Sr Vendor Program Manager

Sr Vendor Program ManagerOur company promises to provide 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.As a Sr Vendor Program Manager, you'll oversee ground equipment maintenance across 12-15 Southwest Airlines stations, ensuring our third-party contractors deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective service. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to Station Leadership, conducting onsite inspections, facilitating training, and managing $350 million in equipment assets. With a sharp eye for detail and a strategic mindset, you'll reconcile service costs, resolve vendor issues, and forecast equipment needs for seasonal and emergency operations. Your leadership helps maintain operational excellence and safety on the ground, playing a vital role in keeping Southwest Airlines running smoothly and efficiently across the network.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.ResponsibilitiesOversee the performance of third-party contractors and vendors responsible for Ground Operations equipment maintenanceConducts onsite visits, inspections and provides training to contractorsReviews and approves work order reports for $350 million worth of equipmentMonitor all contractor service costs by reconciling invoices for accuracyFacilitate crucial conversations with third-party contractors and Station LeadershipAct as an internal liaison for Station Leadership by providing updates on contractor workAct as an advisor to all levels of Station Leadership on ground equipment best practices, safety, and low cost alternatives to repairs or purchasesOversee and forecast station equipment needs and conditions specific to inclement weather, seasonal demands, emergency operations, or peak travel timesEnsure locations have adequate parts to complete maintenance work in a timely and low-cost mannerSource new ground maintenance contractors and vendorsCollaborate with the greater GSE Team and other key partners to monitor special equipment projectsKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesAdvanced knowledge and ability to analyze mechanical problems and advise on sound repair decisionsKnowledge of collective bargaining agreement processes and proceduresKnowledge of mechanical equipment involving gas, diesel, electric, hydraulic and alternate fuel systems and partsAbility to work in high-pressure or emergency situationsAbility to build and maintain positive working relationships with industry contacts and vendorsAbility to efficiently navigate and utilize Microsoft Office programs, with a strong proficiency in ExcelAbility to perform hands-on training for MechanicsAbility to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writingEducation RequiredHigh School Diploma or GEDExperienceExpert level experience, expansive and far reaching knowledge in: heavy truck and/or heavy equipment diagnostics and repair mechanical repair shop best practices and procedures invoicing, billing, auditing and management of contractors/vendors leadership and training within a mechanical repair environmentLicensing/CertificationMust possess and maintain valid state motor vehicle operator's licensePhysical AbilitiesAbility to move/transport/raise 50 lbs. on a regular basisAbility to move/transport/raise 75 lbs. on an occasional basisAbility to move in a prone position on or near the ground without standingAbility to be or remain stationary in a forward and downward positionAbility to extend and secure objects in front/above/below/beside oneselfAbility to traverse from one location to anotherAbility to perform assigned duties in outdoor and inclement weather conditionsAbility to perform assigned duties with potential exposure to excessive noise, vibrations and/or sensory conditionsOther QualificationsMust maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standardsMust be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United StatesMust be at least 18 years of ageMust be able to comply with Company attendance standardsMust be able to travel 80% to 100% of the time to assigned stationsMust be able to work rotating shifts, holidays and overtimePay & BenefitsCompetitive market salary from $119,900 per year to $133,200 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.