POSITION PURPOSE
Ensures seamless and compliant crew operations by overseeing the monthly bid process for pilots and flight attendants. This critical role balances FAA regulations, union agreements, and company policies to optimize scheduling efficiency while maintaining strict regulatory adherence. Precision in crew assignments directly impacts operational reliability, safety, and workforce satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Oversees the comprehensive framework of the monthly award process, ensuring strategic alignment with operational developments, system enhancements, and evolving contractual and regulatory requirements. Provides critical feedback and informed direction to optimize execution, safeguard compliance, and drive efficiency in the monthly scheduling process.
• Ensures the seamless coordination and timely collection of critical monthly absence data, Company & Union business updates, and return-to-work information from key stakeholders—including Inflight & Flight Operations management, Talent Acquisition, Union leadership, Crew Training, and Leave of Absence departments. This essential process directly impacts accurate availability forecasting for the schedule award process, safeguarding operational efficiency and workforce planning.
• Coordinates the schedules and daily activities of the Crew Planners to ensure timely & accurate execution of the monthly schedule award process.
• Attends bi-monthly FRMT meetings to deliver expert analysis on crew member schedule bid strategies, as well as the design and optimization of pairings and monthly schedules.
• Collaborates with the Manager of Crew Resources to ensure trip pairings, bid lines, and distributed data comply with contractual agreements, FAA Federal Air Regulations, company policies and procedures, and operational requirements.
• Ensures the continuous development and enhancement of the Departmental Policy & Procedure manual, serving as a comprehensive training resource and facilitating the uniform implementation of established procedures.
• Analyzes potential issues, communicates critical insights to senior management and market planning teams, and facilitates strategic corrective actions to optimize performance. Ensures trip parings, bid lines, and distributed data meet contractual obligations, FAA Federal Air Regulations, and Company policies and procedures.
• Facilitates the coordination of monthly scheduling and crewmember details across Flight Operations, Inflight Services, and Crew Scheduling to ensure seamless operational efficiency.
• Oversees the functionality and data accuracy of the crew preferential bidding system, ensuring effective communication of software updates and bidding changes to employees and a workforce of more than 4,500 crewmembers.
• Promptly addresses and resolves escalated crewmember inquiries and concerns, ensuring efficient and effective communication.
• Oversees and delivers comprehensive indoctrination programs for new hire pilots and flight attendants, ensuring an understanding of Crew Planning. Provides instruction on the principles and application of Base (Vacancy) Bidding and Monthly Preferential Bidding processes.
• Manages the scheduling and administration of monthly vacation trades, vacation adjustments, recurring training bids, as well as PDO and GDO bid processes
• Oversees the management of GLT awards and monitors flight time to ensure compliance with criteria for program removal
• Administers semi-annual vacation award programs for pilots and flight attendants, ensuring compliance with company policies and operational requirements.
• Ensures the ongoing analysis of monthly data, providing comprehensive month-over-month and year-over-year comparisons to identify trends and insights.
• Champions and consistently promotes the Company’s core values and organizational culture within the workplace.
• Leads the recruitment process by screening, interviewing, and recommending candidates for hire. Provides strategic leadership and direction to direct reports, fostering a motivating and results-oriented environment. Conducts performance evaluations, delivers constructive feedback, implements corrective actions when necessary, and oversees employee training and professional development.
• Assumes additional responsibilities and perform other duties as assigned or required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability necessary to perform this job.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE.

• H.S. diploma and at least eight years related experience. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of airline operations, including compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Proficient in advanced Excel functions such as data analysis, pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and complex formula creation.
• Demonstrated expertise in statistical analysis and data organization, with the ability to extract, structure, interpret, and effectively communicate insights derived from complex datasets.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Exceptional attention to detail, with strong time management and prioritization capabilities
• Trusted to manage confidential information with discretion and sound judgment in sensitive matters
• Skilled in identifying, analyzing, and resolving issues to ensure efficient operations
• Proficient in reviewing deliverables and recommending improvements to enhance quality and productivity
• Comfortable collaborating across all levels of management and with union or labor representatives
• Strong communicator with demonstrated ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively

PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of eight years of industry experience, including prior supervisory responsibilities.
• Proven proficiency with scheduling systems.
• Familiar with Crew Optimization software platforms such as Jeppesen, S3RUS, and Cygnus.
• Working knowledge of Sabre CrewTrac and IBS AdOpt is preferred.
• Demonstrated involvement in contract negotiations and preparatory efforts related to crew scheduling and planning.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
            Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions,
             and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively
             before groups of customers or associates of the organization.

REASONING/PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY
            Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only
             limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral,
             diagram, or schedule form.

DECISION MAKING

Makes decisions daily on use of resources, performance and budgets.  Decisions could require additional expenditure of resources if not sound decisions. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Able to move about the work environment. 

Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

            Typically, not exposed to extreme environmental conditions.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Travel up to 10 of the time, including overnight travel. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, DISABILITY, AND VETERAN ACCOMODATIONS

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.