Supervisor Ground Support - MDW

Southwest Airlines Co.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fly for free on Southwest flights

Retirement Savings Plan match (9.3%)

Profit-sharing program

Health insurance for you and dependets

First-day health plan options

Job summary

Southwest Airlines Co. is seeking a Supervisor Ground Support for the MDW station to lead GSE mechanics, oversee daily operations, and ensure safe, reliable equipment in a 24‑hour mega operation.

You will coach teams, manage staffing and payroll, and drive performance reviews while coordinating with lead mechanics to balance workload and parts. A strong emphasis on safety, teamwork, and compliance is essential. This role requires U.S. citizenship or work authorization.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Fully functioning knowledge of ground support equipment and heavy equipment maintenance.
• Experience with fleet maintenance and repair tracking systems.
• Ability to work under pressure and in emergencies.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Respond to escalated issues and advise on equipment best practices.
• Ensure timely maintenance and repairs; allocate work among mechanics.
• Coach Mechanics and encourage cross‑knowledge sharing.
• Maintain safety and compliance in the GSE shop.
• Assist with staffing, scheduling, and vendor feedback.
• Support GSE Manager in budget adherence.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Fleet maintenance systems

Excel

Job description

Department:

Cargo Provo & GSE

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

Job Summary

This Supervisor Ground Support provides day-to-day leadership and operational oversight for Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Mechanics at our MDW Station. Supporting a 24-hour mega operation, this role ensures the safe, efficient maintenance of ground equipment while stepping into managerial responsibilities in the absence of the Manager. The Supervisor leads with a strategic mindset-supporting Technical Ops, interpreting Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), managing staffing strategies, payroll, asset oversight, and performance reviews. With a strong focus on Team development and collaboration, this Leader fosters a cohesive, productive, and safety-driven environment. This role is essential to maintaining the reliability of Southwest's Airport Operations and ensuring our People and equipment are ready to support every flight, every day.

Additional details:

• This role supports all hours of the Southwest Operation, including early mornings, late evenings, and holidays.

U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. is 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

• Support and advise local station employees or leaders on their ground equipment fleet by responding to escalated issues, advising on equipment best practices, providing updates on repair work, and meeting frequently to ensure consistent, open communication
• Address station equipment needs and conditions specific to inclement weather, seasonal demands, emergency operations, or peak travel times to ensure minimal operational disruption
• Monitor the timely completion of a shop's scheduled maintenance and repairs in the fleet management system. Influence Lead Mechanics as needed to ensure the optimal division of work among mechanics, shifts, or locations
• Act as a frontline resource for mechanics by providing side‑by‑side coaching and troubleshooting, and encouraging cross‑knowledge sharing within the shop
• Defuse interpersonal conflicts prior to escalating to GSE Manager. Assist the manager in addressing mechanic performance issues in compliance with contractual requirements
• Foster a productive, harmonious team environment. Provide input on shop meetings and culture events when needed
• Maintain a culture of safety and compliance in the GSE shop environment by ensuring regular attention to safety meetings, audits, trainings, inspections, and programs
• Ensure adequate daily staffing by addressing immediate staffing needs in compliance with contractual requirements, managing mechanic work schedules and requests, and arranging downline travel
• Partner with lead mechanics to ensure mechanics have adequate parts and supplies to complete work in a timely manner. Provide feedback to parts vendors on service and set future expectations for quality, cost, and timeliness
• Support the GSE Manager in fostering low‑cost activities and budget adherence.
• Recommend alternatives to repairs, purchases, or suppliers. Assist with facilitating equipment warranties and auctions
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge and ability to analyze mechanical problems and advise on sound repair decisions
• Knowledge of collective bargaining agreement processes and procedures
• Knowledge of mechanical equipment involving gas, diesel, electric, hydraulic and alternate fuel systems and parts
• Ability to work in high‑pressure or emergency situations
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships
• Ability to coaching, motivation, listening, and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work extended/flexible hours and prioritize competing work demands
• Ability to efficiently navigate and utilize Microsoft Office programs, with a strong proficiency in Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate and utilize fleet maintenance or repair tracking systems, as well as equipment diagnostic systems
• Ability to perform hands‑on training for Mechanics
• Ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

Experience

• Fully functioning, broad knowledge in:
  • ground support equipment
  • heavy equipment maintenance
  • systems and process analysis
  • airport operations and regulations

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
• Ability to move/transport 75 lbs on an occasional basis (under 50%)
• Ability to move in a prone position on or near the ground without standing
• Ability to be or remain stationary in a forward and downward position
• Ability to operate motorized vehicles/equipment
• Ability to raise 75 lbs over 25% of time to (waist/shoulder/overhead)
• Ability to traverse from one location to another
• Ability to perform assigned duties in outdoor and inclement weather conditions
• Ability to perform assigned duties with potential exposure to excessive noise, vibrations and/or sensory conditions

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 be able to work rotating shifts, holidays, and overtime
• Must meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary and sensitive Company information
• Air travel with frequent overnight stays required
• Ability to work extended hours as needed

Pay & Benefits:

Competitive market salary from $119,900 per year to $133,200 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 Retirement Savings Plan, which includes a dollar for-dollar 401(k) Company match contribution of up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**
• Potential for annual profit‑sharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan-when Southwest profits, you profit***
• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents
• Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You'll have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan, and coverage will be retroactively available to your first day of employment.
• Explore more benefits you'll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits

*Pay amount doesn't guarantee employment for any particular period.

**401(k) Company match contributions are subject to the plan's vesting schedule. Match contributions may vary based on the position.

*** Profit‑sharing contributions are subject to the 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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