Managing Director- Crew Technology

Uniteds Digital Technology team is comprised of many talented individuals all working together with cutting-edge technology to build the best airline in the history of aviation. Our team designs develops and maintains massively scaling technology solutions brought to life with innovative architectures data analytics and digital solutions.

Job overview and responsibilities

The Managing Director Crew Technology is a senior leadership role responsible for defining and delivering the technology strategy that powers Uniteds crew operations training centers pilot and crew pay systems and onboard catering capabilities. This role sits at the intersection of technology operations and employee experienceplaying a critical part in ensuring our frontline teams have the tools data and systems they need to operate efficiently safely and in alignment with Uniteds core values and business objectives. Reporting to the VP within Digital Technology the Managing Director leads a multi-disciplinary team of digital technology professionals to deliver innovative scalable and compliant solutions. This leader will collaborate closely with enterprise stakeholders to drive digital transformation improve crew satisfaction and unlock operational excellence. This role will also work closely with our Advanced Analytics organization in order strategically deliver the latest AI capabilities in technology products. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and strong operator capable of managing complex systems and regulatory environments while fostering a culture of innovation agility and continuous improvement.

Strategic Leadership & Execution:

Define and execute the long-term technology strategy and align closely with Uniteds enterprise business goals.

Stay abreast of aviation and technology trends emerging digital capabilities and regulatory requirements to ensure forward-thinking competitive and compliant tech strategies.

Champion a customer- and crew-centric approach to technology delivery ensuring all platforms enhance the experience of frontline employees and internal stakeholders.

Enterprise Partnership & Collaboration:

Function as a senior technology partner to and other critical business functions.

Collaborate cross-functionally to prioritize technology initiatives optimize resources and drive integrated roadmaps.

Engage with enterprise data security and infrastructure teams to ensure solutions are resilient scalable and secure functions.

Technology Delivery & Innovation:

Oversee end-to-end delivery of digital platforms and tools supporting the key business areas.

Champion agile and DevSecOps practices to enable high-quality rapid delivery of software and enhancements.

Promote continuous improvement innovation and use of emerging technologies (e.g. AI/ML mobile automation) to drive operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Risk Management & Compliance:

Ensure all systems comply with relevant FAA DOT labor contract and international regulatory standards.

Proactively identify assess and mitigate risks across reliability security and business continuity dimensions.

Drive governance and audit readiness for all technology solutions supporting crew and catering operations.

Team Leadership & Culture:

Build mentor and lead a high-performing diverse technology team across engineering architecture product management and delivery roles.

Foster a culture of accountability innovation inclusion and excellence across the organization.

Drive employee engagement through clear communication development opportunities and recognition of achievement.

Business Transformation & Value Creation:

Identify and drive digital transformation initiatives that modernize legacy systems eliminate manual processes and create measurable business value.

Develop business cases and performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness and ROI of technology investments.

Serve as a thought leader and change agent influencing business partners and senior leadership on the strategic use of technology.

This role is Hybrid out of Chicago and requires approximately 20% travel.

Whats needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

Bachelors degree in information technology Computer Science Computer Engineering Management Information Systems or equivalent.

Must possess demonstrated understanding of technology strategy performance management business consulting and applicable technologies.

15 years of relevant technology experience including implementing and managing large complex platforms programming projects and leading technology organizations.

Expertise in large high through put technology platforms the design and delivery of high-performance technology systems and Cloud technologies.

Understanding and prior ownership of reliability resiliency and observability for tier 1 applications.

Demonstration of a role where subject matter expertise of multiple business areas is required to guide teams and create cross functional viewpoints.

Awareness of applicable airline industry standards and regulations.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.

Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification.

Reliable punctual attendance is an essential function of the position.

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

Masters degree.

Experience building deploying and running technology solutions in the airline industry.

Understanding of airline operations and/or crew processes.

United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. United Airlines recruits employs trains compensates and promotes regardless of race religion color national origin gender identity sexual orientation physical ability age veteran status and other protected status as required by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process to perform crucial job functions. Please contact to request accommodation.