Director of Restaurant Operations

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