Managing Director Airspace and Traffic Management

The Managing Director Airspace & Traffic Management plays a critical role in shaping how Southwest moves safely and efficiently across an increasingly complex airspace environment. This Leader sets strategy across air traffic flow management, airspace modernization, and meteorology, while partnering closely with our Network Operations Teams to support real-time decision making. Representing Southwest with the FAA, global air navigation service providers, and key industry groups, this role has a direct voice in the future of NextGen programs, airspace design, and operational policy. Leading a high-impact, deeply experienced Team, this individual will bring fresh perspective, challenge legacy thinking, and drive solutions that strengthen performance across our entire network.

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

• Serve as a member of the A4A Air Traffic Management Council, NextGen Noise Policy Board, and the National Customer Forum Executive Committee
• Represent Southwest on the NextGen Advisory Sub-Committee (Federal Advisory Committee)
• Provide oversight for Company initiatives in support of NextGen programs e.g., PBN, DataComm, SWIM, Multiple Runway Operations, etc. as well as airspace redesign efforts
• Engage with Airport Operation Offices, Departments of Aviation, Port Authorities, and other applicable entities involved in matters pertaining to Airfield and Navigational Infrastructure Maintenance Plans (including oversight of the Planned Airports Project Alternative SRM process)
• Serve as a SWA representative with all applicable Air Navigation Service Providers e.g., FAA, COCESNA, NavCanada, SENEAM, ANSA, etc. to ensure that SWA interests are served
• Provide subject matter expert input on matters of SWA aircraft equipage plans
• Work with operational departments to educate on the impacts of Air Traffic Control and ensure that the proper tactical processes are in place to support efficient traffic flow management
• Ensure that the necessary cross-departmental coordination occurs in anticipation of large-scale impacts to the operational network resulting from scheduled ATC initiatives e.g. (Airfield Projects, Special Trafficanagement Programs -STMP, new programs such as Surface Metering Programs, system maintenance or testing, etc.)
• Oversee Meteorology, Air Traffic Control and Airline Operations experts that work with aviation partners across the SWA network (Airports, ANSP’s, Service Providers, Academia, etc.) to maintain and enhance safety and efficiency in the operational environment and through related programs, procedures, and regulations
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders

• Advanced knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation and leadership technique,
• Expert knowledge of traffic flow management and the execution of aircraft movement
• Highly skilled in understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
• Highly skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
• Skilled in considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
• Ability to communicate technical information and ideas in writing so others will understand
• Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense
• Ability to work under tight time constraints to accomplish assignments and projects

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

• Demonstrated experience leading multiple Teams or functions through subordinate Leaders
• Advanced level Business Acumen in functional area with understanding of broad business impacts
• Expansive and far-reaching knowledge in:
  • Airline Leadership and 121 carrier under the Code of Federal Regulations
  • Aviation operations, processes, and procedures
  • Cross-departmental coordination
  • Air traffic flow management
  • Project management

• Required: Licensed as an Aircraft Dispatcher or Part 121 Pilot under Federal Guidelines

• Ability to perform work duties from [limited space workstation/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
• Ability to work extended work hours and travel based on operational needs

Pay & Benefits:

• Competitive market salary from $225,800 per year to $250,900 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 401(k) retirement savings 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.