JAMES RHOADS
North Richland Hills
Summary
Southwest employee with over 20 years experience, holding various roles in Finance and CS&S with a combined 8 years of Leadership experience in both Departments.
Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals.
Proactive and versatile professional with a dedication to quickly adapting to new challenges. Strong problem-solving abilities and a proven track record of fostering strong relationships with clients and team members. Focused on supporting team success and achieving positive results.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Operations Associate - CS&S
Southwest
Dallas
11.2018 - 04.2025
- Forecast, plan, monitor, and enforce schedule adherence for CS&S Representatives; coordinate with CWA Staffing, Scheduling, Payroll & Leave, and Leadership to balance operational needs with financial goals of CS&S; provide support to the Reps and Leadership for IAM Contract questions; liaison with CS&S Payroll to ensure correct pay and attendance for Representatives; ad hoc projects for Leadership
- Streamlined daily operations for efficient workflow and team collaboration.
- Developed training materials for onboarding new staff members effectively.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Analyzed operational processes to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
- Facilitated communication between departments to resolve operational issues promptly.
- Conducted regular performance reviews of operations staff to ensure quality standards were met.
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Analyzed financial data related to operations budgets and forecasts, making recommendations as needed based on research findings.
- Organized training sessions for employees in order to provide up-to-date information about operational policies and procedures.
- Assisted with strategic planning initiatives by providing insights into potential areas of improvement.
- Evaluated existing processes and developed innovative ideas for streamlining operations.
- Provided guidance to junior staff members on best practices related to operational tasks.
- Implemented process improvements to streamline workflow and increase accuracy in data entry tasks.
- Oversaw the implementation of new software systems designed to optimize operational processes.
- Resolved conflicts between various departments by developing effective solutions that promoted collaboration among team members.
- Tracked employee performance metrics and provided coaching when needed in order to promote continuous professional development.
- Monitored daily operations activities and identified areas for improvement.
- Identified internal problems and recommended solutions to upper management.
- Developed and suggested new strategies and tactics for improvements.
- Participated in cross-functional teams to plan and execute special projects.
- Facilitated communication between departments to ensure smooth execution of operational activities.
- Supported management in strategic planning and decision-making processes.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Identified areas for improvement, narrowing focus for decision-makers in making necessary changes.
Senior Workforce Planning Analyst - CS&S
Southwest
Dallas
01.2014 - 11.2018
- Gather, analyze, and process various Reservations data, turn into actionable items when necessary; presentations for Senior Leadership; SME on various processes/procedures and projects (Aspect, VSA, DASH tickets, etc.); mining large amounts of data to retrieve factual, relevant information to turn into actionable items, focusing on efficiency and effectiveness in approach - able to think outside the confines of conventional approaches and concepts but also within confines of different contractual environments (IAM, TWU, etc.)
- Analyzed workforce data to optimize staffing levels and schedules.
- Collaborated with teams to forecast hiring needs and trends.
- Developed reports on employee utilization and productivity metrics.
- Conducted assessments to identify skill gaps within the workforce.
- Implemented strategies for improving workforce efficiency and engagement.
- Coordinated training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
- Supported management in making data-driven decisions for staffing plans.
- Maintained workforce planning tools and systems for accurate reporting.
- Assisted with budgeting activities related to hiring costs such as salaries, benefits, and training expenses.
- Identified gaps between current staffing levels and organizational requirements for optimal performance.
- Monitored progress towards meeting goals outlined in the organization's annual workforce plan.
- Assessed the effectiveness of existing succession plans against changing business needs.
- Provided guidance and support on data-driven decision making processes that impact the workforce plan.
- Evaluated existing policies related to staffing levels and recommended changes when appropriate.
- Prepared presentations summarizing key findings from workforce analysis projects.
- Developed strategies for optimizing personnel resources through improved scheduling or cross-training initiatives.
- Collaborated with senior and department leaders to develop and implement workforce plans.
- Developed new-hire training materials regarding all attendance and schedule matters.
- Developed and evaluated methods and techniques for selecting, promoting and training workers.
Staffing Manager
Southwest Airlines
Dallas
02.2009 - 01.2014
- Managed recruitment processes for various positions across the organization.
- Collaborated with hiring managers to define staffing needs and job requirements.
- Conducted interviews and assessed candidates for cultural fit and competencies.
- Analyzed staffing trends to improve workforce planning and resource allocation.
- Counseled employees regarding career development opportunities within the organization.
- Conducted interviews to evaluate applicants' qualifications and skills.
- Handled employee discipline and termination to address policy infractions.
- Conducted employee performance reviews and implemented corrective actions to increase productivity.
- Created staff teams based on employee strengths and made adjustments to promote overall productivity.
- Managed staffing operations to ensure optimal crew coverage across routes.
- Collaborated with department heads to identify staffing requirements and skill gaps.
- Trained new hires on company policies and procedures within the airline industry.
- Analyzed staffing trends to forecast future hiring needs for the company.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory requirements in all staffing activities.
- Advised management on organizational design changes related to staffing needs.
- Scheduled meetings with employees to address concerns and grievances.
Payroll Supervisor
Southwest Airlines
Dallas
02.2004 - 03.2007
- Supervised payroll processing for employees, ensuring accurate and timely payments.
- Managed payroll-related inquiries from team members and resolved issues effectively.
- Oversaw compliance with federal and state payroll regulations and company policies.
- Trained staff on payroll procedures and software usage for enhanced efficiency.
- Coordinated with HR to maintain employee records and update payroll systems.
- Reviewed payroll reports for accuracy before final distribution to employees.
- Implemented process improvements to streamline payroll operations and reduce errors.
