WORK ACTIVITIES/CONTEXT:

• Leads complex, highly visible programs/projects by initiating research efforts to solve complex and often unique problems, applying ingenuity and creativity
• Provides guidance on strategic initiatives, while maintaining flexibility to assist with risky or troubled efforts within the Team
• Develops own work to proactively steer business discussion
• Marries understanding of research abilities and learnings to the most pressing and impactful business issues.  Maintains high standards of analytical thoroughness and quality.
• Analyzes challenges posed by Leadership and project teams, and constructs own vision on improving our Company's brand, product, capabilities, and processes
• Initiates timely and focused communications with Marketing Leaders, Customer Insights Team, and project teams 
• Responsible for facilitating and leading cross-departmental coordination to support planning decisions, foster innovation, align routine activities, and drive joint solutions.
• Critically evaluate information gathered from multiple sources and reconcile conflicts to establish a comprehensive understanding and to distinguish user/Customer requests from the underlying true needs.
• Lead cross-functional Teams to deliver projects and services on time, within budget, and within agreed upon scope.
• Analyze operational performance, business process, Customer insights, and/or future needs to clarify key challenges, diagnose root cause, and recognize performance improvement opportunities.
• Serves as a trusted resource to assist Employees and other departments in understanding Marketing, driving current initiatives, and designing methodology for project/initiative delivery.
• Proactively identifies solutions and positively impacts the environment of his or her direct team and Marketing department
• Works with leader to align on priorities, constructively address project work, and build personal development plans
• Identifies evolving business needs, industry trends, and advancements in the field of Marketing; drives his or her team to adapt

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma, GED or equivalent education required.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Economics, Psychology, or related field required
• Function specific degrees preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 6 years-experience in related field required or, minimum 4 years-experience with an advanced degree

SKILLS/ABILITIES/KNOWLEDGE/WORK STYLE:

• Must have comprehensive knowledge of market research methods and applications, including advanced analytics on quantitative survey data. 
• Able to drive thought-provoking discussion at levels including Southwest Executives, compelling toward Customer centered points of view
• Able to develop effective discussion and presentation materials that engage and clearly communicate important and sometimes difficult to communicate messages
• Strong Excel, PowerPoint and Word skills required
• Has strategic thinking skills, is able to drive process improvement, has ability to see the big picture
• Possesses strong mathematical, analytical, and problem solving skills
• Communicates effectively by listening intently, questioning appropriately, and articulating clearly in both written and verbal formats
• Handles high volumes of work with ability to prioritize effectively and hit promised timelines
• Delivers quality work within a low-cost environment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other departments in order to influence business decisions
• Ability to demonstrate high emotional intelligence in various situations dealing with both Customers and fellow Employees
• Ability to proactively monitor future Marketing trends

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary and sensitive Company information.

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Micah Troutz

Sourcing Specialist

People Department

(214) 792-6996

www.southwest.com/careers

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micahtroutz