Sr Vendor Program Manager

Department:

Ground Operations

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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Southwest Airlines promises to provide Employees with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. The Senior Vendor Program Manager oversees ground equipment fleets for 12-15 stations where Southwest has outsourced maintenance functions to third-party contractors and vendors. This role partners with both local Station Leadership and contractors to ensure that local ground equipment maintenance adheres to Southwest standards and fosters a reliable, safe, and low-cost airport operation. The Senior Vendor Program Manager is a strong communicator who enjoys working as an organized collaborator in a dynamic environment.

Additional Details:

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  This role is offered as a regional workplace position and Employees must work in the region they support. This could require working from a mix of on-site Company facilities and remote based offices to perform the job function in a regional location determined by business need. Each Department will provide Employees with guidance on when and where presence is required with as much notice as reasonably possible.

  
  


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  Please note, while this is a regional position, there is limited group of states or localities ineligible for Employees to regularly perform their work off-site. Those ineligible locations are: Alaska, Delaware, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

  
  


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  U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

  
  

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We continue to look for opportunities to reflect the communities we serve, and welcome applicants with diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences.

Responsibilities

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  Oversee the performance of third-party contractors and vendors responsible for Ground Operations equipment maintenance

  
  


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  Conducts onsite visits, inspections and provides training to contractors and the greater GSE Team

  
  


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  Reviews and approves work order reports for $350 million worth of equipment and maintains frequent remote communication

  
  


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  Monitor all contractor service costs by reconciling invoices for accuracy, acting as approving authority, disputing incorrect or unfair charges, and ensuring all services were completed as agreed upon per contract agreements. Facilitate crucial conversations with third-party contractors and Station Leadership as needed to give performance feedback, resolve conflicts, and sets future metric expectations for quality and cost of service

  
  


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  Act as an internal liaison for Station Leadership by providing updates on contractor work, responding to escalated issues, and ensuring constant support through remote communication and frequent onsite visits. Act as an advisor to all levels of Station Leadership on ground equipment best practices, safety, and low cost alternatives to repairs or purchases

  
  


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  Oversee and forecast station equipment needs and conditions specific to inclement weather, seasonal demands, emergency operations, or peak travel times to ensure minimal operational disruption

  
  


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  Ensure locations have adequate parts to complete maintenance work in a timely and low-cost manner, auditing part costs or sourcing alternate part vendors when needed

  
  


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  Ensure contractors maintain adequate staffing to accomplish work as prescribed by Southwest, addressing staffing shortages with contractor leadership or arranging backup coverage by Southwest Mechanics when needed

  
  


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  Source new ground maintenance contractors and vendors as needed by researching potential contractors, conducting informational interviews, comparing offerings, and setting expectations. Partner with Purchasing Department to execute new contracts

  
  


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  Collaborate with the greater GSE Team and other key partners to monitor special equipment projects, widespread issues or trends, facility modifications, equipment warranties and auctions, or staffing needs across regions

  
  


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  May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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  Advanced knowledge and ability to analyze mechanical problems and advise on sound repair decisions

  
  


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  Knowledge of collective bargaining agreement processes and procedures

  
  


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  Knowledge of mechanical equipment involving gas, diesel, electric, hydraulic and alternate fuel systems and parts

  
  


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  Ability to work in high-pressure or emergency situations

  
  


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  Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with industry contacts and vendors

  
  


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  Ability to efficiently navigate and utilize Microsoft Office programs, with a strong proficiency in Excel.

  
  


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  Demonstrated ability to navigate and utilize fleet maintenance or repair tracking systems, as well as equipment diagnostic systems

  
  


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  Ability to perform hands-on training for Mechanics

  
  


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  Ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing

  
  

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

Experience

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  Expert level experience, expansive and far reaching knowledge in:

  
  


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  heavy truck and/or heavy equipment diagnostics and repair

  
  


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  mechanical repair shop best practices and procedures

  
  


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  invoicing, billing, auditing and management of contractors/ vendors

  
  


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  leadership and training within a mechanical repair environment

  
  

Licensing/Certification

• Must possess and maintain valid state motor vehicle operator's license

Physical Abilities

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  Ability to move/transport/raise 50 lbs. on a regular basis (over 50%)

  
  


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  Ability to move/transport/raise 75 lbs. on an occasional basis (under 50%)

  
  


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  Ability to move in a prone position on or near the ground without standing

  
  


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  Ability to be or remain stationary in a forward and downward position

  
  


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  Ability to extend and secure objects in front/above/below/beside oneself

  
  


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  Ability to traverse from one location to another

  
  


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  Ability to perform assigned duties in outdoor and inclement weather conditions

  
  


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  Ability to perform assigned duties with potential exposure to excessive noise, vibrations and/or sensory conditions

  
  

Other Qualifications

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  Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines

  
  


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  Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986

  
  


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  Must be at least 18 years of age

  
  


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  Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines

  
  


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  Must be able to travel 80% to 100% of the time to assigned stations, frequently at short notice

  
  


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  Must be able to work rotating shifts, holidays and overtime

  
  

Pay & Benefits:

Competitive market salary from $112,950 per year to $125,500 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)


• Up to a 9.3% 401(k) Company match, dollar for dollar, of your eligible pay, per paycheck


• Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution toward retirement - when Southwest profits, you profit*


• Explore more Benefits you'll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits


• Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time. 401(k) match contributions are subject to the plan's vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits


• ProfitSharing contributions are subject to plan's vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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