- Coordinated the implementation of new systems or changes to existing systems that affect payroll processing.
- Created detailed training materials regarding proper use of the company's human resources information system.
- Developed and implemented new policies and procedures related to payroll processes.
- Worked closely with Human Resources team members on special projects as needed .
- Collaborated with finance team members on budgeting activities relating to personnel costs.
- Maintained employee records in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Monitored changes in state and federal tax laws to ensure compliance with government regulations.
- Provided support for employees on all aspects of payroll functions such as deductions, taxes, benefits.
- Assisted managers in resolving personnel issues related to wages or salaries.
- Onboarded new employees in time reporting and payroll systems.
- Collaborated with employees and supervisors to immediately resolve discrepancies in timesheets.
- Extracted information from payroll system and generated reports for various departments and vendors.
- Maintained and updated database for invoicing and accounting reconciliation.
- Collaborated with external auditors during annual audits, providing necessary payroll records and explanations.
- Processed and monitored sick pay, vacation pay, and other leave entitlements accurately.
- Reconciled payroll accounts and resolved discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax laws to ensure compliance.
- Managed timekeeping system and resolved any timecard discrepancies.
- Coordinated with HR to ensure accurate employee data for payroll processing.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Coordinated with other supervisors, combining group efforts to achieve goals.
- Guided employees in handling difficult or complex problems.
- Discussed job performance problems with employees, identifying causes and issues to find solutions.
- Consulted with managers to resolve problems relating to employee performance, office equipment and work schedules.
- Issued work schedules, duty assignments and deadlines for office or administrative staff.
- Reviewed employees' work to check adherence to quality standards and proper procedures.
- Reviewed reports on employee attendance, productivity and effectiveness to evaluate performance.
- Interpreted and explained work procedures and policies to brief staff.
- Participated in subordinates' tasks to facilitate productivity or help overcome difficulties.
- Researched and prepared reports required by management or governmental agencies.
- Analyzed financial activities of department to share budgetary input with managers.
Financial Analyst
Southwest Airlines
Dallas
11.2002 - 02.2004
- Analyzed financial data to support budgeting and forecasting processes.
- Developed financial models to evaluate business performance and investment opportunities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather insights for financial planning.
- Prepared detailed reports on financial trends and variances for management review.
- Presented findings and recommendations to senior leadership for strategic decision-making.
- Utilized advanced Excel functions and financial software for data analysis tasks.
- Analyzed complex financial information to offer recommendations to management, driving decision-making.
- Identified discrepancies in financial data and recommended corrective actions to resolve them.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure accurate budgeting and forecasting processes were followed.
- Drafted presentations summarizing key findings from financial analyses.
- Reviewed financial documents and records to assess accuracy and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
- Assisted senior management in preparing timely reports for board meetings.
- Evaluated complex financial information from multiple sources to make sound recommendations.
- Trained junior analysts on financial analysis techniques and best practices.
- Utilized financial software and advanced Excel functions to streamline data analysis and reporting processes.
- Led workshops and seminars on financial literacy and analysis techniques for internal staff.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to gather financial data and insights for comprehensive reports.
- Developed financial analysis reports and presentations by applying acquired financial principles.
- Built and strengthened client relationships to form long-lasting, profitable bonds.
- Illustrated concepts with charts and graphs showing historical and forecasted trends.
Education
BA - PHILOSOPHY, Advertising and Communications Studies
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
FAA Dispatcher's License -
INSTITUTE OF FLIGHT OPERATIONS & DISPATCH
Skills
- Southwest Airlines proprietary software
- Aspect
- Avaya
- Alvaria
- SQL
- Tableau
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Building and presenting proposals
- Excellent communication skills
- Schedule adherence
- Operational strategy
- Data analysis
- Financial forecasting
- Performance management
- Workforce planning
- Process optimization
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Employee training
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Conflict resolution
- Team leadership
- Strategic planning
- Operational excellence
- Meeting deadlines
- Business process reengineering
- Workload prioritization
- Scheduling and planning
- Lean six sigma
- Cost reduction strategies
- Operations management
- Quality control analysis
- Relationship building
- Team support
- Deadline management
- Standard operating procedures
- Issue researching and resolution
- Operational reporting
- Verbal and written communication
- Interpersonal and written communication
- Operational efficiency
- Customer service
- Forecasting
- Continuous improvement
- Process improvements
- Process mapping
- Scheduling
- Procedure development
- Policy reviews
- Project management
- Database management
- Process enhancements and revisions
- Interpersonal skills
- Process improvement
- Multitasking Abilities
- Professional demeanor
- Report exceptions
- Multitasking capacity
- Business analysis
- Professionalism
- Sales strategies
- Interpersonal communication
- Workflow optimization
- Customer relationship management
- Idea development and brainstorming
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Written communication
- Experience in leadership
Languages
Japanese
Professional
A1
Latin
Professional
A1
Greek
Limited
A1
Accomplishments
- Finance Employee of the Year - 2005
- CS&S Employee of the Quarter - 5 times
Timeline
Senior Operations Associate - CS&S
Southwest
11.2018 - 04.2025
Senior Workforce Planning Analyst - CS&S
Southwest
01.2014 - 11.2018
Staffing Manager
Southwest Airlines
02.2009 - 01.2014
Payroll Supervisor
Southwest Airlines
02.2004 - 03.2007
Financial Analyst
Southwest Airlines
11.2002 - 02.2004
BA - PHILOSOPHY, Advertising and Communications Studies
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
FAA Dispatcher's License -
INSTITUTE OF FLIGHT OPERATIONS & DISPATCH