Director of Operations

SSP America is a prominent leader in the airport food and beverage industry, specializing in creating exceptional dining experiences for travelers at more than 60 airports across North America. The company is dedicated to bringing local flavors and unique taste experiences to passengers, emphasizing quality, operational excellence, and outstanding customer service. With a strong reputation for innovation and hospitality, SSP America prides itself on elevating airport dining through a wide range of brands and food concepts designed to reflect the culture and tastes of their locations. Their focus on delivering a taste of place® ensures that travelers receive memorable and satisfying meals during their journeys.

The role of Director of Operations at SSP America is a critical leadership position responsible for overseeing a multi-unit portfolio of restaurant operations within a complex, high-volume airport environment. This role reports directly to senior leadership and is tasked with leading multiple General Managers to deliver consistent operational excellence, impeccable food safety standards, and superior guest experiences across all units. This is an ideal position for a proven multi-unit leader with extensive experience managing large-scale operations who is eager to contribute hands-on operational oversight while also developing and mentoring General Manager talent.

Offered with a competitive base salary between $125,000 and $130,000 plus eligibility for performance-based bonuses, this position provides a significant opportunity for career growth within one of the world’s largest airport restaurant operators. The Director of Operations will take full accountability for a portfolio generating between $20 million and $30 million in annual managed sales, with responsibilities including full profit and loss management, financial forecasting, KPI analysis, and cost control. This role requires operational acuity in regulated environments such as airports, coupled with strong leadership skills to build a high-performing, engaged team.

Key responsibilities extend beyond day-to-day management to include implementing scalable systems, maintaining brand compliance and regulatory standards, and partnering across departments such as Finance, HR, Culinary, and Brand teams to achieve operational goals. This multifaceted position requires strategic thinking, excellent communication, and problem-solving abilities to sustain profitable growth and improve operational consistency across all locations.

Overall, this position promises an engaging and dynamic work environment where the Director of Operations will directly influence the customer experience, operational efficiency, and staff development within a fast-paced, high-stakes airport hospitality setting. If you thrive in leadership roles that combine financial oversight, people management, and strategic execution, this opportunity with SSP America is a perfect match to utilize and expand your skills in a growth-oriented company committed to excellence and innovation.