Department:
Crew Planning & Analytics
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:
Job Summary
As a Senior Manager Crew Planning, you’ll lead the Team responsible for transforming Southwest’s future flying plans into safe, reliable, and contractually compliant schedules for more than 34,000 Crew Members. You’ll shape short- and long-term staffing strategies, guide crew base allocations, and evaluate schedule investments and network efficiencies that support broader operational and Company goals. Working closely with Network Planning, FP&A, Labor Relations, and our Union partners, you’ll bring together advanced analytics, contractual requirements, operational needs, quality of life, and cost considerations to ensure Southwest’s plans are achievable. You’ll also translate complex Crew Planning data into meaningful insights that influence operational feedback, labor decisions, and long-term network design. Your leadership will help develop the Team, strengthen cross-functional partnerships, and drive thoughtful planning that supports our Crew Members and keeps Southwest operating safely, reliably, and efficiently.
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.
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
- Collaborate with Network Planning and the Commercial Teams on future initiatives and to develop operationally viable flight schedules
- Act as a supporting member to Labor Relations for the Company Negotiating Teams responsible for negotiating the Union contracts and any changes to the contract
- Act as a liaison between the Company and Union for Crew Planning related matters, direct research, and represent the Company in resolution of contractual and procedural questions or disputes
- Identify deficiencies with current practices and develop working plans to correct deficiencies
- Partner with Ops. Performance and Finance on company-wide programs, costing, and other ad-hoc projects
- Drive constant improvement in the Crew Staffing process including the exploration of new metrics and the development of new models
- Represent the Crew Planning Team at all levels of the organization and fulfills information requests from other departments
- Oversee the timely creation of cost-effective monthly schedules for Crew Members
- Use data analysis and forecasted needs to make Crew staffing decisions and hiring recommendations
- Lead special projects to implement Technology and business changes in Planning
- May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to work well with others as part of a Team or cross functionally with partners
- Skilled in using sufficient judgment to handle and resolve complex tasks including situations that involve conflict resolution
- Expert knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Business Intelligence tools, databases, SQL, and optimization tools
- Skilled in organization and capable of working with minimal supervision
- Skilled in excellent analytical, verbal and written communication skills, including communicating large and complex issues in a structured and concise manner
- Ability to read, adhere to, analyze, and teach detailed procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and governmental regulations
- Ability to work under contractual time constraints to accomplish assignments and projects and to adjust to changing priorities when needed
- Advanced knowledge of Federal Aviation regulations and SWA published manuals pertaining to Crew Operations
- Expert knowledge and understanding of the business through business acumen, functional and technical skills
Education
- Required: High School Diploma or GED
Experience
- Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)
- Fully functioning, broad knowledge in:
- Advanced analytics that include spreadsheet design, SQL, and data visualization
- Crew Planning or similar airline planning experience
- Working within collective bargaining agreements (CBAs)
- Federal Aviation Regulations
- Preferred: Experience with schedule optimization and planning software
- Preferred: Experience supporting labor negotiations through contract costing, scenario analysis, operational impact assessment, or negotiation strategy
Licensing/Certification
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
- Ability to travel as needed
Pay & Benefits
- Competitive market salary from $153,000 per year to $170,000 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)
- Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan, which includes a dollar-for-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 (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 doesn’t 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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