Director of Operations

SSP America is a leading food and beverage company specializing in airport dining experiences across North America. Operating in over 60 airports, SSP America brings local favorites to millions of travelers annually, creating a 'taste of place' that elevates the typical airport food service. As one of the largest airport restaurant operators worldwide, SSP America prides itself on delivering exceptional customer experiences, operational excellence, and innovative culinary offerings. Focused on teamwork, fast-paced execution, and continuous growth, the company provides an enriching environment for professionals passionate about the hospitality and foodservice industry.

The role of Director of Restaurant Operations at SSP America is a senior leadership position responsible for managing a high-volume, multi-unit food and beverage portfolio within a highly regulated airport setting. Offering a competitive base salary of $125,000 to $130,000 plus bonus eligibility, this position demands a seasoned leader capable of overseeing multiple General Managers while ensuring operational readiness and excellence across all units. The Director will manage an extensive portfolio with sales volume ranging from $20 million to $30 million annually and full profit and loss responsibility.

This role is ideal for a strategic multi-unit leader experienced in highly structured environments such as airports, hospitality, or retail logistics. Key responsibilities include operational leadership, financial management, people development, and ensuring compliance with rigorous airport and company standards. The successful candidate will lead operational assessments, drive corrective actions, and maintain brand standards and food safety consistently.

In addition to managing daily operations, the Director will collaborate cross-functionally with departments such as Human Resources, Finance, Culinary, and Brand teams to align business goals and operational standards. Emphasis is placed on building a strong bench of General Manager talent through coaching, performance management, and succession planning. This leadership role has a direct impact on the company’s performance outcomes, workforce development, and upholding the brand’s reputation for quality and consistency.

As an integral part of SSP America��s senior management team, the Director of Operations will also partner with Finance to forecast business needs, manage cost controls, analyze key performance indicators, and ensure sustainable, profitable growth. The position requires an individual motivated by action, teamwork, accountability, and operational discipline, thriving in a fast-moving, highly collaborative environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced leader to significantly contribute to the continued success and expansion of SSP America's airport restaurant operations across North America.