• Job Description

  Req#: R-2023-37708

  Department:

  Flight 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:

  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 Senior Manager Flight Operations Contract Strategy role will be responsible for fostering healthy partnerships between Flight Ops, Labor Relations, and Labor Administration. They’ll lead a Team that coordinates Flight Ops Leadership, Subject Matter Experts, and other resources to support all phases of the labor collective bargaining agreement (CBA) life cycle for Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Simulator Technicians, which includes: negotiations preparation, negotiations support, implementation, and administration. The Senior Manager Flight Operations Contract Strategy position is an organized collaborator and strategic influencer who’s excited about the opportunity to lead and develop Teams supporting all phases of the CBA life cycle.

  Additional Details:

  • 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.

  • U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

  Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We continue to look for opportunities to reflect the communities we serve, and welcome applicants with diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences.

  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 a Team of knowledgeable Contract Specialists, skilled Business Consultants, and Advisors to help deliver the best CBA-related outcomes for Southwest Airlines and our Flight Ops union members

  • Assist Flight Ops Leadership in the development of a vision and plan for future labor contract objectives and negotiation strategy

  • Ensure Flight Operations is a well-equipped and prepared partner to Labor Relations in all phases of the collective bargaining process

  • Oversee the development of thoughtful and thorough research, analysis, and evaluations for executive-level presentations

  • Oversee and coordinate Flight Ops' participation directly in contract negotiations or through indirect support

  • Lead the coordination of CBA implementation planning, business readiness, and execution of new contractual requirements

  • Lead collaboration between Labor Administration, Contract Specialists, and subject matter experts to provide contractual guidance to Flight Ops Leadership

  • Guide Flight Ops Leaders and the Flight Ops Contract Admin Team to resolve CBA-related disputes before the grievance process

  • Provide the resources necessary to support Labor Administration with grievances and arbitrations

  • Work with Flight Ops Leadership, Labor Relations, and Labor Admin to set the tone for FO union engagement

  • Ensure Flight Ops coordination and visibility cross-departmentally including Crew Scheduling, Inflight, and Technology

  • May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Advanced level knowledge in Labor Relations, Labor Negotiations, or Union Relationships

  • Seasoned and specialized knowledge in airline operations, or operations within a similar industry

  • Skilled in engaging with customers to identify business goals and guide the delivery of solutions

  • Skilled in analytical thinking, with the ability to draw together and present tangible conclusions from a wide range of incomplete and complex information

  • Skilled in managing interpersonal relationships

  • Ability to lead, guide, develop, and mentor Leaders and Team members

  • Ability to decompose complex business problems and synthesize recommendations

  • Ability to think strategically and see the relationship between current actions and future results

  • Ability to effectively influence and communicate with all Leadership levels and positions in the organization

  • Ability to gain the respect and trust of Employees and stakeholders through situational leadership and integrity, and inspire others to follow and participate in the change process

  • Ability to maintain composure and appear focused and professional during stressful or critical situations

  • Ability to read and comprehend technical contract language and be highly detail-oriented

  Education

  • Required: High School Diploma or GED

  Experience

  • Demonstrated experience directly leading teams

  • Fully functioning, broad knowledge in:

    • Experience with Labor Negotiations, Labor Relations, or working with unionized groups

    • Experience leading large, complex programs or projects to completeness

    • Demonstrated experience in leading internal or external management consulting engagements

    • Experience developing business plans and galvanizing others to meet business goals

  Licensing/Certification

  • N/A

  Physical Abilities

  • Ability to perform work duties from [limited space work station/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 meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary and sensitive Company information

  • Some travel with overnight stays required

  • Ability to work extended hours as needed

  Pay & Benefits:

  • Competitive market salary from $130,750 per year to $$145,300 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. 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)

  • Up to a 9.3% 401(k) Company match, dollar for dollar, of your eligible pay, per paycheck **

  • Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution toward retirement - when Southwest profits, you profit***

  • Explore more Benefits you’ll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits

  *Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.

  **401(k) match contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits

  ***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to plan’s vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.

  Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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• About the company

  Southwest Airlines Co., typically referred to as Southwest, is one of the major airlines of the United States and the world's largest low-cost carrier.

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