Department: Supply Chain Management
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 Ready to drive global sourcing strategies that deliver value across the enterprise? As an International Enterprise Supply Chain Management Category Manager, you will lead procurement efforts for assigned categories by developing strategies that optimize cost, lead time, quality, and service. You will identify and execute strategic initiatives such as market research, spend analysis, and supplier development to capture long‑term value. This role partners closely with internal stakeholders and leads cross‑functional efforts including sourcing, contract ownership, and supplier performance management. Your work ensures strong procurement outcomes while navigating global markets and supporting efficient, compliant operations across Southwest.
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.
Responsibilities
Lead cross-functional teams to develop and execute sourcing and procurement strategies for internal customer needs in collaboration with other internal stakeholders
Assess and define business needs; develop effective supplier negotiation strategies and utilize innovative procurement solutions to maximize value to Southwest
Partner with primary Internal customers to develop category reviews to gauge supplier performance and identify incremental value opportunities
Manage supplier relationships, risk factors and performance effectively through regular engagement with suppliers and internal customers
Evaluate total supplier value by aligning business needs with supplier capabilities, leveraging spend and volume of business
Drive sourcing process through an Electronic Procurement System or other similar methods; provide effective, and timely communication to Suppliers and Team throughout the sourcing process; coordinate supplier presentations, demonstrations, or product testing; Conduct site visits
Identify opportunities for cost savings and/or efficiencies in sourcing and works with cross-functional team to recommend alternative opportunities
Coordinate drafting and execution of contracts and manage administration of contracts and service agreements; ensure supplier is held accountable to contracted KPIs, rebates, reporting, and performance terms
Work with legal, tax, cybersecurity/data privacy and other internal stakeholders as needed to ensure contracts meet current guidelines and policies
Coach, mentor, train and develop less experienced team members
May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge and understanding of market supply base, competitive landscape, industry trends, key issues, and assess potential business impacts following world events through effective research
Skilled in leading negotiations with limited guidance; understands common negotiations tactics and can use them with preparation to help drive agreements in favor of the business
Skilled in leading cross-functional teams; builds consensus and successfully demonstrates ability to coach team members and help develop skills to meet organizational goals
Skilled with procurement contract types and when to use them effectively; thorough understanding of contract negotiation lifecycle
Skilled and proficient with financial models; able to perform should-cost scenarios and cost-benefit analysis techniques; thorough knowledge of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) cost models
Skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
Ability to obtain and disseminate information in any setting and gain influence
Ability to identify problems and drive toward resolution; master at bringing others together to reconcile differences; manages conflict internally and externally at various levels of leadership
Ability to develop presentation materials; experienced in presenting strategies and recommendations to senior leadership
Ability to understands and execute each step in the sourcing methodology to maximize value and service levels for the organization
Ability to read, write, comprehend, and speak the Spanish language proficiently Education
Required: High School Diploma or GED
Experience
Advanced-level experience, seasoned and specialized knowledge in:
Economic/financial analysis, commodity management, and cross-functional team leadership
Leading small Team projects or some larger interdepartmental projects with some senior Stakeholders
Leading negotiations with larger / significant suppliers
Preferred: Experience with owning contract negotiations with measurable financial or service outcomes
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 communicate and interact with others in both the English language and the Spanish language 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 18 years of age
Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
Pay & Benefits
Competitive market salary from $98,650 per year to $109,600 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.
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Job Posting End Date
06/07/2026
