Sr Vendor Program Manager

Department:

Cargo Provo & GSE

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:

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.

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

• Oversee the performance of third-party contractors and vendors responsible for Ground Operations equipment maintenance
• Conducts onsite visits, inspections and provides training to contractors and the greater GSE Team
• Reviews and approves work order reports for $350 million worth of equipment and maintains frequent remote communication
• Monitor 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 service
• Act 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 purchases
• Oversee and forecast station equipment needs and conditions specific to inclement weather, seasonal demands, emergency operations, or peak travel times to ensure minimal operational disruption
• Ensure locations have adequate parts to complete maintenance work in a timely and low-cost manner, auditing part costs or sourcing alternate part vendors when needed
• Ensure 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 needed
• Source 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 contracts
• Collaborate 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 regions
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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 relationshi