Southwest Airlines

Senior Manager Dispatch Operations

Southwest Airlines$168K — $187K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in Dispatch Operations or related field
  • Strong leadership experience, especially in team management
  • Knowledge of federal aviation regulations and procedures
  • Experience in developing and auditing operational procedures
  • Proven ability to collaborate across departments and with external agencies
  • Required: Aircraft Dispatcher certification
  • Excellent problem-solving and strategic thinking skills

Responsibilities

  • Oversee and enhance all Dispatch policies and procedures
  • Audit and assess employee performance to ensure regulatory compliance
  • Engage in the Weather Disruptions Task Force activities
  • Monitor industry regulations and adjust operational strategies accordingly
  • Lead the Emergency Response Plan implementation
  • Attend industry meetings for process improvements
  • Communicate policy changes to Dispatchers via bulletins

Benefits

  • Free flights on Southwest Airlines for employees and dependents
  • 401(k) contributions from the company up to 9.3%
  • Profit-sharing based on annual company performance
  • Comprehensive health coverage available from day one
  • Opportunity for career advancement and continuous learning
Full Job Description
Department:
Network Operations Control

Job Description:

The Senior Manager Dispatch Operations Provides Leadership, direction, and strategic oversight for all aspects of the Dispatch function, ensuring safe and efficient flight operations. They'll oversee operational execution in full compliance with Southwest Airlines Operations Specifications, Federal Aviation Regulations, the Code of Federal Regulations, and the Southwest Airlines Manual System. They'll Lead the development, maintenance, and compliance of Dispatch policies, procedures, and training while auditing performance to ensure accuracy, consistency, and regulatory adherence. The Senior Manager Dispatch Operations partners across the organization and externally to support emergency response, weather disruptions, policy changes, and evolving operational requirements in alignment with Leadership priorities and long-term operational goals.

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.


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


Responsibilities
  • Preside over all aspects of the Dispatch function including but not limited to, the establishment and modification of all policies, procedures, and training pertaining to the Dispatch function
  • Audit Employee job performance to ensure accuracy and compliance with Company policies and government regulations
  • Participate as a member of the Weather Disruptions Task Force
  • Stay informed with respect to Company growth initiatives, federal regulations and other factors requiring changes in strategy and operational activities
  • Participate in the implementation of the Emergency Response Plan
  • Attend government and industry meetings to develop new processes
  • Collaborate with others on changes in policy to the Dispatchers through the creation and distribution of Read before Dispatch bulletins
  • Provide Leadership and direction of the Flight Dispatch office to ensure that flight movements and diversions are operated safely and maintained efficiently
  • Monitor and ensure compliance with Dispatch guidelines, federal regulations, and Company policies
  • May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography, and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology
  • Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods including alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media
  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process
  • 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 the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
  • Skilled in determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes
  • Ability to identify the right people for the job and provides on-going coaching to ensure strong Teams
  • Ability to think strategically and understand the relationship between current actions and future consequences
  • Ability to handle complex issues and work at a fast pace with a strong attention to detail
  • Preferred: Knowledge and interactive work with government agencies and Dispatch Operations.
  • Preferred: Experience in FlightKeys


Education
  • Required: High School Diploma or GED


Experience
  • Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading Team(s)
  • Fully functioning and broad knowledge in:
    • Interacting with government agencies
    • Southwest Airlines Dispatch Operations


Licensing/Certification
  • Required: Aircraft Dispatcher under federal guidelines


Physical Abilities
  • Ability to perform work duties from [limited space workstation/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 23 years of age to meet Dispatch licensing requirement
  • Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
  • Must meet all regulatory criteria to obtain and maintain Flight Deck Jump Seat access; this position requires successful and continuous enrollment in Rap Back


Pay & Benefits:

Competitive market salary from $168,650 per year to $187,400 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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