Enterprise SCM Category Manager

Department: Supply Chain Management

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.

Want to influence how a major airline spends smarter? As an Enterprise Supply Chain Management (SCM) Category Manager, you’ll lead strategic procurement initiatives that drive longterm savings, value, and operational excellence across the Company. You’ll conduct market research, develop supply bases, analyze spend, and build category strategies that optimize cost, lead time, service levels, and quality. Acting as a cross functional partner and contract owner, you’ll manage sourcing efforts, supplier relationships, and commoditybased programs to ensure Southwest secures the best overall value for critical goods and services.

In this role, you’ll leverage data, demand insights, and competitive market dynamics to shape a comprehensive procurement strategy that supports efficient, reliable operations across the organization.

• 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.

• 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…