Product Manager Crew Horizon

As Product Manager CrewHorizon, you are the driving force behind the successful realization of a strategic track supporting the objectives and expectations of KLM, KLC, and the AFKL Group. You play a central role in aligning and collaborating between the CrewHorizon program, KL Business, D&T, IT, and the AFKL Group. This alignment is essential for harmonizing the ways of working between Business and D&T and ensuring consistency and quality.

This is your opportunity to make a significant impact on one of KLM’s most strategic transformations (part of EDT). Your in-depth knowledge of aviation and the crew target group is invaluable. You will play a key role in modernizing a complex IT landscape and substantially improving the employee experience for thousands of crew members. You demonstrate the ability to operate successfully in a dynamic and sometimes political environment.

What will you do?

As Product Manager, you develop and enhance digital products that optimize business processes and contribute to KLM’s success. You define a clear product strategy and roadmap, manage the backlog and priorities, and monitor performance based on data and KPIs. You work closely with stakeholders to translate needs and opportunities into concrete solutions, support users in adoption, and encourage innovation and collaboration. Additionally, you are responsible for:

• Setting up and leading the track organization and governance;
• Delivering business benefits, with a focus on employee experience and efficiency;
• Balancing the interests of stakeholders within CrewHorizon, including labor unions;
• Managing budget, resources, costs, and planning;
• Making decisions on execution and priorities;
• Aligning tactical and strategic goals within Business & Technology;
• Actively participating in governance bodies;
• Organizing meetings and facilitating decision-making;
• Leading Track Leads and staff;
• Ensuring adequate staffing and motivation;
• Managing external integration partners.

Where do you land?

The CrewHorizon program is renewing the outdated Crew Planning IT landscape for Flight Operations, Inflight Services, and KLM Cityhopper, in collaboration with Data & Technology. The aim is a modern IT landscape and an improved employee experience for crew members and planners. This is a large-scale modernization, where experience with similar aviation projects is essential.

You will report to the CrewHorizon Steering Committee and work closely with all key internal and external stakeholders within AFKL. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team with driven colleagues from the three business divisions and Data & Technology.

Your profile

You are a strategic thinker with a pragmatic approach, capable of convincing others of your vision. You effortlessly switch between strategic goals and operational details, always considering the interests of stakeholders and team members. You hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree, have at least 7 years of relevant experience, and a proven track record in managing complex digital products and teams. You are familiar with data analysis, KPI-driven decision-making, agile methodologies, and product management principles. In addition, you possess:

• In-depth knowledge of the aviation sector (preferably KLM), essential for understanding the crew target group;
• Extensive experience as a program manager in large-scale IT landscape modernization, including legacy application replacement and agile value delivery;
• Demonstrable expertise in improving the employee experience, including HR and organizational development and cultural transformation;
• Experience managing external integration partners within complex transformation programs;
• Strong leadership and diplomatic skills, with the ability to build consensus in dynamic, sometimes political environments;
• Excellent stakeholder management and the ability to build a large network, balancing complex interests;
• The ability to operate both strategically and tactically, with a solid understanding of operational levels;
• Analytical skills and a structured, problem-solving approach, preferably supported by a consultancy background;
• Cross-cultural awareness;
• Fluency in both Dutch and English, spoken and written.

What do we offer

• A challenging role at an unique employer in the Netherlands;
• Plenty of room for personal development and wonderful career opportunities;
• A good pension scheme and 8% holiday pay;
• A variable income that can go up to a maximum of 16%;
• 25 days of paid holiday and 5 extra days off;
• Great discounts on airline tickets (if you have been in service for at least 6 months);
• A sustainable transport policy, which allows you, among other things, to use all public transport for your commute within the Netherlands, free of charge;
• Discount of your health insurance;
• A personal budget for sustainable employability.