Manager Learning Programs

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.

SWA University

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.

• 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…