MD Network Operations - HDQ

Southwest Airlines · Dallas · $249,050 (stated in the posting)

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Department:

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:

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.

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

• 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.
• Lead and align the efforts of CONs, SODs, and NCPs to ensure operational excellence and consistent execution of advanced and tactical planning strategies.
• Build and mature a scalable advanced planning organization that integrates all key planning units across the operational spectrum.
• Develop and institutionalize comprehensive playbooks that guide both pre-operational (advanced) and day-of-operation (tactical) planning and execution.
• 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.
• Drive continuous improvement in irregular operations (IROPS) management by enhancing proactive planning, communication protocols, and real-time customer support strategies.
• Ensure leadership depth and continuity by developing and maintaining a pipeline of trained personnel capable of assuming responsibilities during all phases of flight activity.
• Establish clear performance expectations and operational KPIs that balance reliability, cost efficiency, and exceptional Customer Service across all planning and execution activities.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including Federal Aviation Regulations, Dispatch and Network Operations standards, and company policies.
• Serve as a key contributor to the Company’s Emergency Response Plan, ensuring the integrity and adaptability of the flight schedule under crisis conditions.
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Company growth, federal regulations, and other factors requiring changes in strategy and operational activities
• Knowledge of TWU550 to ensure compliance with labor agreements
• Skilled in auditing Employee job performance to ensure accuracy and compliance with Company policies and government regulations
• Skilled in communication, verbal and written
• Skilled in problem-solving, interpersonal, strategic, decision making, and time management skills
• Ability to work well with others as part of a team, professionally interact with other departments, labor groups, the public
• Ability to handle complex issues in stressful situations and within regulatory constraints
• Ability to prepare and present reports to large and small audiences
• Ability to think strategically and understand the relationship between current actions and future consequence

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading teams
• Advanced level business acumen in functional area
• Seasoned and specialized knowledge in:Operational planning and tactical daily operations
• Preferred: Experience running a complex airline operation, including both long-range planning and day-of-operation execution.
• Preferred: Understanding of network operations, operational control, schedule reliability, disruption management, and recovery planning.
• Preferred: Experience leading large-scale operational disruption response, recovery efforts, and crisis events while maintaining a safe and reliable operation.
• Preferred: Experience in developing operational playbooks, procedures, and planning strategies that improve consistency, coordination, and execution.
• Preferred: Experience establishing clear performance expectations, operational metrics, and accountability for results.
• Preferred: Experience in leadership with multiple operational functions in a complex environment.
• Preferred: Experience leading organizational change, improving processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Preferred: Strong understanding of regulatory requirements, company policies, labor agreements, and other factors that impact airline operations.

Licensing/Certification

• N/A

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 extended hours based on operational needs

Competitive market salary from $249,050.00 per year to $276,700.00 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

• 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.
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