Sr Lead Negotiator

Benefits

Additional Information

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: As the Sr Lead Negotiator supporting Ground Operations and Technical Operations, you'll serve as Southwest's leading spokesperson and first chair in union negotiations for frontline workgroups that keep the airline moving every day. You'll lead a negotiation team of 5-10 and manage collective bargaining agreements across four unions and six workgroups, including Ground, Customer Services, and Mechanic Teams. Partnering closely with Labor Relations Leadership, you'll set negotiation strategy, guide bargaining from planning through agreement, and support contract implementation to ensure commitments are clearly understood and executed. With a steady, trusted presence at the bargaining table, you'll build strong relationships with Union leadership, advise Company Leaders, and navigate complex operational, financial, and regulatory considerations-helping drive durable labor agreements that support Southwest's People, frontline operations, and long ‑ term success. 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. Responsibilities Advise Company Leaders in the area of Labor Relations negotiation strategy Represent the Company as first chair in negotiations of collective bargaining agreements, while serving as a subject matter expert on multiple collective bargaining agreements 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 Ability to collaborate with and achieve actionable results through others Skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems Ability to read, understand, and communicate verbiage within multiple collective bargaining agreements 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 Experience Innovator level experience, highest level of knowledge in: Negotiations, interpretation, and/or administration of collective bargaining agreements Leading or working with contract workgroups Preferred: Experience leading negotiations with union(s) Preferred: Experience in the aviation industry Preferred Experience in Labor Relations Physical Abilities Abili

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