Flight Operations Safety Management System Consultant

Job Summary

• As a Flight Operations Safety Management System (SMS) Consultant at Southwest Airlines, you'll play a key role in supporting each functional area of SMS, particularly Safety Risk Management (SRM), Safety Assurance through System Assessments, and Safety Promotion. With a deep understanding of all SMS pillars, including Risk Management, Assurance, Promotion, and Policy, you'll apply both regulatory and company-defined processes to ensure compliance and continuous improvement. You'll lead the standardization of Root Cause Analysis across Flight Operations and contribute to the evolution of SMS by aligning with industry best practices and developing new tools and capabilities that enhance safety performance.
• In this highly collaborative role, you'll present SMS activities and recommendations to Leadership and Cohearts, gaining consensus across diverse Flight Operations pillars. Your work will directly influence how Southwest identifies, manages, and promotes safety, and you'll help us build a stronger, smarter, and safer operation for our Pilots, Crews, and Customers.

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.

• Develops and supports Flight Operations SMS reporting, databases and associated dashboards
• Organizes and facilitates Flight Operations Safety Risk Management (SRM) and System Assessment activities
• Coordinates cross departmental data analysis, and when requested, leads cross departmental System Assessments
• Supports and coordinates work required as a result of Flight Operations System Assessment outcomes requiring SRM or Corrective Action
• Serves as the primary resource for Root Cause Analysis (RCA) in Flight Operations, with responsibility for training, standardization and oversight of RCA
• Promotes Flight Operations RCA efforts, and supports fulfillment of regulatory and company requirements by ensuring RCA is completed when required
• Manages relationships with all Flight Operations Safety programs, Flight Operations Teams, other SWA operating departments, and Safety & Security
• Oversees Safety Promotion planning and processes for Flight Operations, including required documentation and record keeping
• Supports all Flight Operations Safety Programs by creating Safety Promotion content as needed
• Creates and distributes regular SMS-specific communication for Flight Operations Employees with SMS responsibilities beyond those of a front line Employee
• Leads and facilitates the regular review of existing Flight Operations Safety Alerts, and coordinates the development of new Safety Alerts
• Communicates all aspects of the SMS both verbally and in writing to various levels of Leadership/Employees
• Presents SMS information to various groups, including management, Pilots, industry, and government groups
• Coordinates with other Southwest Airlines Departments to disseminate SMS information
• Facilitates Flight Operations Safety contributions to quarterly Distance Learning (DL) modules
• Tracks and oversees all SMS training requirements for Flight Operations Employees, and ensures compliance with regulations and company policies relative to SMS training
• Reviews and maintains data integrity for the Flight Ops Safety Tracking QuickBase application, and provides updates to Flight Operations Safety at regularly scheduled Datascrub meetings
• Assists the Manager Flight Safety Assurance & Risk in daily operations
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

• Advanced knowledge of Safety Management System (SMS)
• Knowledge of commercial airline operations
• Knowledge of 14 CFR Part 5 Safety Management Systems and the most recent applicable Advisory Circular
• Skilled in communication, including written, verbal and presentation skills required
• Ability to research, analytical, investigative and solve problems
• Ability to demonstrate outstanding organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to handle complex issues, work at a fast pace, and handle multiple situations simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and as a Team player
• Ability to think strategically and understand the relationship between current actions and future consequences

• Required: High School Diploma or GED
• Required: Bachelor's Degree

• Advanced level experience, seasoned and specialized knowledge in:
  • Aviation
  • Specialized training in Aviation Safety Management Systems, Risk Management and/or Safety Assurance

• N/A

• 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
• May require extended work hours and travel based on Company needs

Pay & Benefits

• Competitive market salary from $95,750 - $106,400 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.

Benefits you'll love:

• 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.
• Explore more Benefits you'll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits

*Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.

**401(k) match contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits

***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.