Enterprise SCM Category Manager

Southwest Airlines • Dallas, TX

4d • $98,650 - $109,600 • Onsite

About The Position

The Enterprise SCM Category Manager leads strategic sourcing, negotiation, contracting, and supplier management across assigned categories and portfolios to help Southwest Airlines maximize the value of its spending. The role partners with internal Customers and cross-functional Teams to develop category strategies, identify savings and long-term value opportunities, strengthen supplier relationships, and balance cost, service, risk, and operational needs. Two opportunities are available: Onboard Customer Experience, supporting products and services such as food and beverage, onboard service items, provisioning and distribution services, and Crew meals; and Ground Support Equipment, supporting equipment, parts, and services used to maintain automotive, ramp, provisioning, and deicing equipment.

The position leads sourcing and supplier initiatives with moderate-to-high business impact, independently managing sourcing processes, negotiations, contracts, supplier relationships, category performance, and risk mitigation. It also supports cross-functional alignment, contract governance, measurable business outcomes, and the development of less experienced team members.

The role is based at Southwest Airlines’ Dallas, Texas Headquarters and requires working there during business hours. U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. is required; work authorization sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Advanced-level, seasoned and specialized experience in economic/financial analysis, commodity management, and cross-functional team leadership.
• Experience leading small Team projects or some larger interdepartmental projects with some senior Stakeholders.
• Experience leading negotiations with larger or significant suppliers.
• Thorough knowledge of market supply dynamics, supplier landscapes, industry trends, competitive factors, and category economics.
• Ability to build relationships, gain alignment, and influence stakeholders across functions, business units, suppliers, and leadership levels.
• Ability to identify complex business, supplier, commercial, and contractual issues and independently develop effective solutions.
• Skill in leading sourcing strategies, negotiations, and supplier engagements that balance cost, service, quality, risk, and operational objectives.
• Ability to develop and present business cases, sourcing recommendations, and category strategies to management and senior stakeholders.
• Skill in leading cross-functional teams and initiatives and driving alignment and execution across stakeholder groups.
• Thorough understanding of category management methodologies, sourcing processes, supplier management practices, and procurement governance requirements.
• Skill in procurement contracting, commercial negotiations, and risk management, including independently structuring and executing contractual agreements.
• Skill in financial analysis, total cost of ownership modeling, business case development, supplier evaluation, and commercial decision support.
• Ability to use market intelligence, supplier insights, and data-driven analysis to develop category strategies and improve outcomes.
• Ability to balance competing priorities, manage multiple initiatives, and drive results in dynamic business environments.
• Ability to mentor and support the development of less experienced team members.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States; work authorization sponsorship is not available.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance according to Company appearance standards and comply with Company attendance standards.
• Ability to perform work duties at a limited-space workstation, desk, or office for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate and interact with others in English to meet job demands.
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing category strategies across snacks, beverages, alcohol, and other onboard consumables.
• Experience developing and executing category strategies for ground support equipment (GSE), parts, and services across automotive, ramp, provisioning, and deicing vehicles supporting operations.
• Experience with product assortment and portfolio optimization.
• Experience balancing Customer desirability, operational feasibility, cost, supply continuity, and strategic fit.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing, supplier, contracting, and negotiation activities across assigned categories and portfolios with moderate-to-high business impact.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, independently managing RFx processes, supplier engagement, negotiations, stakeholder alignment, and execution of category and sourcing strategies.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that optimize total cost, pricing, lead times, supply continuity, and acquisition outcomes.
• Develop and execute negotiation strategies to achieve commercial, operational, and business outcomes.
• Draft, negotiate, and execute contracts independently; identify and mitigate contractual risks with Legal and business stakeholders.
• Lead strategic supplier relationship management, driving performance, accountability, continuous improvement, innovation, and long-term value creation.
• Use data-driven analysis and market intelligence to assess suppliers, commercial proposals, and category performance and inform business decisions.
• Deliver cost savings, cost avoidance, service improvements, and other measurable business outcomes through category management and commercial negotiation.
• Lead cross-functional sourcing and supplier initiatives, aligning stakeholders and business partners with enterprise objectives.
• Own contract governance and drive supplier compliance, accountability, and value realization.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and monitor supplier performance, market conditions, competitive benchmarks, and industry trends.
• Influence stakeholders and business leaders to build alignment, resolve competing priorities, and advance category, supplier, and sourcing strategies.
• Mentor and support less experienced team members through coaching, knowledge sharing, and guidance.
• Perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders.

Benefits

• Free travel on any open seat on Southwest flights for the Employee and eligible dependents.
• Company dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match contribution of up to 9.3% of eligible earnings, subject to plan terms and vesting schedule.
• Potential annual profit-sharing contribution to the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan, subject to plan terms, vesting schedule, and Company discretion.
• Competitive health insurance for the Employee and eligible dependents, with coverage options beginning on the first day of employment and retroactive availability to that day after enrollment.

What This Job Offers

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