About Southwest Airlines
At Southwest Airlines, we're more than just a carrier - we're a community of people who come together to deliver on our Purpose: connecting people to what's important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. With a commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and employee development, we're constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the airline industry.
About the Role
We're seeking an experienced Manager State Higher Education to join our Southwest Business Department, where you'll play a critical role in executing our strategic direction for State, Local, and Higher Education (SLED) managed travel accounts. As a key member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to coach and professionally develop our Field Government Account Managers and designated portfolio management, driving sales growth, establishing formal partnerships, and broadening awareness of our corporate travel programs and services.
Key Responsibilities
As a Manager State Higher Education, you'll be responsible for:
- Coaching and professionally developing Field Government Account Managers and designated portfolio management to achieve sales growth and establish formal partnerships
- Identifying, hiring, onboarding, and training a sales organization of trusted Advisors in the managed travel industry
- Establishing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including State, Local, and Higher Education managed travel accounts
- Developing and executing strategies to increase sales, expand our customer base, and enhance our market presence
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive business growth, improve processes, and enhance customer satisfaction
- Providing exceptional customer service, responding to customer inquiries, and resolving issues in a timely and professional manner
- Staying up-to-date with industry trends, best practices, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and optimize business performance
Essential Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you'll need:
- A bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field
- At least 5 years of experience in sales, account management, or a related field, preferably in the managed travel industry
- Proven track record of achieving sales growth, establishing formal partnerships, and expanding customer base
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to coach and develop others
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a focus on customer satisfaction and business growth
Preferred Qualifications
While not required, the following qualifications would be beneficial:
- Master's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field
- Experience working in a managed travel industry, with a focus on State, Local, and Higher Education accounts
- Knowledge of industry trends, best practices, and regulatory requirements
- Certifications in sales, account management, or a related field
Skills and Competencies
To succeed in this role, you'll need to possess the following skills and competencies:
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Strong customer service skills, with a focus on satisfaction and retention
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines
- Strong business acumen, with a focus on sales growth, customer base expansion, and market presence
Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits
At Southwest Airlines, we're committed to helping our employees grow and develop their careers. As a Manager State Higher Education, you'll have access to:
- Regular training and development opportunities, including sales training, leadership development, and industry-specific training
- Mentorship and coaching from experienced leaders and professionals
- Opportunities for career advancement, including promotions and new roles
- Access to industry events, conferences, and trade shows
- Collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive business growth and improve processes
Work Environment and Company Culture
As a remote workplace position, you'll have the flexibility to work from home, with occasional travel required for training, meetings, and conferences. Our company culture is built on the principles of:
- Friendliness: We're a people-first organization, committed to providing exceptional customer service and building strong relationships with our customers and colleagues
- Reliability: We're committed to delivering on our promises, with a focus on timeliness, accuracy, and quality
- Low-cost: We're dedicated to providing affordable air travel options, while maintaining high standards of quality and customer satisfaction
Compensation, Perks, and BenefitsCompensation, Perks, and Benefits
As a Manager State Higher Education with Southwest Airlines, you'll enjoy a competitive compensation package, including:
- A salary range of $80,000 - $110,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications
- A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as 401(k) matching and employee stock purchase plan
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
- A dynamic and supportive work environment, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork
Eligibility and Restrictions
Please note that this role is only available to U.S. citizens or individuals with current authorization to work in the U.S. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor work authorization for this position. Additionally, due to regulatory requirements, this role is not eligible for remote work in the following states or localities:
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Washington
- Wyoming
How to Apply
If you're a motivated and experienced professional looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience. We can't wait to hear from you!
Apply Now
Apply Now