Sr Vendor Program Manager

Sr Vendor Program ManagerAs a Sr Vendor Program Manager, you'll oversee ground equipment maintenance across 1215 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 groundplaying 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 contractors and the greater GSE TeamReviews and approves work order reports for $350 million worth of equipment and maintains frequent remote communicationMonitor all contractor service costs by reconciling invoices for accuracy, acting as approving authority, disputing incorrect or unfair charges, and ensuring all services were completed as agreed upon per contract agreements. Facilitate crucial conversations with third-party contractors and Station Leadership as needed to give performance feedback, resolve conflicts, and sets future metric expectations for quality and cost of serviceAct as an internal liaison for Station Leadership by providing updates on contractor work, responding to escalated issues, and ensuring constant support through remote communication and frequent onsite visits. Act 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 times to ensure minimal operational disruptionEnsure locations have adequate parts to complete maintenance work in a timely and low-cost manner, auditing part costs or sourcing alternate part vendors when neededEnsure contractors maintain adequate staffing to accomplish work as prescribed by Southwest, addressing staffing shortages with contractor leadership or arranging backup coverage by Southwest Mechanics when neededSource new ground maintenance contractors and vendors as needed by researching potential contractors, conducting informational interviews, comparing offerings, and setting expectations. Partner with Purchasing Department to execute new contractsCollaborate with the greater GSE Team and other key partners to monitor special equipment projects, widespread issues or trends, facility modifications, equipment warranties and auctions, or staffing needs across regionsMay perform other job duties as directed by Employee's LeadersKnowledge, 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 Excel.Demonstrated ability to navigate and utilize fleet maintenance or repair tracking systems, as well as equipment diagnostic systemsAbility to perform hands-on training for MechanicsAbility to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writingEducationRequired: High School Diploma or GEDExperienceExpert level experience, expansive and far reaching knowledge in:heavy truck and/or heavy equipment diagnostics and repairmechanical repair shop best practices and proceduresinvoicing, billing, auditing and management of contractors/ vendorsleadership 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 basis (over 50%)Ability to move/transport/raise 75 lbs. on an occasional basis (under 50%)Ability 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 standards as described in established guidelinesMust be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986Must be at least 18 years of ageMust be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelinesMust be able to travel 80% to 100% of the time to assigned stations, frequently at short noticeMust 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.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.Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.