Job Description

Department:

Network Planning



Our Company Promise



We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.

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The Manager, Research & Development in Network Planning leads innovation efforts that shape the future of Southwest Airlines' flight schedule and network strategy. This role fosters a forward-thinking environment where Team Members challenge the status quo, develop new scheduling techniques, and translate successful ideas into actionable implementation. By evaluating and establishing best practices across optimization tools and planning applications, the Manager ensures Southwest's scheduling capabilities remain cutting-edge and effective. Collaborating with Commercial and Operational partners, this leader guides research, design, and development efforts that influence the Annual Operating Plan and long-term forecasts. This role is instrumental in driving smarter, data-informed decisions that enhance schedule quality, improve operational performance, and deliver meaningful financial impact across the operation.



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.



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



Responsibilities

Evaluate and establish the best practices for various Network Planning optimization applications.

Maintain positive relationships with all Internal and External Customers to ensure that all Research and Design activities are adequately informed and are performed in a collaborative manner

Manage and lead the application of Network Planning's tools that are used to build and edit Capacity and Schedules

Inform operational planning organizations on future schedules assumptions as an input to the Annual Operating Plan and 5-year planning efforts

Maintain continuity with Network Planning methodologies, ideas, and technology, and steer recommendations the Department should take based on characteristics of our business and knowledge of future plans

Monitor schedule performance and provide recommendations to Network Planning processes to improve business processes and tools

Train and support all Research and Design Team Members, including maintaining continuity with current scheduling techniques and requirements

Build effective partnerships with departments across Southwest Airlines both within the Commercial as well as Operational sides of the business

May perform other duties as directed by Employee's Leaders



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources

Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits

Ability to understand and apply information to contribute to the organization's strategic plan

Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions

Ability to persuade others to change their minds or behavior

Ability to listen, understand, and communicate ideas presented in writing and/or in speaking with others

Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events)

Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense

Education

Required:

High School Diploma or GED



Experience

Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)

Fully functioning, board knowledge in:

Quantitative roles from departments such as Finance, Revenue Management or Network Planning

Writing, optimizing or editing aviation schedules

Transportation operations, traffic or profitability analysis

Schedule forecasting, optimization, simulation, and editing software and tools

Presenting to senior leadership and influencing decision making

Leading Teams to complete projects from inception to implementation

Working collaboratively with key stakeholders from other departments to understand the benefits and impacts to their business processes

Preferred:

Experience/familiarity with the aviation industry and/or schedule development processes



Licensing/Certification

N/A



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

Pay & Benefits:

Competitive market salary from $134,750.00 per year to $149,700.00 per yeardepending 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:

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.



Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Job Posting End Date

10/19/2025