Department:
Artificial Intelligence & Data Transformation
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:
Job Summary
All of Southwest’s People come together to deliver on our Purpose; Connecting People to what’s important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. The Senior Manager Artificial Intelligence (AI) Portfolio Management delivers on our Purpose by providing Leadership to the AI and Data Transformation Team who are responsible for the work initiatives delivered by multi-disciplinary Teams of data science, machine learning, generative AI, and automation practitioners dedicated to developing and deploying innovative automation, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and optimization products to support internal and external Customers across Southwest. This role is responsible for leading work initiatives and performance for a Team(s) of program managers for multiple highly complex traditional AI, generative AI, and automation products over the entire lifecycle of product development and deployment. The Senior Manager AI Portfolio Management has an innovative mindset and is excited about the opportunity to drive the future of Southwest Airlines.
The culture of Southwest Airlines means we embrace a flexible workplace and value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. This role is a hybrid position based out of our Corporate Campus in Dallas, TX, which requires Employees to work onsite on our Corporate Campus at least three days a week. The Department designates the specific three days of the week Employees must work on-site.
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We continue to look for opportunities to reflect the communities we serve, and welcome applicants with diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences.
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
- Collaborate with Senior AI Leadership, including Managers and Directors, to spearhead the coordination and orchestration of multiple complex traditional AI, generative AI, and process automation products. Ensure alignment with overarching departmental and enterprise strategic objectives, driving innovation and operational excellence across the organization
- Engage with cross-functional partner Teams across various portfolios to define and manage the scope of dependencies. Oversee the tracking and execution of work, ensuring comprehensive visualization of the full scope, including business capabilities and architectural runway for AI products. Drive strategic alignment and operational efficiency to support the organizations’ AI initiatives
- Lead delivery Teams to execute project tasks, ensuring alignment with defined project plans and leveraging standard project management methodologies and best practices. Drive the achievement of project goals through strategic oversight and guidance
- Proactively monitor and manage risks, issues, and scope of the portfolio, ensuring it is prioritized appropriately, given the necessary visibility, and escalated when required. Maintain a strategic focus on mitigating potential disruptions and ensuring project success
- Provide mentorship and coaching to AI Portfolio Managers, fostering professional growth and ensuring the adoption of best practices across the team
- Cultivate strategic partnerships to enhance collaboration, influence, and effective communication with all AI product teams, partner teams, and support teams. Drive alignment and synergy across the organization
- Engage with partner teams across portfolios to strategically plan, define the scope of dependencies, track execution, and visualize the comprehensive scope of work. Ensure alignment with business capabilities and the architectural runway for AI products
- 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
- Must be able to meet any physical ability requirements listed on this description
- May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Expert level experience managing large, complex projects, preferably in AI or technology consulting
- Expert understanding of AI technologies and their application in solving business problems
- Expert ability to analyze data, conduct market research, and develop business strategies
- Understanding of the end-to-end machine learning lifecycle, including data preparation, model building, and deployment
- Expert ability to translate objectives into well-defined plans, priorities, and assignments for your team; managing the prioritization of your team’s work and making time sensitive decisions to move work forward while taking responsible risks to achieve goals
- Expert knowledge of DevOps practices and tools for continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) of AI applications
- Expertise in Agile development practices and ceremonies and leading teams of EPIC owners
- Advanced knowledge of application impact on operational and business functions
- Advanced expertise in financial acumen to interpret corporate financial analysis and financial statements
- Skilled in developing strong working relationships across all levels of the company including Employees, Customers, and Leadership, and communicate effectively to that network concisely
- Ability to anticipate changing circumstances, unexpected constraints, or challenges and develop ideas, processes, and approaches through creative problem solving to meet those simple to complex challenges
- Skilled in leading a Team(s) to develop of program plans for multiple, highly complex traditional AI, generative AI, and process automations products in a timely, efficient manner; delegating authority for decision-making when needed, but sharing accountability when delegating
- Skilled in demonstrating self-confidence and emotional intelligence in crucial conversations that result in positive action or change
- Skilled in developing talent to create a strong bench with adaptability to replace key positions across functional areas
- Ability to create an inclusive team environment that encourages dialogue and empowers your team to sharing varying perspectives to drive overall team trust
Education
- Required: High School Diploma or GED
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Business Administration, or a related discipline
Experience
- Visualization and presentation development and delivery
- Solving ambiguous and complex problems through a systems thinking approach
- Advanced-level experience, seasoned and specialized knowledge in project management
- Knowledge of JiraAlign, Jira, and SAFe
- Experience preparing presentations for Executive Leadership
- Experience in managing teams of Epics and Features in coordination with Architecture, Project Management, Delivery, and Quality Management partners
- Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)
- Building and growing a new capability including driving and managing change
Physical Abilities
- Ability to perform work duties from [limited space workstation/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
Other Qualifications
- 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
Pay & Benefits:
Competitive market salary from $171,900 per year to $191,000 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 the plan’s vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits
***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to plan’s vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Job Posting End Date11/10/2024
