Role overview

This position leads the colour, material, and finish (CMF) strategy that shapes the sensory experience of Etihad Airways guests across all touchpoints, from ground facilities through aircraft cabins. Working within Abu Dhabi, you will translate the airline’s brand vision into cohesive material and aesthetic direction by collaborating with internal teams, external designers, and suppliers to create implementable solutions that balance creative vision with manufacturing reality.

Key responsibilities

Establish and communicate the overarching material aesthetic and tactile direction that defines the Etihad guest experience across multiple environments and products.
Drive material innovation by identifying strategic opportunities and leading the conceptual direction for both soft and hard products, including aircraft seats, cabin interiors, and ground-based architectural spaces.
Lead the development and production of materials and products in partnership with internal teams and external suppliers, managing upgrades and replacements of existing cabin and ground materials.
Create and maintain comprehensive CMF guidelines that govern material choices across ground locations, aircraft, products, and service touchpoints.
Develop and manage both physical and digital libraries of material samples, specifications, and industry-relevant products while fostering supplier relationships and organizing demonstrations of new offerings.
Partner with project leads and stakeholders across multiple development teams to align CMF strategies with broader brand and operational objectives.
Communicate material concepts through compelling 2D sketches, 3D renderings, and narrative presentations that articulate design vision to diverse audiences.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a design discipline such as Industrial, Interior, Transportation, Textile, or Graphic Design, with specialized focus on colour, material, and finish.
A minimum of seven years of CMF design experience, either in a consultancy or in-house role, with preference given to candidates from aviation, automotive, hospitality, or guest-experience-driven sectors.
Demonstrated knowledge of aviation material development and the technical properties required for soft goods, seats, aircraft cabins, and architectural environments.
Expert-level skills in visual storytelling, concept articulation, and presentation across written, verbal, and visual formats.
Strong design visualization capabilities and the ability to produce both quick concept sketches and fully developed renderings.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional stakeholder engagement and command respect as a subject matter expert in CMF design.
Keen awareness of design and cultural trends relevant to product and hospitality sectors.

What makes this role worth considering

You will shape the sensory identity of a national airline operating from a major global hub, directly influencing how millions of guests perceive the Etihad brand. This position offers the opportunity to work across diverse product categories and spaces—from cabin seating to ground facilities—while building a strategic material library and leading supplier partnerships that extend beyond a single project.

How to apply

Use the Apply button to view the official job posting and submit your application on Etihad Airways Careers: Latest Jobs and How to Apply's careers site.

ImmigrationCafe is a job listing directory, not a recruiter. Applications are submitted on the employer's official careers website.