Mgr Optimization & Initiatives

Job Summary

• The Manager Optimization & Initiatives leads and supports various long-term Crew Planning & Analytics, Flight Operations, Inflight, and Enterprise initiatives with a focus on Pilot, Flight Attendant, and Commercial network efficiencies. This role will be directly responsible for future flight schedule analysis and efficiency recommendations and supports a wide range of operational and commercial departments to align strategy, execution, and measurement. The Manager is responsible for ensuring the Southwest Airlines Pilot and Flight Attendant networks are positioned to support future commercial and operational needs.

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

• Leads open-ended research that results in actionable recommendations in conjunction with Network Planning and Commercial Teams on future initiatives to develop operationally viable, productive, and cost efficient flight schedules with optimization tools

• Counsels the Vice President Crew Planning & Analytics and Director FO Future Crew Planning on long-term efficiency opportunities and overall Crew strategy

• Lead the development, tracking, and execution of cost-savings initiatives, ensuring alignment with corporate financial goals. Regularly evaluate progress and recommend actionable adjustments to maximize efficiency and optimize future resource allocation

• Owns and delivers formal Network Planning schedule reviews to Crew Planning Leaders on a recurring basis as proposed schedules are developed

• Leverages deep optimization and analytical knowledge to work cross-functionally with various Technology and Optimization teams to improve overall Southwest optimization strategies and vision

• Creates strategies and business/operational insights from qualitative and quantitative information

• Structures complex problems and acts as a liaison between Crew Planning and other Company teams in response to Enterprise projects and future initiatives

• Creates value through identifying and implementing business improvements

• Develop long-range strategies that inform requirements for Pilots and Flight Attendants staffing plans for hiring, Captain Upgrades, base staffing, and vacation in conjunction with Crew Resource Planning teams

• Collaborates with Finance on measuring performance of Flight Schedules and recommends changes to minimize cost and/or improve operational performance

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skilled in understanding and applying information that drives progress towards the organization’s strategic plans

• Ability to identify complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions

• Ability to use optimization tools and interpret results

• Expert level ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems

• Ability to manage meeting cadences, drive work forward, and ensure delivery with cross-functional teams

• Advanced ability in manipulating and visualizing data to drive insights using tools such as think-cell, MS Excel, Tableau, SQL, etc.

• Expert skills in synthesizing information within PowerPoint presentations and delivering them to affected stakeholder and Senior Leaders

• Expert skills in effective communication and teamwork/collaboration through all mediums including in person, email, telephone, and hybrid environments

• Advanced skills in understanding Operational environments and have sufficient judgment to handle and resolve various situations

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)

• Fully functioning, broad knowledge in:

  • Airline networks and using complex optimization tools to design schedules

  • Complex cross-functional initiatives and aligning stakeholders at all levels

  • Developing strategies, plans, and solutions to address complex or ambiguous problems

  • Large operational environments and efficiency improvements

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

• Ability to work extended hours as needed

Pay & Benefits

• Competitive market salary from $128,350-$142.600* 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) 

• Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings** 

• Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit*** 

• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets) 

• Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment. 

• 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 Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits

***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.