Southwest Airlines | Captain

Overview

Southwest Airlines, a leading airline committed to innovation and operational excellence, is seeking a strategic and experienced leader for the pivotal role of Director, Flight Operations Future Crew Planning. This position is instrumental in shaping the long-term strategic vision for the airline's Pilot workforce and training resources, ensuring alignment with operational goals and supporting the company's continuous growth trajectory. The successful candidate will lead the development of medium- and long-range crew plans, oversee critical aspects of crew scheduling, staffing forecasts, and training center allocation, driving efficiency and resilience within the Flight Operations division. This role plays a vital part in connecting Flight Operations to the broader success of Southwest Airlines, ensuring flights are reliably staffed, Pilots are well-supported, and the operation is prepared for the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and implementation of future crew planning initiatives, ensuring optimal Pilot workforce and training resource alignment with long-term operational and growth objectives.
• Direct the management and development of the Manager Crew Resource Planning and Intermediate Crew Planning teams, optimizing the allocation of Pilot and Training Center resources while ensuring full compliance with FAR regulations, contractual rules, scheduling policy, and Pilot quality criteria.
• Collaborate extensively with Network Planning and Commercial Teams to integrate future initiatives and develop operationally viable flight schedules.
• Serve as a key liaison and supporting member of Labor Relations, actively participating in Company Negotiating Teams for Pilot contracts and resolving planning-related challenges and disputes with union representatives.
• Oversee the comprehensive development of schedule construction strategies and optimization for future operations (3-9 months out).
• Manage detailed staffing plans, including hiring projections, Captain upgrades, base staffing, and vacation planning, supported by thorough research and documentation.
• Direct the development of robust training resource plans encompassing simulators, instructors, check Pilots, classrooms, and various flight training devices.
• Identify and address deficiencies in current planning practices, developing actionable plans for continuous improvement.
• Drive constant improvement in the Crew Staffing process, exploring new metrics and developing advanced models.
• Partner with Operations Performance and Finance on company-wide programs, cost analysis, and other ad-hoc projects.
• Act as the direct Leader over Crew Research & Design Initiatives, representing the Crew Planning Team at all organizational levels and fulfilling information requests from other departments.
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s).
• Advanced level Business Acumen in a functional area.
• Seasoned and specialized knowledge in:
  • Advanced analytics that includes spreadsheet design.
  • SQL and data visualization.
  • Labor Relations and Contract Negotiation.
  • Crew Resource Planning.
  • Crew Planning or similar airline network planning experience.
  • Airline Optimization programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional leadership and team collaboration skills, with an ability to work well with others.
• Proficiency in comprehending complex written documents, including federal regulations, labor contracts, and company material.
• Strong analytical capabilities with expertise in Microsoft Excel, Business Intelligence tools, databases, and optimization tools, coupled with knowledge of SQL.
• Demonstrated ability to create and deliver impactful Crew Staffing and Training presentations to Executive Leadership, Union representatives, and various stakeholder groups.
• Expert negotiation skills, particularly in complex work rules, with a proven ability to effectively manage and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with Flight Operations Training Leadership to ascertain future training resource needs.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions; learn, understand, and adhere to office policies and procedures.
• Skilled in using judgment sufficient to handle and resolve complex tasks, including situations that involve conflict resolution.

Work Environment & Culture

This role requires a full-time presence at Southwest Airlines' vibrant Corporate Campus in Dallas, TX, fostering camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation through in-person interaction. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or possess current authorization to work in the U.S.; sponsorship for work authorization is not available now or in the future.

The successful candidate will embody the "Southwest Way," guiding and leading team members through effective talent management practices, fostering a culture of inclusion, recognition, and support for a safe work environment, and committing to continuous learning and self-growth.

Physical Abilities

• Ability to perform work duties from a 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 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.
• Air travel with frequent overnight stays is required, particularly during Contract Negotiations.

Compensation & Benefits

Southwest Airlines offers a competitive market salary ranging from $180,350 to $200,400 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience. For eligible leadership roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.

Benefits you’ll love:

• Unlimited complimentary flight privileges for employees and eligible dependents on any open seat on all Southwest flights.
• Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with Company contributions up to 9.3% of eligible earnings.**
• Potential for annual Profit Sharing contributions to the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan when Southwest profits.***
• Competitive health insurance plans for employees and eligible dependents (including pets), with coverage commencing on the very first day of employment. Employees will have 30 days to select and enroll in their health plan with coverage retroactively available to their first day of employment.
• More benefits information is available on the Company's careers website.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer, 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.