Airbus Group Product Manager Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Airbus Group is a global leader in the aerospace industry, dedicated to providing innovative solutions in aviation, defense, and space.

As a Product Manager at Airbus, you will be responsible for driving revenue and profitability targets across assigned product lines while managing the entire product lifecycle. Your role requires a strong emphasis on collaboration with cross-functional teams, including sales, supply chain, and marketing, to create and implement effective go-to-market strategies. You will oversee product campaigns, ensure timely delivery of products and services, and maintain strong relationships with both suppliers and customers. Given Airbus's commitment to innovation and customer-centricity, a successful Product Manager will combine analytical skills, creativity, and a thorough understanding of market trends in the aerospace sector.

This guide will equip you with tailored insights and strategies to excel in your interview, helping you align your skills and experiences with the values and needs of Airbus Group.

The interview process for a Product Manager role at Airbus is structured to assess both technical competencies and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages designed to evaluate your experience, skills, and alignment with Airbus's values.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, which is often conducted via a video call with a recruiter. This conversation typically lasts around 30 minutes and focuses on your professional background, educational qualifications, and motivations for applying to Airbus. Expect to discuss your previous experiences and how they relate to the Product Manager role. This is also an opportunity for the recruiter to gauge your fit within the company culture.

2. Competency-Based Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates usually participate in a competency-based interview. This stage may involve a panel of interviewers, including hiring managers and team members. You will be asked to present your background and experiences, highlighting your strengths and areas for development. The interviewers will focus on your problem-solving abilities, project management skills, and how you have navigated challenges in previous roles. Be prepared to provide specific examples that demonstrate your competencies in product management.

3. Technical Assessment

In some cases, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a case study or a presentation where you are asked to analyze a product-related scenario and propose a strategic approach. The goal is to evaluate your analytical thinking, creativity, and ability to develop actionable plans that align with business objectives.

4. Final Interview

The final interview stage typically involves a deeper dive into your technical knowledge and strategic thinking. You may meet with senior leadership or cross-functional team members who will assess your understanding of the aviation industry, market dynamics, and product lifecycle management. This interview may also include discussions about your vision for the product line and how you would drive sales and profitability.

5. Cultural Fit Assessment

Throughout the interview process, Airbus places a strong emphasis on cultural fit. Expect questions that explore your values, teamwork, and collaboration skills. The interviewers will be looking for candidates who align with Airbus's commitment to diversity, innovation, and customer-centricity.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, focusing on your experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of a Product Manager at Airbus.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Prepare for a Structured Interview Process

Airbus employs a structured interview process that often includes multiple stages, such as initial screenings followed by in-depth discussions with hiring managers. Familiarize yourself with the typical flow of interviews at Airbus, which may include a video interview, a presentation about your background, and competency-based questions. Prepare to articulate your professional journey clearly and concisely, as well as to discuss your strengths and areas for development.

Showcase Your Cross-Functional Collaboration Skills

As a Product Manager, you will be expected to work closely with various teams, including commercial, supply chain, and production departments. Highlight your experience in cross-functional collaboration during the interview. Be ready to provide examples of how you have successfully navigated different stakeholder interests and driven projects to completion through teamwork.

Emphasize Your Business Acumen

Airbus values candidates who possess strong business acumen and can demonstrate a clear understanding of market dynamics. Prepare to discuss how you have previously identified market opportunities, developed product strategies, and driven sales growth. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

Understand the Importance of Compliance and Integrity

Given the nature of the aerospace industry, compliance and integrity are paramount. Be prepared to discuss how you have ensured compliance in your previous roles and how you would approach this aspect in the Product Manager position. Demonstrating a commitment to ethical practices will align with Airbus's values and expectations.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant portion of the interview to focus on behavioral questions that assess your competencies and fit within the company culture. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Prepare examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, and adaptability in challenging situations.

Highlight Your Passion for Aviation and Innovation

Airbus is committed to innovation and sustainability in the aerospace sector. Show your enthusiasm for the industry and discuss any relevant experiences or projects that reflect your passion for aviation. This could include any initiatives you've led that align with Airbus's goals, such as improving service quality or developing new product offerings.

Prepare for Technical Questions

While the role is primarily focused on product management, having a solid understanding of the technical aspects related to network products and services will be beneficial. Brush up on relevant technical knowledge, especially if your background includes engineering or technical project management. Be prepared to discuss how you can bridge the gap between technical teams and business objectives.

