Southwest Airlines

Material Planner - Dallas

Southwest Airlines$77K — $85K *
Transportation
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in service part planning, production planning, or supply chain management
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data-driven insights for forecasting
  • Experience with ERP systems and service part planning software, preferably SPM and Maintenix
  • Excellent communication skills for collaboration with technical operations and stakeholders
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence without direct authority
  • Strong time management skills to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities
  • High School Diploma or GED required; further education or specific certifications a plus

Responsibilities

  • Validate and adjust forecasts for accurate part predictions
  • Implement effective stocking plans to optimize inventory and service levels
  • Communicate with supply chain and technical teams about material availability
  • Coordinate across departments to minimize aircraft downtime
  • Identify inefficiencies and recommend solutions for material management
  • Develop business cases for material requirements and support budget approvals
  • Lead projects related to parts management acting as SCM representative

Benefits

  • Travel privileges for you and dependents on Southwest flights
  • Company contributions up to 9.3% for 401(k) retirement savings
  • Potential annual ProfitSharing contributions based on company profits
  • Comprehensive health insurance options starting from day one of employment
  • Access to a variety of benefits including health coverage for pets
  • Opportunities for flexible work hours and additional travel
Full Job Description
Department:
Supply Chain Management

Job Description:

The Material Planner supports Technical Operations by serving as the subject matter expert for assigned commodities, leading material planning and forecasting efforts that ensure parts availability and operational reliability. They'll create and maintain stocking plans for designated Air Transport Association chapters while forecasting aircraft repair parts across maintenance bases and MRO locations. They'll support fleet campaigns and aircraft modification initiatives by adjusting forecasts, optimizing stocking levels, and proactively addressing material needs using data-driven insights and planning tools such as SPM. The Material Planner partners across Teams and Leads projects impacting their assigned commodities, leveraging strong analytical and problem-solving skills to improve inventory performance and support efficient, reliable maintenance operations.

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. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.


Responsibilities
  • Validate and modify statistical, scheduled and causal part demand data to establish comprehensive, accurate part forecasts
  • Implement robust stocking plans which account for supply chain constraints to achieve high service levels for assigned commodities and maintenance locations
  • Establish thorough communication with SCM and Tech Ops groups impacted by material availability and new part initiatives
  • Coordinate with cross-departmental peers and Leaders to mitigate operational disruptions, drive reductions in unscheduled aircraft downtime, ensuring abundant support for operational Teams
  • Identify process gaps and operational inefficiencies; Recommend solutions to maintain optimal material availability at the lowest cost
  • Define business cases for material requirements to attain budgetary approval, and support Leadership on the development of annual operating plan requirements
  • Lead and support cross-functional parts-related projects, serving as a Supply Chain Management representative to other Departments and external stakeholders
  • Investigate material disruptions by gaining understanding of broad supply and demand factors; Isolate causes and provide solution recommendations to Leadership
  • May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of material planning or service part planning principles and how they are applied in the supply chain lifecycle to provide optimal service
  • Skilled in broad use of office productivity software, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, and service part planning software
  • Ability to manage time effectively through organizing work and seeking guidance as needed to resolve issues and questions in order to meet deadlines
  • Skilled in communicating comprehensive information, including observations and insights, to Team Members, internal Customers, and Suppliers
  • Ability to influence people outside area of responsibility in pursuit of Team and Department goals and objectives
  • Skilled in asking the right questions to address complex issues with limited oversight, while taking personal responsibility for actions and incorporating feedback from others to make real-time adjustments
  • Skilled in understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
  • Skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify multiple alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
  • Skilled in performing detailed analysis, interpreting results, synthesizing information and providing recommendations
  • Ability to support other Team Members to ensure accuracy and completeness of tasks and use of best practices


Education
  • Required: High School Diploma or GED


Experience
  • Intermediate-level experience, fully functioning broad knowledge in:
    • Service part planning, production planning or master schedule planning
    • Supply Chain, Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Logistics or related experience

  • Preferred: Experience in SPM and Maintenix


Licensing/Certification
  • A valid passport allowing travel across US borders


Physical Abilities
  • 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


Other Qualifications
  • 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 demonstrates the highest level of ethics and integrity in all supplier relations
  • Must meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary, and sensitive Company information
  • Ability to work flexible hours to successfully meet deadlines; extended work hours, including occasional weekend coverage may be required
  • Possible travel domestically/internationally 10-15%


Pay & Benefits
  • Competitive market salary from $77,200 per year to $85,800 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.


Benefits you'll love
  • 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


*Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.

**401(k) match contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits

***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting

schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.

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About Southwest Airlines

AirTran Airways, a Fortune 1000 company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), has been ranked the number one low cost carrier in the Airline Quality Rating study for the past three years. AirTran Airways is the only major airline with Gogo Inflight Internet on every flight and offers coast-to-coast service on North America’s newest all-Boeing fleet.

Southwest Airlines Careers

Join the vibrant team at Southwest Airlines, a leading entity in the aviation industry known for its exceptional culture and commitment to innovation and diversity. As we continue to expand, there has never been a better time to explore job opportunities with us. Work You’ll Do At Southwest Airlines, we offer a variety of career paths ranging from aviation mechanics to customer service professionals, all united by a common goal of providing excellent service and maintaining the highest standards of safety. Our team members are the heart of our operations, and we empower them to succeed in their roles and beyond. Transform Your Career Step into a role at Southwest Airlines and join a team that values leadership, professional growth, and diversity training. Our employees are encouraged to lead from their first day, supported by our robust leadership development programs. Innovate with Us Southwest Airlines is at the forefront of innovation in the aviation industry. Join us and contribute to projects that redefine the future of air travel. Our collaborative environment fosters innovation, allowing every team member to make an impact. Be Part of a Great Team Our culture is built on connectivity and teamwork. At Southwest Airlines, you will work alongside dedicated professionals who share your passion for excellence. We celebrate diversity and believe it drives innovation, making us stronger and more responsive to our customers' needs. Future-Proof Your Career Southwest Airlines is committed to the professional development of our employees. With a wide range of benefits, from comprehensive health coverage to employee travel perks, we ensure that your career with us is rewarding. Continuous learning is part of our DNA, and we provide extensive training and development opportunities to help you grow your skills and advance your career. Internship Opportunities Kickstart your career with a Southwest Airlines internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, build your network, and learn from leaders who are eager to mentor the next generation of aviation professionals. Our internships offer a deep dive into the aviation world, preparing you for a full-time position in your chosen field. Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to new heights. Explore our job opportunities and find out how you can contribute to the Southwest Airlines family. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who make Southwest Airlines a great place to work. Explore Discover how innovation at Southwest Airlines is shaping the future of air travel and how you can be a part of it. Read more about our projects, team achievements, and the impact we’re making in the industry. Southwest Airlines Careers Our commitment to professional growth, a dynamic culture, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace makes Southwest Airlines not just a great place to work, but a community where you can build a fulfilling career. Join us and see where your skills and passions can take you.
Learn more about Southwest Airlines
Size
58,865 employees
Market Cap
$19.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$3 billion
Founded
1971
5 Year Trend
-4.9%
Revenue
$9 billion
NASDAQ

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