Job Overview
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Job Description
Director of Restaurant Operations
SSP America is seeking an experienced Director of Restaurant Operations to lead a multi-unit food and beverage portfolio at LaGuardia International Airport (LGA). This role oversees a complex, high-volume airport operation and is ideal for a proven multi-unit leader ready to operate at scale while developing strong General Manager talent.
We elevate airport food and beverage and take pride in delivering a taste of place® across North America. This is a critical leadership role with direct impact on performance, people development, and operational excellence.
What You’ll Do
Operational Leadership
- Lead and support multiple General Managers with direct reporting responsibility.
- Ensure consistent execution of brand standards, food safety, and guest experience across all units.
- Maintain operational readiness in a highly regulated airport environment.
- Conduct regular operational assessments and drive corrective action where needed.
Business & Financial Management
- Oversee a minimum $20M in annual managed sales volume.
- Own full P&L accountability across a multi-unit portfolio.
- Analyze KPIs, labor, and inventory to drive profitable, sustainable performance.
- Partner with Finance to forecast business needs and manage cost controls.
People Leadership
- Build, coach, and develop a strong bench of General Managers and leadership talent.
- Establish clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards.
- Support succession planning and internal leadership development.
Systems, Compliance & Partnerships
- Ensure compliance with SSP policies, brand standards, airport authority requirements, and local/state regulations.
- Partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Culinary, and Brand teams to support operational goals.
- Implement scalable systems and processes to support consistent execution.
Minimum Requirements (Required)
- Multi-unit leadership experience with General Manager direct reports – required
- Oversight of a minimum $20M annual managed sales volume – required
- Minimum 10 years of progressive restaurant leadership experience with full P&L responsibility.
- Proven experience leading complex, high-volume operations.
- Ability to operate effectively in regulated or highly structured environments (airport, hospitality, retail, logistics, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications
- Airport operations experience or leadership in a similarly regulated environment.
- Demonstrated success stabilizing or improving multi-unit performance.
- Strong financial acumen and operational discipline.
- Proficiency with POS systems and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
About SSP America
We’re food traveler experts serving travelers. With restaurants in over 60 airports, we bring local favorites to passengers across North America. If you thrive in action, teamwork, and moving fast — this is your place.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
- Performance-based bonus opportunity
- Career progression across 60+ airports in North America
- Work for one of the largest airport restaurant operators in the world
- Medical, Dental and Vision
- Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
- EAP
- Voluntary Benefits: Life AD&D, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance
- SSP 401(k) Plan with Employer Matching
- PTO – Starting at 80 hours a year
- 6 Premium Paid Holidays
- Paid Sick Leave
SSP America is an equal opportunity employer. All decisions concerning the employment relationship will be made without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, age, disability, genetic information, or and other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. SSP America will provide reasonable accommodations during the application and interview process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws.
Key skills/competency
- Restaurant Operations Leadership
- Multi-Unit Management
- P&L Management
- Financial Analysis
- Team Leadership
- Talent Development
- Airport Operations
- Food Safety Compliance
- Guest Experience
- Operational Excellence
How to Get Hired at SSP America
- Tailor your resume: Highlight multi-unit leadership, P&L responsibility, and airport/regulated environment experience. Quantify achievements with data like sales volume and team size.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Express your understanding of SSP America's 'taste of place' mission and your passion for elevating airport dining.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience with operational assessments, financial analysis, talent development, and managing in regulated settings.
- Research SSP America: Understand their brand portfolio, commitment to 'taste of place', and company values to align your answers with their culture.
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