Director of Restaurant Operations

SSP America is a leading operator of food and beverage outlets located in airports across North America, known for bringing local favorites and premium dining experiences to travelers. With over 80 airport locations, SSP America has established a reputation for delivering high-quality operations, customer service, and hospitality tailored to a fast-paced, high-traffic environment. The company is committed to diversity, inclusion, and providing equal opportunity to all employees, fostering a workplace culture grounded in accountability, leadership, and operational excellence. Located in Westchester County Airport (HPN) in White Plains, NY, SSP America is hiring a Director of Operations to independently run a high-profile bar-led concept that includes restaurant-quality food and a retail market.

The Director of Operations role at SSP America is a full-time, onsite leadership position with a competitive salary range of $85,000 to $90,000 plus bonus opportunities. This role is not a traditional multi-unit Director of Operations role; instead, it is intended for an experienced General Manager or operations leader who is ready to take on ownership of a premium airport operation generating between $7 million and $10 million in annual revenue. The Director will have full operational responsibility including managing a team comprising three managers and approximately 14 frontline staff members. They will work in close partnership with airport stakeholders and SSP’s corporate teams, driving brand standards, food safety, regulatory compliance, and operational discipline.

In this role, the Director of Operations will be expected to maintain a highly visible, hands-on presence on the floor to lead, support, and stabilize the team. They will also oversee labor planning, inventory control, vendor coordination, and financial management to optimize profitability. This includes managing the Profit and Loss (P&L) statements, controlling costs, and forecasting business needs. Particularly, the role demands expertise in liquor compliance under a stadium license environment and proficiency in operational systems such as Crunchtime inventory software.

This leadership position requires a dynamic individual who can foster a culture of accountability, hospitality, and operational excellence within the team. The Director will build leadership capabilities among the managers and ensure consistent delivery aligned with the SSP America brand. Additionally, the candidate must be comfortable representing SSP America to airport authorities and communicating effectively with senior stakeholders. Experience within high-visibility environments such as airports, hotels, or upscale bar venues is preferred.

Joining SSP America means becoming part of a company that supports career development and offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, paid time off, holiday pay, and a 401(k) plan with employer matching. The company values its employees’ wellbeing with programs like the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and voluntary benefits such as life insurance and pet insurance. This position offers a unique chance to lead operations in a prestigious, fast-paced airport setting where customer experience and operational excellence are critical to success.