+ years’ experience in industrial design within aerospace, highly preferred in premium aircraft seating
- Demonstrated experience in strategic design leadership or principal-level roles.
- Proven track record of influencing product strategy
- Extensive experience operating within regulated environments and working alongside internal and external engineering and certification authorities.
- Experience contributing to innovation strategy, IP development, or future product roadmaps.
- Expert-level proficiency in CAD and digital design tools (e. g., CATIA, Siemens NX, Solid Works or equivalent).
- Good knowledge of certification requirements and regulatory environments (EASA, FAA).
- Experience in advanced concept modelling, systems integration, and complex product architectures.
- Ability to connect user experience, engineering requirements, and business objectives.
- High-level conceptual thinking combined with a pragmatic delivery mindset.
- Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills.
- Advanced qualifications or specialisation in design strategy, systems design, or innovation
We reserve the right to enhance criteria on shortlisting.
Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer.
The closing date for applications is the 20th July 2026 at 17:00.
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Senior Manager Product Strategy employer: Thompson Aero
Thompson Aero Seating is an exceptional employer that values its skilled Machinists by offering a supportive work culture and numerous benefits, including an annual bonus linked to company performance and a comprehensive health cash plan. Located in a dynamic environment, employees enjoy opportunities for professional growth through learning and development initiatives, while also benefiting from generous leave policies and various salary sacrifice schemes that promote work-life balance and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager Product Strategy
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Thompson Aero for a Senior Manager Product Strategy. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager Product Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Thompson Aero, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Thompson Aero, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thompson Aero
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Thompson Aero.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Thompson Aero. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Thompson Aero love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
