Enterprise SCM Category Manager

Southwest Airlines • Dallas, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Want to influence how a major airline spends smarter? As an Enterprise Supply Chain Management (SCM) Category Manager, you’ll lead strategic procurement initiatives that drive long‑term savings, value, and operational excellence across the Company. You’ll conduct market research, develop supply bases, analyze spend, and build category strategies that optimize cost, lead time, service levels, and quality. Acting as a cross‑functional partner and contract owner, you’ll manage sourcing efforts, supplier relationships, and commodity‑based programs to ensure Southwest secures the best overall value for critical goods and services. In this role, you’ll leverage data, demand insights, and competitive market dynamics to shape a comprehensive procurement strategy that supports efficient, reliable operations across the organization. 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. 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 and understanding of market supply base, competitive landscape, industry trends, key issues, and assess potential business impacts following world events through effective research
• Skilled in leading negotiations with limited guidance; understands common negotiations tactics and can use them with preparation to help drive agreements in favor of the business
• Skilled in leading cross-functional teams; builds consensus and successfully demonstrates ability to coach team members and help develop skills to meet organizational goals
• Skilled with procurement contract types and when to use them effectively; thorough understanding of contract negotiation lifecycle
• Skilled and proficient with financial models; able to perform should-cost scenarios and cost-benefit analysis techniques; thorough knowledge of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) cost models
• Skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
• Ability to obtain and disseminate information in any setting and gain influence
• Ability to identify problems and drive toward resolution; master at bringing others together to reconcile differences; manages conflict internally and externally at various levels of leadership
• Ability to develop presentation materials; experienced in presenting strategies and recommendations to senior leadership
• Ability to understands and execute each step in the sourcing methodology to maximize value and service levels for the organization
• Required: High School Diploma or GED
• Advanced-level experience, seasoned and specialized 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
• Leading negotiations with larger / significant suppliers
• 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

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams to develop and execute sourcing and procurement strategies for internal customer needs in collaboration with other internal stakeholders
• Assess and define business needs; develop 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 works 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
• Coach, mentor, train and develop less experienced team members
• 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.
• Explore more Benefits you’ll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED