Department: Network Planning
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 shape the future of Southwest’s network and flight schedule? As Manager of Future Schedules, you will lead the Team responsible for designing and developing Southwest’s network and flight schedules, balancing commercial opportunities with operational realities. You will guide schedule optimization efforts, evaluate pre‑publication schedule adjustments, and identify solutions to complex planning challenges that support business goals. In this role, you will partner with Leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders to drive network design, schedule development, communications, and strategic analysis. You will also champion innovation in decision support tools and ensure your Team understands both the detailed and long‑term considerations that influence schedule planning. Your Leadership will directly impact operational reliability, network performance, and Southwest’s ability to serve Customers efficiently across its route network.
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
Identify strategic, operational, and financial risks. Incorporate risk considerations into decision-making
Develop high-quality commercial plans and the execution of schedule modifications in line with Company goals
Lead through the adoption of new tools/processes and guide through change leadership
Drive processes and tool development to ensure alignment across the Department
Lead, own, and communicate analytic results to Senior leadership tailoring communication to diverse audiences when necessary
Model and drive high standards of analytical thoroughness, quality recommendations, and communications in line with Company and Department objectives
Develop an effective Schedule Review process with both Capacity Planning and Schedule Development, ensure goals and objectives are met in the schedule creation process
Maintain and enable Network Planning's relationship with Airport operation teams
May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Advanced knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources
Advanced-level consulting skills including quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, project management, stakeholder management, executive presentations, etc.
Ability to build and manage advisory relationships with Senior-Level Leaders
Ability to combine quantitative analysis, qualitative learnings, business objectives, and intrapersonal context into compelling, actionable storylines
Ability to apply learnings and context across projects to develop Southwest’s strategic network plan
Ability to influence Senior-Level decision making
Knowledge on sequencing of schedules in development while also conveying big-picture context to the team
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits
Ability to adapt to quickly changing priorities, translate broad objectives into concise action items, align with company goals and objectives, be aware of financial performance, and coordinate with operating departments to ensure schedule feasibility.
Ability to quickly implement initiatives, reassess priorities, and identify obstacles for Department success when Company priorities shift and financial as well as operational goals are being measured
Ability to understand and apply information to design the organization’s strategic plan
Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems Education
Required: High School Diploma or GED
Experience
Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)
Advanced level of Business Acumen in functional area
Seasoned and specialized knowledge in:
Aviation consulting or management consulting
Analyzing airline performance in a strategic/commercial planning or management consulting organization (e.g. Revenue Management, Aviation Consulting, Market Planning, Network Planning, Data Science, Strategic Planning, Financial Planning & Analysis, etc.)
Commercial and operational performance metrics and targets within the transportation industry or aviation/logistic consulting
Aviation networks, network design strategies, location, and staffing constraints, and how to translate operational and commercial goals into long-term network strategies
Advanced skills in managing and developing People and building great Teams
Advanced knowledge of aircraft scheduling software or reporting tools such as Diio and SkySuite
Licensing/Certification
N/A
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 18 years of age
Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
Must meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary and sensitive Company information
Ability to work extended hours based on operational needs; on call 24/7
Must be able to travel overnight and internationally
Pay & Benefits:
Competitive market salary from $132,200 per year to $146,900 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
08/02/2026
