Director of Restaurant Operations

SSP -
Windsor Locks, CT

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Job Details

$100,000 - $120,000 a year
2 days ago

Benefits

AD&D insurance
Paid holidays
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Paid time off
Employee assistance program
Vision insurance
401(k) matching
Food provided
Paid sick time
Pet insurance

Qualifications

Succession planning
Contract management
Contract law compliance support experience
Labor dispute resolution
Coaching
Performance management strategy
Talent management
Operations transformation
Contract performance monitoring
Financial analysis
Leadership development
Team development
Food service inventory management
Food and beverage industry expertise
Labor contracts
Developing strategic business plans
Profit & Loss statement
Relationship management
Financial performance measurement
Operational excellence initiatives
Sales leadership
Restaurant cost management
Managing food service teams
Cross-functional collaboration
Leadership development initiative
Labor relations department management
Team motivation (leadership skill)
Cross-functional communication
Team building

Full Job Description

Bradley International Airport (BDL) – Windsor Locks, CT

$100,000–$120,000 Base Salary + Performance Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits

Lead a High-Impact Airport Food & Beverage Operation

SSP America is seeking an accomplished Director of Operations to lead a complex, multi-brand food and beverage operation at Bradley International Airport (BDL).

This opportunity is designed for an experienced airport food & beverage operator who has successfully led large-scale, unionized, multi-unit operations and has a proven ability to build high-performing leadership teams, improve operational performance, and deliver sustainable financial results.

This is not a maintenance role.

We are seeking a transformational leader who thrives in complex operating environments and creates a culture of accountability through disciplined execution, exceptional people leadership, and strong labor partnerships.

What You'll Lead

Multi-unit airport restaurant portfolio
$20M+ annual managed sales
Multiple General Managers and restaurant leadership teams
Unionized workforce
Partnership with Airport Authority, brand partners, labor representatives and cross-functional Support Center teams

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate has demonstrated success:

Leading complex airport food & beverage operations through periods of change and growth.
Building high-performing General Managers through coaching, accountability, and succession planning.
Developing productive labor-management relationships while effectively leading within a collective bargaining environment.
Driving measurable improvements in financial performance, guest experience, and operational execution.
Creating a culture of accountability, professionalism, and operational excellence.
Leading multiple concepts simultaneously while balancing brand standards, labor, food safety, inventory controls, and financial performance.

Required Qualifications

To be successful in this role, candidates must demonstrate experience in the following areas:

Minimum 10 years of progressive operational leadership with increasing responsibility across multi-unit restaurant or food & beverage operations.
Current or recent leadership of multiple restaurant locations, including direct leadership and development of multiple General Managers responsible for independent business units.
Full P&L accountability for a multi-unit portfolio generating at least $20 million in annual managed sales.
Demonstrated success leading complex airport food & beverage operations or similarly regulated, high-volume, multi-unit environments.
Proven experience leading unionized operations, including labor relations, contract compliance, issue resolution, and productive partnership with union representatives.
Demonstrated ability to develop senior operational leaders through coaching, succession planning, performance management, and accountability.
Proven success improving operational performance through financial analysis, labor optimization, inventory controls, operational discipline, and strategic business planning.
Experience partnering with executive leadership and cross-functional business partners to drive operational and financial results.

Preferred Qualifications

Director of Operations or Regional Operations leadership experience within airport food & beverage operations.
Experience leading large, geographically dispersed, multi-brand restaurant portfolios.
Demonstrated success leading operational turnarounds or improving underperforming multi-unit businesses.

Why SSP America?

At SSP America, we don't simply operate restaurants - we create exceptional dining experiences for travelers across North America.

We're looking for leaders who embrace challenge, inspire high-performing teams, and know how to build strong operational cultures while delivering exceptional business results.

If you've successfully led complex airport food & beverage operations and are ready to make a lasting impact, we'd like to meet you.

Benefits:

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
Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Leave
Bonus Eligibility

Additional Statements

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.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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Bradley International Airport (BDL) – Windsor Locks, CT

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