New

MD Labor Relations

Southwest Airlines
401(k)
United States, Texas, Dallas
Sep 27, 2025
Department: Labor Relations Our Company Promise 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. Job Description: Job Summary Southwest firmly believes that our People are our greatest asset, and Leaders within the Company support our People by ensuring all have equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. The Managing Director Labor Relations partners with Labor Relations Senior Leadership to establish the vision of the Labor Relations Department, including the negotiation strategy. This role serves as Chief Negotiator, leading a Team responsible for negotiations for all contracts and ensure the execution of the goals and objectives of the Labor Relations Department and Southwest Airlines. They'll strive to ensure excellent relations with all Union Leadership while also serving as a liaison for front line operational Employees. The Managing Director Labor Relations is a skilled collaborator and problem solver who is ready to drive the future of Southwest. 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. Model the Southwest Way to 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 Responsibilities Advise Labor Relations VP and Company Leaders in the area of Labor Relations Strategy Represent the Company at the table, as needed in negotiations of collective bargaining agreements, while serving as a subject matter expert on multiple collective bargaining agreements Represent the Company (e.g., witness, board member) in arbitration, mediation or legal proceedings Support the development of executive level presentations on negotiation priorities and communication plans Serve as liaison between client departments and other departments (e.g., Legal, People Department, Finance) in handling of labor relations matters Provide guidance and training to Labor Relations Directors, Employees, and client departments Ensure necessary retention and cataloging of labor relations records (e.g., collective bargaining agreements, negotiation notes, arbitration decisions, grievance settlements, court and administrative agency decisions.) Ensure consistency in application of government regulated policies (e.g., FMLA & ADA) and contractual interpretation and practice Support implementation of contract negotiations to ensure procedural consistency and resolution for Labor Relations issues (i.e. contract and governmental requirements and interpretation) May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems Ability to collaborate with and achieve actionable results through others Ability to quickly build strong sustainable relationships and interact with all levels both within and outside of the Company Ability to analyze problems and make decisions using sound judgement, integrity and commitment to ethical behavior Ability to inspire confidence and credibility among peers, Company Leadership, direct reports, and throughout Southwest Airlines Ability to communicate in a flexible, effective manner in order to gain buy-in Ability to organize work, and prioritize effectively to meet specific deadlines and contractual time constraints Ability to maintain composure and handle complex issues under pressure Ability to represent Southwest Airlines and the Labor Relations function in a wide variety of internal and external community and business settings Education Required: High School Diploma or GED Required: Bachelor's degree Required: Law Degree from accredited school Experience Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s) Advanced level Business Acumen in functional area Seasoned and specialized knowledge in: Negotiation, interpretation, and/or administration of collective bargaining agreements Leading or working with contract workgroups Airline operations Working as a licensed practicing attorney Experience at a law firm and/or within an in-house legal department Licensing/Certification Must be a current member in good standing of a bar association Physical Abilities 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 Other Qualifications 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 be willing to travel when required Must be able to work flexible schedule to include non-business days and hours as needed to meet client needs Must meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary and sensitive Company information Pay & Benefits: Competitive market salary from $253,800 per year to $282,000 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 Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.** Please print/save this job description because it won't be available after you apply.