Supervisor Ground Support - MDW

swa; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Airlines is seeking a Supervisor Ground Support for the MDW station. You will provide day-to-day leadership for GSE mechanics, oversee maintenance operations, and step into managerial duties in the absence of the Manager.

The role focuses on staffing, payroll, asset oversight, and performance reviews, with an emphasis on team development, collaboration, and safety in a 24-hour operation. U.S. work authorization is required.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of mechanical systems and ability to advise on repairs.
• Experience interpreting collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
• Ability to lead and develop a diverse team in a high-stakes environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead GSE mechanics and provide day-to-day supervision at MDW station.
• Coordinate staffing and oversee payroll and performance reviews.
• Guide safety, compliance, and operational reliability of ground support equipment.

Skills

GSE leadership

Team coaching

CBAs knowledge

Mechanical troubleshooting

Safety compliance

Scheduling

MS Excel

Vendor coordination

Tools

Fleet maintenance software

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 repai