Director of Restaurant Operations
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.
