MD Network Operations - HDQ

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

Department: Network Operations Control

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.

Job Description

The Managing Director Network Operations leads the Network Operations Team responsible for maintaining and recovering Southwest's network while ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operations. They'll set the strategic direction for aircraft routing, disruption management, and operational recovery while connecting long-term planning with real-time execution. They'll partner across Flight Operations, Dispatch, Ground Operations, Maintenance, Crew, and Customer-facing Teams to align priorities, navigate complex operational challenges, and drive decisions that balance Safety, reliability, Customer experience, and cost. The Managing Director Network Operations leverages strong Leadership, business acumen, and decision-making skills to develop Leaders, strengthen operational resilience, and shape the future of Network 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.

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

• 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 NOC Customer Planner (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 that guide both pre-operational (advanced) and day-of-operation (tactical) planning and execution.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration with key operational groups (e.g., Flight Operations, Ground Operations, Dispatch, and Maintenance) to enable a resilient and reliable flight schedule.
• Drive continuous improvement in irregular operations (IROPS) management by enhancing proactive planning, communication protocols, and real-time customer support strategies.
• Ensure leadership depth and continuity by developing and maintaining a pipeline of trained personnel capable of assuming responsibilities during all phases of flight activity.
• Establish clear performance expectations and operational KPIs that balance reliability, cost efficiency, and exceptional Customer Service across all planning and execution activities.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including Federal Aviation Regulations, Dispatch and Network Operations standards, and company policies.
• Serve as a key contributor to the Company's Emergency Response Plan, ensuring the integrity and adaptability of the flight schedule under crisis conditions.
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Company growth, federal regulations, and other factors requiring changes in strategy and operational activities
• Knowledge of TWU550 to ensure compliance with labor agreements
• Skilled in auditing Employee job performance to ensure accuracy and compliance with Company policies and government regulations
• Skilled in communication, verbal and written
• Skilled in problem-solving, interpersonal, strategic, decision making, and time management skills
• Ability to work well with others as part of a team, professionally interact with other departments, labor groups, the public
• Ability to handle complex issues in stressful situations and within regulatory co