Senior Manager Dispatch Operations

The Senior Manager Dispatch Operations Provides Leadership, direction, and strategic oversight for all aspects of the Dispatch function, ensuring safe and efficient flight operations. They’ll oversee operational execution in full compliance with Southwest Airlines Operations Specifications, Federal Aviation Regulations, the Code of Federal Regulations, and the Southwest Airlines Manual System. They’ll Lead the development, maintenance, and compliance of Dispatch policies, procedures, and training while auditing performance to ensure accuracy, consistency, and regulatory adherence. The Senior Manager Dispatch Operations partners across the organization and externally to support emergency response, weather disruptions, policy changes, and evolving operational requirements in alignment with Leadership priorities and long‑term operational goals. 

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

• Preside over all aspects of the Dispatch function including but not limited to, the establishment and modification of all policies, procedures, and training pertaining to the Dispatch function

• Audit Employee job performance to ensure accuracy and compliance with Company policies and government regulations

• Participate as a member of the Weather Disruptions Task Force

• Stay informed with respect to Company growth initiatives, federal regulations and other factors requiring changes in strategy and operational activities

• Participate in the implementation of the Emergency Response Plan

• Attend government and industry meetings to develop new processes

• Collaborate with others on changes in policy to the Dispatchers through the creation and distribution of Read before Dispatch bulletins

• Provide Leadership and direction of the Flight Dispatch office to ensure that flight movements and diversions are operated safely and maintained efficiently

• Monitor and ensure compliance with Dispatch guidelines, federal regulations, and Company policies

• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography, and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology

• Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods including alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process

• Skilled in understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making

• Skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems

• Skilled in determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes

• Ability to identify the right people for the job and provides on-going coaching to ensure strong Teams

• Ability to think strategically and understand the relationship between current actions and future consequences

• Ability to handle complex issues and work at a fast pace with a strong attention to detail

• Preferred: Knowledge and interactive work with government agencies and Dispatch Operations.  

• Preferred: Experience in FlightKeys 

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading Team(s)

• Fully functioning and broad knowledge in:

  • Interacting with government agencies

  • Southwest Airlines Dispatch Operations

Licensing/Certification

• Required: Aircraft Dispatcher under federal guidelines

Physical Abilities

• Ability to perform work duties from [limited space workstation/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

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 23 years of age to meet Dispatch licensing requirement

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

• Must meet all regulatory criteria to obtain and maintain Flight Deck Jump Seat access; this position requires successful and continuous enrollment in Rap Back

Pay & Benefits:

Competitive market salary from $168,650 per year to $187,400 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 401(k) retirement savings with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**
• Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement
• Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit***
• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)
• Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment.
• 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 Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits

***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company