Sr Vendor Program Manager

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.

• 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

• 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 relationships with industry contacts and vendors
• Ability 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 systems
• Ability to perform hands-on training for Mechanics
• Ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing

• Competitive market salary from $119,900 to $133,200 per year
• Fly for free, as a privilege, 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.