Job Description

Director of Operations - Airport Bar & Market

Location: Westchester County Airport (HPN) - White Plains, NY
Salary: $85,000 - $90,000 + Bonus
Status: Full-Time | Onsite Leadership Role

Lead a High-Visibility Airport Operation

SSP America is seeking a Director of Operations to lead a premium bar-led concept with restaurant-quality food and retail market at Westchester County Airport (HPN).

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role responsible for full operational ownership of a single airport location generating approximately $7-$10M in annual revenue. The Director of Operations will lead a small leadership team and frontline staff while partnering closely with airport stakeholders and SSP corporate partners.

This is not a traditional multi-unit DO role - it is ideal for a strong General Manager or Operations leader ready to operate with DO-level polish and accountability in a premium airport environment.

What You'll Own

Operational Leadership

• Full day-to-day ownership of bar, food service, and retail market operations
• Consistent floor presence to coach, support, and stabilize the team
• Execution of brand standards, food safety, and regulatory compliance
• Oversight of a team of 3 managers and approximately 14 staff members
• Maintenance of liquor compliance within a stadium license environment

Business & Financial Management

• Accountability for unit-level P&L performance
• Inventory management, ordering, and vendor coordination
• Labor planning, scheduling, and cost control
• Forecasting and operational planning to support business needs

People Leadership

• Hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance management
• Building leadership capability within the management team
• Creating a culture of accountability, hospitality, and operational discipline

Stakeholder Partnership

• Represent SSP America with airport leadership and partners
• Communicate professionally with corporate support teams
• Serve as a brand ambassador for a sophisticated traveler base, including private aviation guests

What You Bring

Experience

• Minimum 5+ years of progressive bar, restaurant, or hospitality leadership experience
• Current or recent experience as a General Manager, Operations Manager, or similar role
• Proven full ownership of a high-volume bar or hospitality operation
• Strong bar leadership experience required
• Experience in airport, hotel, upscale bar, or other high-visibility environments preferred

Leadership Profile

You are a leader who:

• Operates with ownership and accountability
• Is highly visible and hands-on with your team
• Communicates confidently with senior stakeholders
• Brings structure and calm to complex operations
• Is comfortable working in a regulated airport environment
• Understands inventory, liquor controls, and operational discipline
• Can maintain consistent onsite presence at HPN
• Experience with Crunchtime or similar inventory systems is strongly preferred.

Why Join SSP America

• Competitive salary: $85,000 - $90,000 + bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Career growth across 60+ airports in North America
• Opportunity to lead a high-visibility airport location
• 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

About SSP America

We're travelers serving travelers. With restaurants in over 80 airports, we bring local favorites to passengers across North America. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, value accountability, and enjoy leading strong teams - this is your opportunity.

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.

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