|
Department: Ground Operations
Our Company Promise We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer. Job Description:
*** For external applicants only: Southwest Airlines will consider your interest for this position if you are currently a resident of the State of Texas*** Southwest firmly believes that our People are our greatest asset, and Leaders within the Company support our People by ensuring all have equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. The Manager Ground Operations (Mgr Gr Ops)Planning & Strategy leads a Team focused on long-term operational resource planning and strategy. This role maintains oversight of a multi-billion-dollar labor budget, drives operational standardization, informs cross-functional planning decisions across the Company and sets the foundation for enterprise-wide staffing decisions that prepare Ground Operations for future schedules. The Mgr Gr Ops Planning & Strategy is an analytical problem-solver who is ready to be part of meaningful and impactful initiatives and drive the future of Southwest.
The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX headquarters facility during business hours. We're committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics. Model the Southwest Way
- Guide and lead Team Members using SWA talent management practices to coach, develop, and engage Employees
- Adhere to Company values and competencies to foster a Culture of inclusion, recognition, and support of a safe work environment
- Invest in Leadership and self-growth through participating in continuous learning and development
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of long-term staffing strategies and forecasts, establishing the foundation for Mid-Term and Operational Planning teams
- Provide enterprise-wide feedback on the impact of future schedule designs and advocate for resource strategies that balance cost and revenue, communicating proactively to senior leadership and station stakeholders about needs
- Analyze future network schedules to assess labor, equipment, technology, and facility needs and recommend appropriate resourcing
- Serve as a strategic advisor and liaison to internal partners including Ground Ops Standards, Network Planning, Talent Acquisition, Training, Facilities, Device Management, and Ground Support Equipment teams
- Lead and support change management initiatives focused on standardizing workforce planning practices and improving long-term scalability
- Maintain financial accountability over a labor budget valued in the billions, ensuring efficient use of resources in long-range planning
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve operational performance, processes, and resource efficiency using data-driven insights and risk management strategies
- Compile data-driven insights and strategic recommendations into executive-level presentations
- Partner with Mid-Term planners to ensure continuity and alignment across the planning cycle
- May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong working knowledge of strategic workforce planning, operational forecasting, and budget management
- Strong knowledge of airline scheduling, network planning, airport operations, staffing models, and operational systems
- Familiarity with ground service equipment, mobile device deployment, and facilities planning
- Strong leadership, collaboration, and change management skills, particularly around driving standardization across complex processes
- Skilled in synthesizing complex data sets into clear insights and actionable recommendations
- Ability to influence cross-functional decisions and communicate effectively across departments and varied leadership levels
- Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint; experience with workforce planning tools or data visualization software preferred
- Ability to analyze performance and identify ways to drive enterprise improvements in both cost and service readiness
Education
- Required: High School Diploma or GED
Experience
- Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)
- Fully functioning, broad knowledge in:
- Leading strategic workforce planning, resource forecasting, or operations strategy
- Managing large budgets and financial planning for labor or operational expenses
- Airline Operations
Physical Abilities
- Ability to perform work duties from [limited space workstation/desk/office area] for extended periods of time
- Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
- Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job
Other Qualifications
- Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
- Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
- Must be able to work rotating shifts, holidays, and overtime
- Must meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary and sensitive Company information
- Air travel with frequent overnight stays required
Pay & Benefits Pay of $122,200 to $135,800 per year*, depending on qualifications and experience. Opportunities for overtime and shift premiums. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the Company. Benefits you'll love: * Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too) * Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan, which includes a dollarfor-dollar 401(k) Company match contribution of up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings** * Potential for annual profit-sharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan-when Southwest profits, you profit*** * Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents * Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You'll have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan, and coverage will be retroactively available to your first day of employment. * Explore more benefits you'll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits *Pay amount doesn't guarantee employment for any particular period. **401(k) Company match contributions are subject to the plan's vesting schedule. Match contributions may vary based on the position. *** Profit-sharing contributions are subject to the Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company. Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please print/save this job description because it won't be available after you apply.
|
Southwest Airlines
401(k)
Jul 18, 2025