Manager Learning Programs

As Manager of Learning Programs supporting Inflight and Safety & Security, you'll help shape the training experiences that prepare Southwest Employees to serve our Customers every day. Leading a Team of Sr Southwest University Training Program Managers, you'll oversee programs that support Flight Attendants, Inflight Employees, and Employees in Safety & Security, helping ensure they have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to do their jobs safely and effectively. Partnering closely with operational Leaders and subject matter experts, you'll turn business priorities, regulatory requirements, and Employee needs into practical training solutions that help Teams stay prepared and perform at their best. Through strong leadership, continuous improvement, and a focus on meaningful results, you'll play a direct role in supporting the safety, reliability, and exceptional service that Southwest is known for.

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. 

• 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

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership across a portfolio of learning initiatives, managed by Senior Training Program Managers and Training Program Managers.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members—supporting performance, professional growth, and consistent, high-quality execution.
• Guide intake, scoping, and prioritization of new learning requests across the portfolio to ensure efficient resource use and alignment with business goals.
• Foster a lean, low-cost culture focused on doing more with less—eliminating waste, optimizing processes, and automating wherever possible.
• Serve as escalation point for risks, delays, or roadblocks—enabling fast, practical decision-making and resolution.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to communicate program priorities, advocate for the team, and ensure alignment with organizational learning strategy.
• Lead or sponsor stretch initiatives, department-wide process improvements, or tooling enhancements that increase scalability and impact.
• Monitor program effectiveness, resource allocation, and team workload—making data-informed adjustments to drive results.
• Standardize and continuously improve tools, templates, and operating models used across the program management team.

• Strong leadership capabilities with experience managing and developing high-performing program teams.
• Deep understanding of learning operations, program lifecycle management, and adult learning methodologies.
• Proficient in project management and automation tools (e.g., Jira, Smartsheet, Power Automate), LMS platforms, and data reporting.
• Skilled at balancing speed, quality, and cost—able to make decisions that maximize value with minimal overhead.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills—capable of aligning diverse perspectives and influencing at all levels.
• Analytical mindset and ability to drive process improvement across a team or function.

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

• Required: Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)
• Required: Fully functioning, broad knowledge in:
  • Learning program management, instructional operations, or project/program management
  • Improving team operations, scaling delivery, and leading strategic initiatives
  • Managing complex portfolios of learning or business programs across functions or geographies
• Preferred: Project, program, or portfolio management experience
• Preferred: Experience managing multiple concurrent initiatives
• Preferred: Experience with Advanced Qualification Programs (AQP)
• Preferred: Aviation experience
• Preferred: Demonstrated direct or indirect leadership experience

• N/A

• 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

• 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
• Must meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary and sensitive Company information

Pay & Benefits:

• Competitive market salary from $132,200 per year to $146,900 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.

Benefits you’ll love:    

• Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)  
• Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings** 
• Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit*** 
• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets) 
• Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment. 
• Explore more Benefits you’ll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits

*Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.

**401(k) match contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits

***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.