Associate Tech Ops SCM Category Manager

Southwest Airlines • Dallas, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

As an Associate Tech Ops SCM Category Manager, you'll manage key supplier relationships and performance across assigned categories to ensure Mechanics have everything they need, from small consumables to major aircraft components. You'll apply established purchasing processes end to end, handling everything from quoting and purchase order creation to invoice resolution. In this role, you'll oversee all stages of the PO lifecycle and hold Suppliers accountable for delivering the best value, quality, and availability to SWA.
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.

Requirements

• Skilled in assessing performance of yourself, other to make improvements or take corrective action
• Must possess the ability to develop a skill set geared towards being able to manage a project or program associated with specific suppliers, chapters, or commodities
• Must possess the desire to increase knowledge of other groups' responsibilities and develop a mind- set that success is shared as a team
• Basic understanding of the business and management principles while adhering to FAA/ Regulatory, Financial and Quality Compliance standards
• Ability to gain a quick understanding of Aviation or Airline processes and principles. This can include technical documentation relevant to the industry
• Skilled in understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
• Skilled in understanding and applying information to contribute to the organization’s strategic plan
• Skilled in gathering facts, analyzing data, and clarifying information gaps before reaching out to others
• Understanding of financial models and knowledge of total cost of ownership cost models
• Must possess a basic understanding of project management principles and techniques
• Ability to apply project management skills to manage time effectively through organizing work, and seeks guidance, as needed, to resolve issues and/or questions in order to meet deadlines
• Required: High School Diploma or GED
• Intermediate level experience, fully functioning and broad knowledge in: Supply Chain, Finance, or Accounting
• Commodity management
• Participate in small team projects
• Participate in negotiations with larger / significant suppliers
• Familiarity with various technologies (e.g. SAP ERP, Maintenix, Aeroxchange, QuickBase database management, Alteryx, Tableau, Salesforce, Workiva)
• 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
• Day shift with the ability to work other shifts as needed with little to short notice in support of strategic activities or critical problem solving.
• Must have flexibility to work extended hours during the week and weekend, including Company holidays, during quarterly close or special projects
• Possible travel domestically and/or internationally 5-10%

Responsibilities

• Place and manage purchase orders and manage supplier communication and system updates
• Manages changes in pricing, ship dates, and part specifications changes; includes all relevant internal groups with changes and responds appropriately in a timely manner
• Track outstanding POs against scheduled receipt date and takes appropriate action to resolve as necessary
• Drive and deliver cost savings opportunities to improve profitability and achieve the best total cost of ownership
• Demonstrate ability to manage suppliers and develop relationships that strengthen both organizations
• Advocate SCM processes to internal Customers and Suppliers as a means for negotiating deals for consistent and successful outcomes
• Use strong understanding of business requirements to execute the most appropriate agreement
• Provide insight, explanations, and options to resolve situations and/or disputes with guidance in more complex situations
• Support scorecard efforts to identify gaps in processes and effectively work to create solutions to increase efficiency for both Customer and supplier
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED