Assistant Plaza Director

Applegreen USA is a prominent operator of over 80 travel plazas across the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States. Their plazas are strategically located along major highways, serving millions of travelers every year by providing convenience, comfort, and a wide variety of retail and food options. The company partners with renowned food and beverage brands such as Auntie Anne's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Cinnabon, Dunkin Donuts, Panda Express, Panera, Popeyes, Pret, Shake Shack, and Starbucks to ensure travelers have access to delicious and diverse dining experiences during their journeys. These plazas are not only stops for refueling vehicles but also hubs that refresh, relax, and rejuvenate travelers. Applegreen places a strong emphasis on customer service, operational excellence, and creating a positive experience for both travelers and employees.

Applegreen’s core values embody a commitment to customers and communities, valuing and developing their employees, operating with pace, passion, and performance, and embracing change and opportunities. These principles guide their business practices and culture, fostering a supportive and ambitious workplace.

The role of Assistant Plaza Director is integral to the success of each travel plaza. This position assists the Plaza Director in managing the day-to-day operations and long-term profitability of a multi-million-dollar facility. As an Assistant Plaza Director, you will collaborate closely with the Plaza Director to oversee a dedicated team of associates and managers. Your leadership will ensure fast and friendly service to customers, adherence to brand and food safety standards of multiple food and beverage concepts under one roof, and the achievement of financial and operational targets. This position demands a high level of organizational ability and communication as well as a keen focus on quality and customer satisfaction.

A key responsibility includes assuming full responsibility for the travel plaza during the absence of the Plaza Director, demonstrating leadership and decision-making skills. The role involves driving sales growth, maintaining speed of service, ensuring excellent customer satisfaction, and sustaining operational standards that uphold the company’s brand reputation and safety protocols. You will contribute to cultivating an engaging work environment by encouraging continuous learning, skill sharing, and professional development among team members while fostering a culture of accountability.

Recruiting, developing, and retaining strong teams is central to this position, as you will support the supervision and management of plaza leadership to meet business and individual goals. Compliance with company policies and government regulations is mandatory, along with handling customer inquiries and complaints professionally and promptly. Furthermore, collaboration is essential, as you will work with a variety of support partners within the company including brand partners, human resources, loss prevention, finance, and facilities maintenance.

This role requires someone adept at navigating ambiguity and organizational changes in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Proficiency in software such as Microsoft Suite, payroll, timekeeping, inventory management, and point-of-sales systems is necessary. Preferred qualifications include ServSafe Certification and a strong track record of cost control and quality maintenance. The position demands physical stamina, willingness to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays, and a commitment to uphold Applegreen’s core values and mission wherever they operate.