Manager, Research & Development - Network Planning

The Manager, Research & Development in Network Planning leads innovation efforts that shape the future of Southwest Airlines’ flight schedule and network strategy. This role fosters a forward-thinking environment where Team Members challenge the status quo, develop new scheduling techniques, and translate successful ideas into actionable implementation.

• Evaluate and establish the best practices for various Network Planning optimization applications.
• Maintain positive relationships with all Internal and External Customers to ensure that all Research and Design activities are adequately informed and are performed in a collaborative manner
• Manage and lead the application of Network Planning's tools that are used to build and edit Capacity and Schedules
• Inform operational planning organizations on future schedules assumptions as an input to the Annual Operating Plan and 5-year planning efforts
• Maintain continuity with Network Planning methodologies, ideas, and technology, and steer recommendations the Department should take based on characteristics of our business and knowledge of future plans
• Monitor schedule performance and provide recommendations to Network Planning processes to improve business processes and tools
• Train and support all Research and Design Team Members, including maintaining continuity with current scheduling techniques and requirements
• Build effective partnerships with departments across Southwest Airlines both within the Commercial as well as Operational sides of the business

• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources
• Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data
• Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits
• Ability to understand and apply information to contribute to the organization's strategic plan
• Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
• Ability to persuade others to change their minds or behavior
• Ability to listen, understand, and communicate ideas presented in writing and/or in speaking with others
• Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events)
• Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense

• 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.