Associate Enterprise SCM Category Manager

Southwest Airlines•Dallas, TX

16h•Onsite

About The Position

As an Associate Enterprise SCM Category Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping strategies that influence cost, service, and supplier performance across the business. You'll work closely with internal stakeholders, analyze spend and market trends, support negotiations that deliver long-term value, and assist in managing supplier relationships and contract execution. This role offers hands-on experience with data-driven decision-making and financial modeling, while providing exposure to the full sourcing lifecycle and collaboration with seasoned Category Managers and external partners. 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.

Requirements

Knowledge of market supply base, competitive landscape, industry trends, key issues, and assess potential business impacts following world events through effective research
Ability to obtain and disseminate information in any setting, and gain influence
Ability to identify problems and drive toward resolution; skilled in bringing others together to reconcile differences
Knowledge of leading negotiations with limited guidance; understands common negotiations tactics and can use them with preparation to help drive agreements in favor of the business
Ability to develop presentation materials; able to present to leadership with support from others
Skilled in leading cross-functional teams; successfully demonstrates ability to coach team members and help develop skills to meet organizational goals
Ability to understands and executes each step in the sourcing methodology to maximize value and service levels for the organization
Knowledge regarding the difference between the most common procurement contract types and when to use them effectively; knowledge of contract negotiation lifecycle
Skilled with financial models; able to perform should-cost scenarios and cost-benefit analysis techniques; familiar with using an Electronic Procurement System to facilitate RFx process
Ability to make edits to existing contracts; can rewrite sections of the contract based on results of negotiations with suppliers; may require limited support
Required: High School Diploma or GED
Intermediate-level experience, fully functioning broad knowledge in: Economic/financial analysis, commodity management, and cross-functional team leadership
Leading small team projects or some larger interdepartmental projects with some senior Stakeholders
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

Nice To Haves

Preferred: Knowledge/Experience with Coupa or Ironclad

Responsibilities

Serve on cross-functional teams to develop and execute sourcing and procurement strategies for internal customer needs in collaboration with other internal stakeholders
Support the development of effective supplier negotiation strategies and utilize innovative procurement solutions to maximize value to Southwest
Partner with primary internal customers to develop category reviews to gauge supplier performance and identify incremental value opportunities
Manage supplier relationships, risk factors and performance effectively through regular engagement with suppliers and internal customers
Evaluate total supplier value by aligning business needs with supplier capabilities, leveraging spend and volume of business
Drive sourcing process through an Electronic Procurement System or other similar methods; provide effective, and timely communication to Suppliers and Team throughout the sourcing process
Coordinate supplier presentations, demonstrations, or product testing; conduct site visits
Identify opportunities for cost savings and/or efficiencies in sourcing and work with cross-functional team to recommend alternative opportunities
Coordinate drafting and execution of contracts and manage administration of contracts and service agreements; ensure supplier is held accountable to contracted KPIs, rebates, reporting, and performance terms
Work with legal, tax, cybersecurity/data privacy and other internal stakeholders as needed to ensure contracts meet current guidelines and policies
May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders

Benefits

Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
Southwest will help fund your 401(k) retirement savings 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.

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