Managing Director Labor Relations

The Managing Director Labor Relations partners with Labor Relations Senior Leadership to establish the vision of the Labor Relations Department, including the negotiation strategy. This role serves as Chief Negotiator, leading a Team responsible for negotiations for all contracts and ensure the execution of the goals and objectives of the Labor Relations Department and Southwest Airlines.

• Advise Labor Relations VP and Company Leaders in the area of Labor Relations Strategy
• Represent the Company at the table, as needed in negotiations of collective bargaining agreements, while serving as a subject matter expert on multiple collective bargaining agreements
• Represent the Company (e.g., witness, board member) in arbitration, mediation or legal proceedings
• Support the development of executive level presentations on negotiation priorities and communication plans
• Serve as liaison between client departments and other departments (e.g., Legal, People Department, Finance) in handling of labor relations matters
• Provide guidance and training to Labor Relations Directors, Employees, and client departments
• Ensure necessary retention and cataloging of labor relations records (e.g., collective bargaining agreements, negotiation notes, arbitration decisions, grievance settlements, court and administrative agency decisions.)
• Ensure consistency in application of government regulated policies (e.g., FMLA & ADA) and contractual interpretation and practice
• Support implementation of contract negotiations to ensure procedural consistency and resolution for Labor Relations issues (i.e. contract and governmental requirements and interpretation)

• Skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
• Ability to collaborate with and achieve actionable results through others
• Ability to quickly build strong sustainable relationships and interact with all levels both within and outside of the Company
• Ability to analyze problems and make decisions using sound judgement, integrity and commitment to ethical behavior
• Ability to inspire confidence and credibility among peers, Company Leadership, direct reports, and throughout Southwest Airlines
• Ability to communicate in a flexible, effective manner in order to gain buy-in
• Ability to organize work, and prioritize effectively to meet specific deadlines and contractual time constraints
• Ability to maintain composure and handle complex issues under pressure
• Ability to represent Southwest Airlines and the Labor Relations function in a wide variety of internal and external community and business settings

• Fly for free on any open seat on all Southwest flights
• 401(k) with Company contributions up to 9.3%
• ProfitSharing contribution
• Competitive health insurance

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.