All of Southwests People come together to deliver on our Purpose; Connecting People to whats important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. The Manager Ground Support invests in our Purpose by leading Supervisors and union mechanics responsible for repairing and maintaining ground support equipment across multiple stations. The role leverages strong partnerships with local station leadership, vendors, and other stakeholders to ensure that Southwests ground equipment fosters a more reliable, safe, and low-cost airport operation. The Manager Ground Support is a skilled communicator and strategic thinker who looks forward to making a meaningful impact on the future of Southwest Airlines.

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 Phoenix (PHX) Station during business hours.

• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. is 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.

• 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

• Support and advise all levels of local station leadership 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
• Oversee the forecasting of 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 shops 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
• Coach the performance and professional growth of mechanics and/or supervisors by providing feedback, sharing resources and troubleshooting assistance, building leadership candidates, and encouraging knowledge sharing
• Resolve escalated interpersonal conflicts. Address performance issues in compliance with contractual requirements when needed
• Build and foster a productive, harmonious team environment in the shop. Plan, host, and facilitate team meetings and culture events
• Drive the culture of safety and compliance in the GSE shop environment by ensuring regular attention to safety meetings, audits, trainings, inspections, and programs
• Ensure adequate staffing coverage in compliance with contractual requirements by forecasting short-term and long-term staffing needs, managing mechanic work schedules and requests, and allocating overtime or downline travel
• Manage relationships with onsite and offsite vendors to ensure shops have adequate parts and supplies to complete work in a timely manner. Give continuous feedback on service and set future expectations for quality, cost, and timeliness
• Ensure a low-cost culture and budget adherence by encouraging innovative alternatives to repairs and purchases, auditing vendor invoices and parts purchases, sourcing new suppliers, or facilitating equipment warranties and auctions
• Collaborate with the greater GSE Team or other key partners to monitor special equipment projects, widespread issues or trends, facility modifications, or staffing needs across regions
• Must be able to meet any physical ability requirements listed on this description
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee&39;s Leaders

• 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 repair tracking systems, as well as equipment diagnostic systems
• Ability to perform hands-on training for Mechanics
• Ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

• Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)
• Fully functioning, broad knowledge in:
  • ground support equipment
  • heavy equipment maintenance
  • systems and process analysis
  • airport operations and regulations

• N/A

• 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 move/transport 75 lbs on an occasional basis (under 50)
• Ability to move in a prone position on or near the ground without standing
• Ability to be or remain stationary in a forward and downward position
• Ability to operate motorized vehicles/equipment
• Ability to raise 75 lbs over 25 of time to (waist/shoulder/overhead)
• Ability to traverse from one location to another
• Ability to perform assigned duties in outdoor and inclement weather conditions
• Ability to perform assigned duties with potential exposure to excessive noise, vibrations and/or sensory conditions

Pay & Benefits:

Competitive market salary from $128,350 per year to $142,600 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 youll 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 youll 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.