Senior Manager IT – Next-Gen Passenger Systems

Overview

Qatar Airways is seeking a seasoned aviation technology leader to direct the advancement of passenger processing systems at Hamad International Airport. This role demands leadership in strategizing, executing, and maintaining 24/7 operational excellence for vital passenger-processing technologies that facilitate the journey from check-in to boarding. The position additionally involves pioneering capabilities in biometrics, facial recognition, digital identity, and integrated single-token travel solutions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Formulate and oversee a multi-year (three to five-year) technology strategy and roadmap for passenger-processing systems, biometric technologies, and identity solutions.
• Lead intricate technology initiatives encompassing common-use passenger processing, self-service check-in, automated bag drop, e-gates, boarding systems, and biometric passenger experiences.
• Hold complete accountability for system deployments, integrations, updates, and lifecycle management of major projects.
• Ensure continuous availability and superior operational performance of critical passenger systems within a 24/7 airport context.
• Manage responses to significant system incidents to restore passenger operations rapidly and effectively.
• Advance the implementation and refinement of biometric and seamless passenger journey solutions.
• Collaborate extensively with airport stakeholders, airline partners, governmental and border control bodies, and technology vendors.
• Supervise vendor relationships, service agreements, system performance, and adherence to service level agreements.
• Evaluate and recommend innovative technologies to enhance passenger experience, operational efficiency, and system reliability.
• Steer cross-functional teams, set strong program governance frameworks, and support successful technology adoption.
• Manage budgeting, procurement, business cases, and prioritize technology investments.
• Build team capabilities by providing clear guidance, mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a mature technology leader with a proven track record of delivering complex passenger-processing solutions in airport, airline, or aviation technology sectors. This person combines deep technical expertise with strong program leadership, operational oversight, and effective interaction with senior stakeholders.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Over 10 years of relevant professional experience with at least 8 years focused on aviation, airport operations, or passenger processing technologies.
• Hands-on experience managing life cycles of common-use check-in, boarding, and passenger self-service systems.
• Minimum 3 years directly implementing biometric identity verification, digital identity, or seamless single-token travel technologies in airport environments.
• Strong knowledge of passenger-processing systems and aviation technology landscape.
• Expertise in managing cross-functional projects and large-scale system implementations involving various stakeholders including government and border agencies.
• Familiarity or involvement with aviation standard bodies such as ICAO, IATA, or ACI is advantageous.
• Certification or solid understanding of ITIL service management and recognized project management methodologies.
• Expertise in vendor, relationship, change, and service management.
• Proficient command of English.

Desired Competencies

• Ability to solve complex problems and effectively challenge existing business assumptions.
• Capability to translate advanced technologies into practical improvements in passenger experience.
• Strong leadership qualities to inspire, mentor, and guide teams in a dynamic environment.

Demonstrable Achievements

• Ownership or delivery of passenger-processing system projects.
• End-to-end management of major passenger technology programs.
• Implementation of biometric, digital identity, or seamless travel solutions.
• Resolution of complex passenger-system incidents or integration challenges.
• Experience collaborating with airport, airline, government, and technology partners.
• Track record of innovation by challenging norms and introducing superior technological solutions.

Additional Details

This senior managerial role demands strategic technical leadership in a high-stakes airport environment. Candidates must be prepared to handle mission-critical systems and possess strong mentoring and team-building capabilities. The role is onsite in the Doha Metropolitan Area.