Enterprise SCM Category Manager

Job Summary: Work to support the overall best value, including cost, lead time, service level, and quality, for Southwest by leveraging demand, analytics, and the competitive marketplace as part of a comprehensive procurement strategy for assigned commodities or services. 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.

• Lead cross-functional teams to develop and execute sourcing and procurement strategies for internal customer needs in collaboration with other internal stakeholders
• Assess and define business needs; develop effective supplier negotiation strategies and utilize innovative procurement solutions to maximize value to Southwest
• Partner with primary Internal customers to develop category reviews to gauge supplier performance and identify incremental value opportunities
• Manage supplier relationships, risk factors and performance effectively through regular engagement with suppliers and internal customers
• Evaluate total supplier value by aligning business needs with supplier capabilities, leveraging spend and volume of business
• Drive sourcing process through an Electronic Procurement System or other similar methods; provide effective, and timely communication to Suppliers and Team throughout the sourcing process; coordinate supplier presentations, demonstrations, or product testing; Conduct site visits
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and/or efficiencies in sourcing and works with cross-functional team to recommend alternative opportunities
• Coordinate drafting and execution of contracts and manage administration of contracts and service agreements; ensure supplier is held accountable to contracted KPIs, rebates, reporting, and performance terms
• Work with legal, tax, cybersecurity/data privacy and other internal stakeholders as needed to ensure contracts meet current guidelines and policies
• Coach, mentor, train and develop less experienced team members
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders

• Knowledge and understanding of market supply base, competitive landscape, industry trends, key issues, and assess potential business impacts following world events through effective research
• Skilled in leading negotiations with limited guidance; understands common negotiations tactics and can use them with preparation to help drive agreements in favor of the business
• Skilled in leading cross-functional teams; builds consensus and successfully demonstrates ability to coach team members and help develop skills to meet organizational goals
• Skilled with procurement contract types and when to use them effectively; thorough understanding of contract negotiation lifecycle
• Skilled and proficient with financial models; able to perform should-cost scenarios and cost-benefit analysis techniques; thorough knowledge of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) cost models
• Ability to obtain and disseminate information in any setting and gain influence
• Ability to identify problems and drive toward resolution; master at bringing others together to reconcile differences; manages conflict internally and externally at various levels of leadership
• Ability to develop presentation materials; experienced in presenting strategies and recommendations to senior leadership
• Ability to understands and execute each step in the sourcing methodology to maximize value and service levels for the organization

• 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.