MD Network Operations - HDQ

Southwest Airlines • Dallas, TX

10d • $249,050 - $276,700 • Onsite

About The Position

The Managing Director Network Operations leads Southwest Airlines’ Network Operations Team, responsible for maintaining and recovering the network while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operations. The role sets strategic direction for aircraft routing, disruption management, and operational recovery, connecting long-term planning with real-time execution. It partners across Flight Operations, Dispatch, Ground Operations, Maintenance, Crew, and Customer-facing Teams to align priorities and make decisions balancing Safety, reliability, Customer experience, and cost.

The position provides strategic leadership and oversight of Network Operations, leads Chiefs of Network, Network Superintendents, and NOC Customer Planner Teams, and builds a scalable advanced planning organization. It develops planning and execution playbooks, improves irregular operations management, develops leadership continuity, establishes operational performance expectations, ensures regulatory compliance, and contributes to the Company’s Emergency Response Plan.

This role is based at Southwest Airlines’ Dallas, Texas headquarters and is required to be performed there during business hours. Extended hours may be required based on operational needs. The role requires U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the United States; work authorization sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated experience directly or indirectly leading teams.
• Advanced-level business acumen in the functional area.
• Seasoned and specialized knowledge of operational planning and tactical daily operations.
• Knowledge of Company growth, federal regulations, and other factors that may require changes in strategy and operational activities.
• Knowledge of TWU550 to ensure compliance with labor agreements.
• Skill in auditing Employee job performance for accuracy and compliance with Company policies and government regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Problem-solving, interpersonal, strategic, decision-making, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work well with others, collaborate as part of a team, and interact professionally with other departments, labor groups, and the public.
• Ability to handle complex issues in stressful situations and within regulatory constraints.
• Ability to prepare and present reports to large and small audiences.
• Ability to think strategically and understand the relationship between current actions and future consequences.
• Ability to perform duties at a limited-space workstation, desk, or office area for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate and interact in English and use a computer and office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy.
• Must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the United States.
• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance according to Company standards and comply with Company attendance standards.
• Must be able to work extended hours based on operational needs.

Nice To Haves

• Experience running a complex airline operation, including long-range planning and day-of-operation execution.
• Understanding of network operations, operational control, schedule reliability, disruption management, and recovery planning.
• Experience leading large-scale operational disruption response, recovery efforts, and crisis events while maintaining a safe and reliable operation.
• Experience developing operational playbooks, procedures, and planning strategies that improve consistency, coordination, and execution.
• Experience establishing performance expectations, operational metrics, and accountability for results.
• Leadership experience across multiple operational functions in a complex environment.
• Experience leading organizational change, improving processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements, company policies, labor agreements, and other factors affecting airline operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of Network Operations, including establishing, evolving, and implementing policies, procedures, and training programs for Chiefs of Network, Network Superintendents, and NOC Customer Planner Teams.
• Lead and align Chiefs of Network, Network Superintendents, and NOC Customer Planners to ensure operational excellence and consistent execution of advanced and tactical planning strategies.
• Build and mature a scalable advanced planning organization that integrates key planning units across the operational spectrum.
• Develop and institutionalize playbooks for pre-operational advanced planning and day-of-operation tactical planning and execution.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration with Flight Operations, Ground Operations, Dispatch, Maintenance, and other operational groups to support a resilient and reliable flight schedule.
• Improve irregular operations management through proactive planning, communication protocols, and real-time customer support strategies.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of trained personnel able to assume responsibilities throughout all phases of flight activity.
• Establish performance expectations and operational KPIs balancing reliability, cost efficiency, and Customer Service.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations, Dispatch and Network Operations standards, and company policies.
• Contribute to the Company’s Emergency Response Plan and support the integrity and adaptability of the flight schedule during crises.
• Guide and lead Team Members using Southwest talent management practices to coach, develop, and engage Employees.
• Foster inclusion, recognition, support, and a safe work environment by adhering to Company values and competencies.
• Participate in continuous learning and development to support leadership and self-growth.
• Perform other job duties as directed by the Employee’s Leaders.

Benefits

• Free standby travel on open seats on Southwest flights for the Employee and eligible dependents.
• Retirement Savings Plan with a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) Company match of up to 9.3% of eligible earnings, subject to plan terms and vesting schedule.
• Potential annual profit-sharing contributions to the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan, subject to plan terms and Company discretion.
• Competitive health insurance for the Employee and eligible dependents.
• Health plan coverage options beginning on the first day of employment, with enrollment within 30 days and coverage retroactively available to the first day of employment.
• Additional bonus opportunities may be available for eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, at the Company’s discretion.

What This Job Offers

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