Multi-Unit Restaurant Leader

LaGuardia International Airport, located in New York City, is a major hub of air travel serving millions of passengers each year. It is known for its high passenger volume and diverse traveler demographic. Within this busy airport environment, SSP America operates multiple restaurant concepts, providing travelers with exceptional dining experiences that combine speed, quality, and service in a dynamic setting. SSP America is a global leader in food and beverage service at airports, bringing local favorites and international brands to passengers across North America. This role at LaGuardia represents an exciting opportunity to be part of a company with a vast network and a commitment to elevating the customer experience through high standards of hospitality and operational excellence.

SSP America is seeking an Operations Manager to lead multiple restaurant units within LaGuardia International Airport. This hands-on leadership position involves overseeing diverse restaurant brands and leading teams of Restaurant General Managers (GMs) to achieve operational success and financial performance targets. With a base salary of $100,000 plus quarterly and year-end bonus potential, along with a comprehensive benefits package, this role offers both competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth.

The Operations Manager will report directly to the onsite Director of Operations, making it a high-visibility position crucial to the overall success of SSP America’s operations at LaGuardia. The role is ideal for an experienced multi-unit leader with at least seven years in restaurant or foodservice management, including five years as a General Manager in full-service establishments. This role demands strong leadership skills to elevate restaurant leaders into strong business owners by fostering accountability and coaching excellence.

Responsibilities include driving performance in several key areas such as food quality, guest experience, labor and cost controls, safety compliance, and brand standards. The Operations Manager will act as a mentor and teacher, ensuring GMs follow best practices in operations, master financial management including P&L oversight, and consistently deliver outstanding guest service.

The candidate will work closely with the Director of Operations to align business priorities and strategy implementation. They will monitor systems, processes, and reporting to guarantee consistency across units while supporting forecasting, budgeting, and financial reviews. The Operations Manager must be able to identify performance gaps and address underperformance promptly while celebrating and reinforcing successes.

Ideal candidates will bring a deep operational and financial acumen with expert-level P&L knowledge, kitchen management experience, and comfort leading in fast-paced, high-volume airport environments. Proficiency with POS systems and Microsoft Office is required. The role also involves partnering effectively with executives, union leaders, and diverse teams, making strong communication skills essential.

SSP America offers employees the chance to work in one of the most dynamic airport environments nationwide. The company boasts multiple brands and provides numerous growth opportunities. Employees can expect competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, basic life and AD&D insurance, an employee assistance program (EAP), voluntary benefits such as life AD&D, accident insurance, critical illness coverage, hospital indemnity, and pet insurance. Additionally, they offer a 401(k) plan with employer matching, paid time off starting at 80 hours annually, six premium paid holidays, and paid sick leave.

Joining SSP America means joining a company dedicated to the development of leaders, delivering consistent high performance, and contributing meaningfully to the travelers’ airport dining experience. It is an ideal role for someone passionate about hospitality, leadership development, and operational excellence in a vibrant, fast-paced environment.