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Why United Airlines? Your Next Great Adventure Starts Here
United Airlines isn’t just an airline – it’s a living, breathing network that connects people, cultures, and economies across the globe. As the world’s most ambitious carrier, we are on an unprecedented journey to become “the best airline in the history of aviation.” Our purpose—Connecting People, Uniting the World—goes far beyond moving passengers from point A to point B. It is about forging relationships, empowering communities, and building a future where every flight contributes to a more inclusive, sustainable planet.
Our Digital Technology team is the engine of this transformation. Spread across continents, the team blends brilliant minds with cutting‑edge technology to create experiences that delight our customers and set industry standards. If you thrive on innovation, love collaborating with diverse talent, and are eager to leave a tangible mark on a global brand, United Airlines is the runway you’ve been waiting for.
Role Overview – Director of Travel Operations (Hybrid)
We are seeking a visionary leader to steer the Customer Technology Platforms portfolio and shape the future of Enterprise Complex Event Processing. As the Director of Travel Operations, you will blend strategic foresight with hands‑on technical execution, driving a seamless, real‑time, and highly personalized travel experience for millions of United customers worldwide.
This is a hybrid position based primarily in Chicago and Houston, with 10‑20% travel to our global sites and partner locations. You will command a high‑performing team of engineers, architects, and product owners while partnering with digital product, security, and governance groups to deliver secure, reliable, and innovative solutions.
Key Responsibilities – Your Impact in Action
In this senior role, you will be the champion of strategy, delivery, and operational excellence. Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Strategic Planning & Roadmapping: Craft and own multi‑year technology roadmaps that align with customer feedback, market trends, and United’s business objectives.
- End‑to‑End Delivery Leadership: Direct the full development lifecycle—from solution architecture and scrum leadership to testing, DevOps, cloud operations, and release management.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with enterprise service teams, digital product owners, and security governance to ensure seamless integration and compliance across the platform ecosystem.
- Risk Identification & Mitigation: Proactively assess reliability, security, and regulatory risks, implementing safeguards that protect both the brand and the traveler.
- 24/7 Production Support: Own the operational health of critical customer platforms, guaranteeing high availability, rapid incident resolution, and continuous improvement of service levels.
- Team Development & Empowerment: Build, mentor, and motivate a diverse team of 20‑50 IT professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and growth.
- Performance & Productivity Optimization: Drive initiatives that increase application productivity, improve maintainability, and ensure the adoption of emerging technologies.
- Budget & Resource Management: Manage program budgets up to $15 million, allocate resources efficiently, and deliver projects within scope, schedule, and financial targets.
- Service Level Governance: Define, monitor, and report on SLA performance, ensuring all platforms meet agreed‑upon reliability and responsiveness criteria.
- Organizational Effectiveness: Refine departmental structures, create sourcing strategies, and implement performance assessment frameworks that boost talent retention and effectiveness.
- Executive Communication: Translate complex technical initiatives into clear, actionable insights for senior IT and business leadership.
Essential Qualifications – What You Must Bring
- Academic Background: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a closely related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Leadership Experience: 10‑15 years of progressive management experience within large‑scale IT environments, including direct oversight of at least 15 reports.
- Project & Portfolio Management: Demonstrated ability to prioritize, plan, and execute multi‑disciplinary projects, preferably using Agile/Scrum methodologies.
- Technical Acumen: Deep understanding of cloud platforms (especially AWS), DevOps pipelines, CI/CD processes, and complex event processing architectures.
- Communication Excellence: Superior oral and written communication skills with a talent for influencing senior stakeholders.
- Legal Eligibility: Must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
- Reliability & Professionalism: Consistent punctuality and attendance, reflecting the operational demands of 24/7 travel services.
Preferred Qualifications – The Extras That Set You Apart
- Advanced knowledge of airline retail and commercial strategies, coupled with experience applying emerging technologies to enhance revenue streams.
- Proven expertise in leading cross‑functional technical consulting teams and delivering multi‑domain solutions.
- Hands‑on experience designing, deploying, and managing AWS‑based services and serverless architectures.
- Track record of fostering inclusive, high‑performing cultures within large, geographically dispersed teams.
- Professional certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, PMP, SAFe Agilist) that underscore a commitment to continuous learning.
Core Skills & Competencies – The DNA of Success
- Strategic Vision: Ability to anticipate market shifts and translate them into technology roadmaps that drive competitive advantage.
- Technical Leadership: Mastery of modern software engineering practices, cloud infrastructure, and data‑driven decision making.
- People Management: Talent for coaching, mentoring, and building high‑trust teams that excel under pressure.
- Financial Stewardship: Experience managing multi‑million‑dollar budgets and delivering ROI‑focused initiatives.
- Collaborative Influence: Skilled at navigating complex stakeholder ecosystems and aligning diverse interests toward a common goal.
- Problem Solving: Proven capacity to diagnose, prioritize, and resolve incidents that affect mission‑critical travel platforms.
Career Growth & Learning – Your Path to the Pinnacle
United Airlines invests heavily in the professional development of its leaders. As Director of Travel Operations, you will have access to:
- Executive Mentorship Programs: Direct guidance from senior vice presidents and C‑suite leaders to accelerate your strategic impact.
- Continuous Education: Tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees, certifications, and industry conferences (e.g., AWS re:Invent, DevOpsDays).
- Rotational Opportunities: Potential cross‑functional assignments across United’s global hubs, expanding your perspective on airline operations, marketing, and customer experience.
- Leadership Development Tracks: Structured pathways to senior executive roles, including Vice President and Chief Technology Officer tracks.
Work Environment & Culture – Where Innovation Takes Flight
United’s culture is built on the pillars of inclusion, safety, and relentless curiosity. Our workplaces in Chicago and Houston feature modern, collaborative spaces, flexible work‑from‑home policies, and a vibrant community of professionals who champion diverse viewpoints. Initiatives such as Employee‑Run Business Resource Groups, regular hackathons, and “Innovation Days” empower you to experiment, share ideas, and see them realized at scale.
We celebrate a work‑life balance that respects personal passions—whether that means taking advantage of employee travel privileges, engaging in community volunteer programs, or participating in wellness activities offered through our corporate wellness platform.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits – More Than a Salary
United Airlines offers a competitive total‑reward package designed to keep you motivated, healthy, and financially secure:
- Base Salary: Market‑aligned, with annual performance bonuses tied to individual and company metrics.
- Equity & Incentives: Opportunity to participate in long‑term incentive plans that align your success with United’s growth.
- Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and mental health coverage for you and eligible dependents.
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match—helping you build a secure future.
- Paid Time Off & Parental Leave: Generous vacation, flexible holidays, and extended parental leave to support families.
- Travel Perks: Space‑available travel for you, your family, and friends—experience the world while you work.
- Learning & Development Stipends: Annual budget for courses, certifications, and conferences.
- Diversity & Inclusion Programs: Access to ERGs, mentorship circles, and inclusive leadership training.
Closing Statement – Ready to Elevate Travel Technology?
If you are a forward‑thinking leader who thrives at the intersection of technology, people, and aviation, United Airlines wants you on board. Bring your strategic mindset, technical expertise, and passion for delivering world‑class travel experiences to a company that values your contribution and invests in your future.
Apply today and become a catalyst for the next chapter of aviation history. Click the link below to start your journey with United.
Apply Now
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Apply Now