Operations Director, Airport Concessions

TITLE:  Director of Airport Operations

SALARY: $140,000 - $160,000

BENEFITS:  Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 401K with Company Match, Paid Time Off (PTO) & Vacation

SUMMARY:

The Director of Airport Operations is responsible for overseeing multi-unit food, beverage, and retail operations within the airport environment, ensuring excellence in financial performance, guest experience, and team leadership. This role requires a strategic, hands-on leader who can drive operational efficiencies, uphold brand and safety standards, and develop high-performing teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in multi-unit management, financial acumen, and a passion for creating a best-in-class workplace culture. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Report most days of the work-week to the San Diego International Airport, passing through TSA upon each entry
• Actively engage in daily floor operations as a hands-on, visible leader.
• Drive financial performance, team leadership, client satisfaction, and business partner relationships for all food service & retail units within the airport
• Develop and implement strategies to foster a high-performance culture focused on guest experience.
• Identify, mentor, and cultivate future leaders to ensure long-term operational success.
• Uphold the highest standards of food safety, brand compliance, and operational excellence across all locations.
• Manage and optimize budgets to meet or exceed financial targets.
• Develop and execute initiatives to improve employee retention and satisfaction.
• Collaborate with the Regional Vice President (RVP) to align business strategies with company objectives.
• Oversee staffing requirements and budget management in conjunction with annual financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with airport security and badging requirements, including timely termination notifications.
• Optimize workforce scheduling and ensure payroll compliance using management tools.
• Liaise with Legal, Human Resources, Loss Prevention, Business Development, and Finance teams.
• Represent the company in public relations activities as needed.
• Lead, mentor, and support a high-performing leadership team, including Assistant Directors and Concept Managers.
• Establish clear goals and hold team members accountable for results.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide continuous feedback to direct reports.
• Address and resolve associate relations matters in a timely and professional manner.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7+ years in senior management overseeing multi-unit food, beverage, and retail operations (15+ locations).
• Previous experience managing multi-unit food service and retail services in an airport, or similar environment
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Hospitality, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Proven success in managing multi-million dollar businesses.
• Strong financial acumen with expertise in business analysis and budget management.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a focus on team development and motivation.
• Ability to cultivate a positive, high-performance workplace culture.
• Strong client relationship management and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant business software.
• Strategic planning and execution expertise.
• Excellent time management, organization, and project management skills.
• Commitment to guest satisfaction, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Flexibility to work varied hours as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer