Head of Network Operations & Strategic Resilience

swa; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Airlines in Dallas, TX seeks a Managing Director, Network Operations to lead the Network Operations Team, directing strategic routing, disruption management, and operational recovery. You will join across Flight Operations, Dispatch, Ground Operations, Maintenance, Crew and Customer teams to balance safety, reliability, customer experience and cost.

The role emphasizes leadership development, resilience building, and the evolution of planning playbooks to guide both pre-operational and

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in network operations is required.
• Proven ability to drive cross-functional collaboration across Flight Operations, Dispatch, Ground Operations, Maintenance, Crew and Customer-facing Teams.
• Strong strategic planning and crisis management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all aspects of Network Operations, with authority to establish, evolve, and implement policies, procedures, and training programs for Chiefs of Network (CONs), Network Superintendents (SODs), and NCP Teams.
• Lead and align the efforts of CONs, SODs, and NCPs to ensure operational excellence and consistent execution of advanced and tactical planning strategies.
• Build and mature a scalable advanced planning organization that integrates all key planning units across the operational spectrum.
• Develop and institutionalize comprehensive playbooks for pre-operational and day-of-operation planning and execution.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration with Flight Operations, Ground Operations, Dispatch, and Maintenance to enable a resilient and reliable flight schedule.
• Drive continuous improvement in irregular operations (IROPS) management through proactive planning, communication, and real-time customer support.
• Ensure leadership depth by developing a pipeline of trained personnel to cover all flight activity phases.
• Establish clear performance KPIs balancing reliability, cost efficiency, and exceptional Customer Service across planning and execution.
• Monitor and ensure regulatory compliance including Federal Aviation Regulations and company standards.
• Contribute to the Company’s Emergency Response Plan to maintain schedule integrity under crises.
• May perform other duties as directed by Leaders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Disruption management

Cross-functional collaboration

Decision making

Job description

Southwest Airlines in Dallas, TX seeks a Managing Director, Network Operations to lead the Network Operations Team, directing strategic routing, disruption management, and operational recovery. You will join across Flight Operations, Dispatch, Ground Operations, Maintenance, Crew and Customer teams to balance safety, reliability, customer experience and cost.

The role emphasizes leadership development, resilience building, and the evolution of planning playbooks to guide both pre-operational and