At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative aircraft seating projects from concept to certification.
- Company: Join Unum Aircraft Seating, a forward-thinking company redefining business class.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, early finishes on Fridays, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive culture valuing diversity and offering excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aircraft seating in a collaborative, growth-focused environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in product development, ideally in aerospace or regulated industries.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
At Unum Aircraft Seating, we're redefining business class with smart, adaptable seating designed for comfort, reliability, and on-time delivery. Culture matters to us. We're looking for thoughtful, respectful team players who lead with integrity, collaborate openly, and help create a positive environment for everyone.
As Unum enters an exciting phase of growth, we are seeking a Head of New Product Development to shape and drive the creation of innovative aircraft seating solutions. This role will play a pivotal part in transforming ideas into certified products, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring new developments deliver exceptional value for both customers and the business.
Why Join Unum?Be part of our growing, ambitious business with a startup mentality and a culture built on collaboration, sustainability, and quality.
Competitive salary and benefits including:
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- 1pm finish on Fridays
- Pension scheme
- Electric car & cycle-to-work schemes
- Employee discounts
- Lead the end-to-end New Product Development (NPD) strategy from concept through to certification and entry into service.
- Drive innovation across aircraft seating products, balancing passenger experience, manufacturability, certification, and commercial objectives.
- Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing multidisciplinary NPD team across engineering, design, and programme delivery.
- Own the product development roadmap and ensure alignment with company growth objectives and customer requirements.
- Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Commercial, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Certification teams to successfully deliver programmes.
- Create a culture of accountability, collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee product lifecycle management, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
- Lead technical and strategic decision-making across new product initiatives, managing risks, trade-offs, and priorities.
- Ensure all products meet stringent aerospace certification and regulatory requirements.
- Drive efficient NPD processes that balance innovation, speed, compliance, and operational excellence.
- Develop strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and external partners to support programme success and future innovation.
- Introduce and monitor KPIs to track development performance, product quality, cost, and delivery reliability.
- Champion innovation in materials, mechanisms, sustainability, and passenger comfort.
- Proven leadership experience within New Product Development, ideally in aerospace or another highly regulated industry.
- Strong track record of delivering complex products through full lifecycle development (NPD/NPI).
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in fast-paced, growth-focused environments.
- Deep understanding of product development, manufacturing, certification, and programme delivery.
- Strong commercial and customer mindset with the ability to balance innovation and business objectives.
- Ability to operate strategically while remaining close enough to support technical decision-making.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and building high-performing teams.
- Aircraft seating or cabin interiors experience.
- Familiarity with CAD tools (e.g. SolidWorks).
- Experience with testing, validation, and certification processes.
- Exposure to lean, agile, or startup-style environments.
Ready to lead the future of aircraft seating innovation? Apply now - we'd love to hear from you.
Unum Aircraft Seating is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is valued and respected. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background.
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to commencing employment.
At Unum, we're dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for all applicants and a first-class candidate experience. If you require any reasonable adjustments during your interview process, please let us know.
Head of New Product Development in Crawley employer: Unum Aircraft Seating Limited
At Unum Aircraft Seating, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and unique benefits like a 1pm finish on Fridays and electric car schemes, we are committed to supporting your professional growth while ensuring a positive work-life balance. Join us in Crawley as we redefine aircraft seating solutions and be part of a team that values integrity, creativity, and sustainability.
Contact Detail:
Unum Aircraft Seating Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of New Product Development in Crawley
✨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 Unum Aircraft Seating and understanding their products and culture. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of innovation and collaboration.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your leadership experience in New Product Development can drive their aircraft seating solutions forward. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Unum team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of New Product Development in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for aircraft seating and innovation shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and how you can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in New Product Development, especially in regulated industries. We love seeing how your past roles align with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your achievements and skills. Remember, less is often more!
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unum Aircraft Seating Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Unum Aircraft Seating's products and values. Understand their approach to innovation in aircraft seating and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your background to their needs.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Head of New Product Development, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams in the past, especially in fast-paced environments. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them to drive product success.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Unum values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked cross-functionally in previous roles. Share stories that illustrate your ability to build strong relationships with engineering, commercial, and supply chain teams, and how this has contributed to successful product launches.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about their current projects or future innovations in aircraft seating. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a chance to gauge if their culture and objectives align with your career aspirations.
