Vice President Planning & Performance

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Department

JOB DESCRIPTION

Technical Operations

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

As Vice President of Planning & Performance for Technical Operations, you’ll lead the strategy and execution that keeps Southwest Airlines’ fleet safe, reliable, and ready for the future. This role oversees resource planning, analytics, and performance metrics across a global maintenance network, while driving alignment among diverse Teams and small business units. You’ll serve as the key liaison with Boeing on fleet strategy and aircraft delivery, guide predictive and proactive maintenance initiatives, and ensure contract services meet the highest standards worldwide. With strong financial acumen and a vision for operational excellence, you’ll shape the backbone of Southwest’s Technical Operations, enabling our ability to deliver compliant, efficient, and customer-focused service at scale.

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

• Oversees the development and implementation of long-range plans to successfully accomplish scheduled maintenance and modification of all aircraft under an efficient and effective program
• Owns and maintains the development, coordination, publication and implementation of departmental strategic plans, mission/vision/objectives and long term goals
• Provides oversight, vision and execution to the management and coordination of a portfolio of both technical and non-technical projects
• Provides oversight to ensure compliance and performance of contract maintenance providers including accountability for ensuring we have the capacity needed to support our network/fleet design
• Provides oversight to ensure compliance and performance of our engine maintenance providers
• Provides oversight for internal and external consulting between Tech Ops and Technology for all Technology related programs
• Provides oversight to Tech Ops Reliability Program Teams
• Responsible for MPM maintenance publications Team and ensuring that we have manuals that are required for a successful and efficient operation of our Maintenance programs
• Accountable for ensuring that we have a Records Team that is providing the oversight, support, and management needed to meet our requirements as a PART 121 carrier
• Sets and maintains yearly and midterm budgets seeking industry leading CASM
• May perform other job duties as directed by the Sr. Vice President Technical Operations
• Must adhere to all Company and departmental policies, guidelines and regulations
• Must be able to negotiate contracts as required with Labor Relations and Union Leadership
• Must be able to negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors, including Technology and MRO's
• Must be able to meet any physical ability requirements listed on this description
• Ensuring the management of safety and security risks to Technical Operations and that technical operations are conducted in accordance with conditions and restrictions of the Air Carrier Certificate and in compliance with applicable regulations and standards of the operator
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Proven ability to identify problems and opportunities and lead others through organized approaches to solutions
• Demonstrates executive presence when presenting updates and information to Leaders, including Executives
• Able to provide a rationale for recommendations on the spot, maintaining a high level of influence and credibility
• Draws upon subject matter expertise and complete toolbox to provide recommendations on ways to improve the business or processes to Senior Leaders and Executives
• Can easily and quickly move themselves and the organization through the change curve through thought Leadership and effective communication
• Is able to ensure alignment of systems and stakeholders while anticipating change Leadership issues
• Able to lead Teams with a Servants Heart, a Warrior Spirit and a Fun-LUVing Attitude
• Must meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary, and sensitive Company information
  
  

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or GED
• Required: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience
  
  

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in leading multiple teams or functions through subordinate Leaders
• Advanced level Business Acumen in functional area with understanding of broad business impacts
• Expansive and far reaching knowledge in:
• Solving complex problems
• Influencing/partnering with multiple stakeholders
• Leadership experience in the aviation industry
• Financial Acumen
  

Licensing/Certification

• N/A
  
  

Physical Abilities

• 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
  
  

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
  
  

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Job Posting End Date

12/17/2025

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