<p><b>Department:</b></p>Network Operations Control<p></p><p></p><p><b>Our Company Promise</b></p><p><br />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.</p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Job Description:</b></p><p><span style="color:#242424">The Managing Director Network Operations leads the Network Operations Team responsible for maintaining and recovering Southwest’s network while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operations. They’ll set the strategic direction for aircraft routing, disruption management, and operational recovery while connecting long-term planning with real-time execution. They’ll partner across Flight Operations, Dispatch, Ground Operations, Maintenance, Crew, and Customer-facing Teams to align priorities, navigate complex operational challenges, and drive decisions that balance Safety, reliability, Customer experience, and cost. The Managing Director Network Operations leverages strong Leadership, business acumen, and decision-making skills to develop Leaders, strengthen operational resilience, and shape the future of Network Operations.</span></p><br /><p style="color:!important"><span style="color:#242424">Additional Details</span></p><ul><li><span style="color:#000000">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. </span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="color:#000000">U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available. </span></li></ul><br /><p style="color:!important"><span style="color:#000000">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.</span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#212529">Model the Southwest Way</span></p><ul><li><span style="color:#212529">Guide and lead Team Members using SWA talent management practices to coach, develop, and engage Employees</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Adhere to Company values and competencies to foster a Culture of inclusion, recognition, and support of a safe work environment</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Invest in Leadership and self-growth through participating in continuous learning and development</span></li></ul><br /><p><span style="color:#212529">Responsibilities</span></p><ul><li><span style="color:#212529">Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all aspects of Network Operations, with authority to establish, evolve, and implement policies, procedures, and training programs for Chiefs of Network (CONs), Network Superintendents (SODs), and NOC Customer Planner (NCP) Teams.</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Lead and align the efforts of CONs, SODs, and NCPs to ensure operational excellence and consistent execution of advanced and tactical planning strategies.</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Build and mature a scalable advanced planning organization that integrates all key planning units across the operational spectrum.</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Develop and institutionalize comprehensive playbooks that guide both pre-operational (advanced) and day-of-operation (tactical) planning and execution.</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Champion cross-functional collaboration with key operational groups (e.g., Flight Operations, Ground Operations, Dispatch, and Maintenance) to enable a resilient and reliable flight schedule.</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Drive continuous improvement in irregular operations (IROPS) management by enhancing proactive planning, communication protocols, and real-time customer support strategies.</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Ensure leadership depth and continuity by developing and maintaining a pipeline of trained personnel capable of assuming responsibilities during all phases of flight activity.</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Establish clear performance expectations and operational KPIs that balance reliability, cost efficiency, and exceptional Customer Service across all planning and execution activities.</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Monitor and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including Federal Aviation Regulations, Dispatch and Network Operations standards, and company policies.</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Serve as a key contributor to the Company’s Emergency Response Plan, ensuring the integrity and adaptability of the flight schedule under crisis conditions.</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders</span></li></ul><br /><p><span style="color:#212529">Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities</span></p><ul><li><span style="color:#212529">Knowledge of Company growth, federal regulations, and other factors requiring changes in strategy and operational activities</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Knowledge of TWU550 to ensure compliance with labor agreements</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Skilled in auditing Employee job performance to ensure accuracy and compliance with Company policies and government regulations</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Skilled in communication, verbal and written</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Skilled in problem-solving, interpersonal, strategic, decision making, and time management skills</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Ability to work well with others as part of a team, professionally interact with other departments, labor groups, the public</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Ability to handle complex issues in stressful situations and within regulatory constraints</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Ability to prepare and present reports to large and small audiences</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Ability to think strategically and understand the relationship between current actions and future consequence</span></li></ul><p><span style="color:#212529">Education</span></p><ul><li><span style="color:#212529">Required: High School Diploma or GED</span></li></ul><br /><p><span style="color:#212529">Experience</span></p><ul><li><span style="color:#212529">Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading teams</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Advanced level business acumen in functional area</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Seasoned and specialized knowledge in:Operational planning and tactical daily operations</span></li><li><span style="color:#242424">Preferred: Experience running a complex airline operation, including both long-range planning and day-of-operation execution.</span></li><li><span style="color:#242424">Preferred: Understanding of network operations, operational control, schedule reliability, disruption management, and recovery planning.</span></li><li><span style="color:#242424">Preferred: Experience leading large-scale operational disruption response, recovery efforts, and crisis events while maintaining a safe and reliable operation.</span></li><li><span style="color:#242424">Preferred: Experience in developing operational playbooks, procedures, and planning strategies that improve consistency, coordination, and execution.</span></li><li><span style="color:#242424">Preferred: Experience establishing clear performance expectations, operational metrics, and accountability for results.</span></li><li><span style="color:#242424">Preferred: Experience in leadership with multiple operational functions in a complex environment.</span></li><li><span style="color:#242424">Preferred: Experience leading organizational change, improving processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.</span></li><li><span style="color:#242424">Preferred: Strong understanding of regulatory requirements, company policies, labor agreements, and other factors that impact airline operations.</span></li></ul><br /><p><span style="color:#212529">Licensing/Certification</span></p><ul><li><span style="color:#212529">N/A</span></li></ul><br /><p><span style="color:#212529">Physical Abilities</span></p><ul><li><span style="color:#212529">Ability to perform work duties from [limited space workstation/desk/office area] for extended periods of time</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job</span></li></ul><br /><p><span style="color:#212529">Other Qualifications</span></p><ul><li><span style="color:#212529">Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Must be at least 18 years of age</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines</span></li><li><span style="color:#212529">Must be able to work extended hours based on operational needs</span></li></ul><br /><p>Competitive market salary from $249,050.00 per year to $276,700.00 per year* depending on qualifications and experience.</p><br /><p>For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the Company.</p><br /><p>Benefits you’ll love: </p><p>• Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too) </p><p>• 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**</p><p>• Potential for annual profit-sharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement</p><p>Savings Plan—when Southwest profits, you profit***</p><p>• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents</p><p>• 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.</p><p>• Explore more benefits you’ll love: /><p>*Pay amount doesn’t guarantee employment for any particular period.</p><p>**401(k) Company match contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule. Match contributions may vary based on the position.</p><p>*** Profit-sharing contributions are subject to the Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.</p><p></p><p><i><b>Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.</b></i><br />Please print/save this job description because it won't be available after you apply.</p><br><b>Job Posting End Date</b><br>10/30/2026