Sr Lead Negotiator
Southwest AirlinesDallas, Texas, United States
Posted April 13, 2026
Full Time
About the Company
At SouthwestÂź, everything we doâfrom our smiling People to our policiesâis designed to let you go with Heart. No matter what comes up in your travels, weâve got your back. Because while any airline can fly you, only Southwest lets you go with Heart. Application fees donât fly. The only way to apply for a job at Southwest Airlines is through careers.southwestair.com. We'll never ask for any payment for your application or training.* *Destination 225° is a Southwest Airlines program. Applying is free; however, candidates advancing through the selection process are responsible for all costs incurred.
Job Description
The Sr Lead Negotiator will serve as Southwest's leading spokesperson and first chair in union negotiations for frontline workgroups, managing collective bargaining agreements across four unions and six workgroups. The role requires a steady, trusted presence at the bargaining table, building strong relationships with Union leadership, advising Company Leaders, and navigating complex operational, financial, and regulatory considerations.
Requirements
- Advise Company Leaders in the area of Labor Relations negotiation strategy
- Represent the Company as first chair in negotiations of 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)
Benefits
- Competitive market salary from $177,050 per year to $196,700 per year*
- 401(k) retirement savings 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***
- Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
- Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)
- 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment
