Manager Artificial Intelligence - AI/ML

Benefits

Additional Information

Department: Technology 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: As Manager Artificial Intelligence supporting Southwest's AI/ML initiatives, you'll lead a cross ‑ functional Team delivering production artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions that drive measurable outcomes across Airline Operations. This role combines People Leadership with end ‑ to ‑ end product delivery-owning the lifecycle of AI/ML solutions from problem framing through production performance, while setting strategy, roadmap, and execution plans aligned to business priorities. You'll partner closely with Business, Product, Engineering, and Data Teams to translate complex operational challenges into scalable, well ‑ governed solutions, ensuring strong performance , reliability, and measurable impact across key metrics such as efficiency, on ‑ time performance, and operational resilience. With accountability for delivery, stakeholder alignment, and continuous improvement, you'll build and grow a high ‑ performing AI/ML Pod, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and outcomes ‑ driven execution as Southwest expands its use of AI across the enterprise. Model the Southwest Way 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 Build and lead a high-performing team responsible for delivering multiple, highly complex data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or optimization products in a timely, efficient manner with high quality by working with business customers to understand contextual problems quickly and define, analyze, and deliver innovative solutions that address business needs and support the company's strategic priorities Manage the creation and communication of results from highly complex data analysis and/or the development of data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or optimization products Develop and effectively communicate a roadmap for the team aligned to the vision of the team, establish long-term and near-term plans as part of a roadmap necessary to meet the vision, and align the team appropriately through prioritization to execute the plan utilizing development and training to enhance the team's skills as needed Ideate, adapt, and continuously improve the artificial intelligence program by advocating for new ideas and processes to increase efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction Foster relationships with key business leaders, internal customers, and peers to promote and advise on opportunities in your functional area that may be addressed through data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or optimization Maintain a portfolio of products and prioritize the delivery of those products in partnership with internal customers, communicating results and value-delivered via impactful metrics Recruit, develop, and retain individuals with the skills, attitude, and experience necessary to achieve goals/commitments as part of a high-performing, cohesive team Recognize achievements and advocate for career growth of employees to build a bench using mentorship, stretch opportunities, and training plans via a skills-based learning plan Create an environment where debate, dialogue and diversity of thought are encouraged, expected, and welcomed to foster high morale, integrity, trust and teamwork May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of situational and strengths-based leadership to provide continuous coaching to unveil areas of opportunity for an employee to improve team performance and hold team accountable Knowledge of data procurement and integration methodologies, platforms, and tools Knowledge of data science, machine learning, agentic AI, artificial intelligence, or optimization product development methodologies, platforms, and tools Strong knowledge of engineering fundamentals, including code quality, testing and automation, observability and monitoring, AI product Dev life cycle and platform engineering Skilled in leading a team to develop multiple, highly complex data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or optimization products in a timely, efficient manner Skilled in developing strong working relationships across all levels of the company including employees, customers, and leadership,