Restaurant Leader

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK T4) | Operations Manager

 

Operations Manager - Multi-Unit Restaurant Leadership

• John F. Kennedy International Airport – Terminal 4
• $100,000 base + quarterly & year-end bonus potential
• Comprehensive benefits package

Be the leader who elevates leaders.

SSP America is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee multiple restaurant concepts at JFK Terminal 4. This is a high-visibility, hands-on leadership role focused on coaching, developing, and holding Restaurant General Managers accountable for operational excellence, financial performance, and brand standards.

Reporting directly to the onsite Director of Operations, this role is ideal for a proven multi-unit leader who thrives in high-volume environments and knows how to turn standards into habits — and managers into strong business owners.

What You’ll Do

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Restaurant General Managers across multiple brands and concepts
• Hold GMs accountable for execution, results, and consistency
• Serve as a teacher and mentor, reinforcing best practices in operations, finance, and people leadership
• Drive performance across:
  • Food quality and execution
  • Guest experience and service standards
  • Labor, food cost, and controllables
  • Compliance, safety, and brand standards
• Partner closely with the Director of Operations to align priorities, solve problems, and execute strategy
• Ensure systems, processes, and reporting are consistently followed
• Support forecasting, budgeting, and financial reviews — and teach GMs how to manage their P&Ls
• Identify gaps, address underperformance, and celebrate wins

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 7 years of restaurant or foodservice management experience
• Minimum 5 years as a Restaurant General Manager in a full-service restaurant with bar
• Prior multi-unit leadership experience overseeing General Managers strongly preferred
• Proven ability to coach, develop, and hold leaders accountable
• Kitchen management experience desirable
• Strong operational and financial acumen - expert-level P&L knowledge
• Comfortable leading in high-volume, fast-paced environments
• Strong communicator who can partner with executives, union leaders, and diverse teams
• Proficiency with POS systems and Microsoft Office
• High School Diploma required; post-secondary education preferred
• Ability to meet airport security requirements

Why Join SSP America

• Lead in one of the most dynamic airport environments in the country
• Work for a global food & beverage leader with multiple brands and growth opportunities
• Make a real impact by developing strong General Managers
• Competitive compensation with bonus potential
• Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, PTO, 401(k) with company match, and EAP

Ready to Lead at the Next Level?

If you’re energized by developing leaders, driving accountability, and running great businesses in a high-volume environment, we want to hear from you.

About SSP America

 

We’re food traveler experts serving travelers. With restaurants in over 60 airports, we bring local favorites to passengers across North America. If you thrive in action, teamwork, and moving fast — this is your place.

 

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.

We use Traitify as part of our hiring process for jobs in NYC and certain features may qualify it as an AEDT under NYC Law 144. As part of the hiring process, Traitify provides us with a candidate assessment which is one of the many factors that we review in making interview decisions; there are no cut offs, and all applications are visible to the hiring team. The Traitify tool has been reviewed by an independent auditor and results of the audit may be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/yc3dwnhp