Practice Your Presentation Skills

Given that part of the interview may involve presenting your background or ideas, practice your presentation skills. Ensure you can communicate your thoughts clearly and confidently, using visual aids if necessary. Tailor your presentation to reflect how your experience aligns with the needs of Airbus and the specific product line you will manage.

Be Authentic and Personable

Airbus values diversity and inclusivity, and they are looking for candidates who can contribute positively to their culture. Be yourself during the interview, and don’t hesitate to share your personal motivations and values. Authenticity can help you connect with your interviewers and leave a lasting impression.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Product Manager role at Airbus. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for the Product Manager role at Airbus Group. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their understanding of product management principles, their ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, and their experience in driving product strategies and sales growth.

Experience and Background

1. Can you describe your professional journey and how it has prepared you for a Product Manager role?

This question aims to understand your background and how your experiences align with the responsibilities of a Product Manager.

How to Answer

Highlight key experiences that showcase your skills in product management, sales, and collaboration. Focus on specific roles and achievements that relate to the aviation or aerospace industry.

Example

“I started my career in sales within the aerospace sector, where I developed a strong understanding of customer needs and market dynamics. Transitioning into product management, I successfully led a cross-functional team to launch a new product line that increased our market share by 15%. This experience has equipped me with the skills to drive product strategies and collaborate effectively with diverse teams.”

Product Management Skills

2. How do you prioritize features and improvements for a product?

This question assesses your ability to manage product roadmaps and make strategic decisions.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including frameworks you use (like RICE or MoSCoW) and how you incorporate customer feedback and market trends into your decision-making.

Example

“I prioritize features based on a combination of customer feedback, market research, and alignment with our business goals. I often use the RICE framework to evaluate potential features, ensuring that we focus on high-impact improvements that enhance customer satisfaction and drive revenue.”

3. Describe a time when you had to manage a product through a challenging lifecycle phase.

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and resilience in product management.

How to Answer

Share a specific example where you faced challenges, the actions you took, and the outcomes. Emphasize your ability to adapt and lead through difficulties.

Example

“During a product’s decline phase, I initiated a comprehensive market analysis to identify new opportunities. By pivoting our strategy to focus on emerging customer needs, we successfully revitalized the product, resulting in a 20% increase in sales over six months.”

Collaboration and Communication

4. How do you ensure effective communication between cross-functional teams?

This question looks at your collaboration skills and ability to facilitate teamwork.

How to Answer

Explain your strategies for fostering communication, such as regular meetings, shared tools, and clear documentation. Highlight the importance of transparency and alignment.

Example

“I establish regular check-ins with cross-functional teams to ensure everyone is aligned on goals and progress. I also utilize project management tools like Asana to keep track of tasks and deadlines, which fosters transparency and accountability among team members.”

5. Can you give an example of how you’ve influenced stakeholders to support a product initiative?

This question assesses your ability to persuade and build relationships with stakeholders.

How to Answer

Describe a situation where you successfully gained stakeholder buy-in, focusing on your approach to understanding their concerns and addressing them effectively.

Example

“When proposing a new product feature, I conducted a presentation that highlighted the potential ROI and customer benefits. By addressing the concerns of key stakeholders and incorporating their feedback into the proposal, I secured their support, leading to the feature’s successful launch.”

Market Understanding

6. What strategies do you use to analyze market trends and customer needs?

This question evaluates your analytical skills and market awareness.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you employ to gather market intelligence, such as surveys, competitor analysis, and customer interviews. Emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making.

Example

“I regularly conduct customer surveys and analyze competitor offerings to identify market trends. Additionally, I leverage analytics tools to track customer behavior, which informs our product development and marketing strategies.”

7. How do you approach pricing strategy for a new product?

This question assesses your understanding of pricing dynamics and market positioning.

How to Answer

Explain your process for determining pricing, including factors like cost analysis, competitor pricing, and perceived value. Highlight the importance of aligning pricing with overall business objectives.

Example

“I approach pricing by first conducting a thorough cost analysis to ensure profitability. Then, I analyze competitor pricing and gather customer feedback to understand perceived value. This comprehensive approach allows us to set a competitive price that reflects the product’s value while meeting our revenue targets.”