Manager Regional Aircraft Appearance - HOU

Southwest Airlines•Houston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Manager, Regional Aircraft Appearance, you’ll lead the Teams responsible for ensuring Southwest aircraft are clean, safe, and ready for departure every day. You’ll oversee daily operations across your locations, coach and develop Supervisors, Leads, and Technicians, and ensure work is completed in compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and union agreements. From training and auditing to project management and process improvements, you’ll drive consistency, quality, and efficiency across Aircraft Appearance operations. By building strong relationships with Employees, Union partners, and cross‑functional Leaders—and by focusing on safety, performance, and accountability—you’ll play a key role in delivering a reliable operation and a great experience for our Customers. 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. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Houston, TX 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

Requirements

Ability to communicate in a flexible and effective manner, both orally and written and have the ability to speak in a group situation with varying levels of audience
Expert problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing requirements
Exhibits the ability to be an attentive, active listener, capable of identifying unstated needs, verifying messages, and clarifying expectations to help others reach agreement
Proficient computer skills and strong working knowledge of all Microsoft Office Suite programs
Ability to represent Aircraft Appearance Leaders in cross-functional meetings
Ability to develop and deliver effective leadership PowerPoint presentations
Ability to display poise and confidence in formal communication, written, verbal, and presentation, to various levels of the organization including Customers, subject matter experts, Company and union Leaders, and Sr. Leaders
Ability to read and comprehend maintenance program, operational, and component manuals
Ability to provide constructive feedback and hold direct reports accountable to meet expectations
Ability to lead, and establish a positive attitude with assigned personnel and other Company Employees
Ability to be an independent thinker who has the courage to challenge the status quo, provoke thought, initiate debate, and be decisive, even in ambiguous environments
Ability to manage programs and execute projects in a timely manner
Ability to work well with cross-departmental relationships
Working knowledge in maintaining operational budgets
Able to work as part of a Team while refraining from reaching conclusions, acting without group consensus, or asserting own values until all perspectives are heard
Required: High School Diploma or GED
Required: Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)
Required: Fully functioning, broad knowledge in: Leading Aircraft Appearance, Aviation Operations, Warehouse Operations or Manufacturing Operations
Leading a unionized workforce and managing Collective Bargaining Agreements
Working with regulating authorities such as TSA, OSHA, EPA, FDA, or FAA
Required: Must be able to obtain a SIDA (Secured Identification Display Area) badge and meet all local airport requirements
Ability to perform work duties from limited space work station/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
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 a flexible schedule depending on the needs of the operation
Must be able to work extended hours as necessary to meet deadlines
Must be able to travel with some overnight stays to meet the requirements of the position
Must meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary, and sensitive Company information

Nice To Haves

Preferred: Experience with data analytics tools, including Power BI, Tableau, and related technology platforms
Preferred: Experience supporting Customer‑centric B2B and/or B2C environments, with exposure to FAA/FEMA or other regulated domain
Preferred: Foundational experience/knowledge across project management, strategic planning, supply chain, and safety disciplines

Responsibilities

Oversee and control the daily workload through the Supervisors and Lead Technicians, to ensure that all aircraft are prepared and ready for departure
Oversee quality and determine compliance with standards set forth in Aircraft Appearance task cards, including documents with regulatory requirements
Ensure Southwest Airline's directives and all AMFA contractual obligations are satisfied
Ensure workplace safety and that all Regulatory requirements are met
Responsible for maintaining training of all employees in operational functions and regulatory requirements
Ensure Departmental SSID and security search requirements are met
Ensure that all personnel are compliant with training requirements and communicate training needs to Sr Mgr Aircraft Appearance
Ensure facilities and equipment are maintained and adequate
Ensure job-related documents are completed and properly distributed
Ensure payroll documents are accurate and properly distributed
Ensure written turnovers are recorded and computer entries are made to the Sr Manager Aircraft Appearance daily
Responsible for daily coordination with other Departmental Leaders to ensure that all work is addressed
Monitor workload and personnel capabilities to ensure adequate staffing levels and productivity
Responsible for maintaining the security of aircraft that are being worked on by Aircraft Appearance crews
Ensure Leadership Team enforces attendance policies and takes appropriate action, including discipline when necessary
Develop employees into future Leaders and is responsible for appointing an appropriate person to assume Regional Manager duties and responsibilities in his/her absence
Responsible for achieving departmental metrics/KPI’s and developing strategies for improvement
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 Retirement Savings Plan 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

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