Director of Restaurant Operations

Director of Operations – Detroit International Airport (DTW)

We have an exciting opportunity for a Director of Operations at the Detroit International Airport (DTW). If you thrive in a fast-paced food environment and are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role, we want to hear from you!

• Drive Management Team/Direct Reports and Hourly Team Members: Lead new product introductions and promotional programs; manage implementation and provide training to management team, direct reports, and hourly team members.
• Focus on the Food: Ensure food quality and standards; maintain recipe adherence and portion control in compliance with company, partner, and food safety specifications.
• Drive the Training Process: Conduct training for management/direct reports and hourly team members on product preparation, guest service techniques, equipment maintenance, brand identity, and standards.
• Conduct Routine Internal Quality Assessment Audits: Complete detailed written assessments to gauge location preparedness and alignment with brand standards and programs.
• Responsible For: Financial controls, personnel management, facilities, marketing, food preparation and quality, and general business operations; report on these measures regularly to the manager.
• Developing Innovative Solutions: Work with the Regional Vice President/Area Director to develop solutions for positive, long‑term transformations.
• Cost Control: Optimize food and labor costs to maximize profitability.
• People Development: Facilitate, participate in, and develop action plans from the company’s succession planning process.
• Systems and Processes: Maintain adherence to all company policies, procedures, and state health/sanitation standards.
• Merchandising and Displays: Maintain merchandising, display, and signing standards; monitor inventory levels.
• Office Management: Manage funds, media, inventory, purchasing, scheduling, and payroll tasks.
• Forecasting and Budgeting: Assist in monitoring sales performance through sales report analysis and comparison shopping.

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary, Hotel & Restaurant Management or related field highly desired; experience may substitute.
• Experience: Full Service with bar restaurant general management required;
  Quick Service Restaurant management highly desired.
• 10+ Years of Increasing Responsibility: Management experience in a full-service with bar restaurant environment with direct P&L responsibility and oversight of $20M+ managed sales volume or equivalent education/experience preferred.
• 10+ Years of Airport Terminal F&B Concessions
  
  Experience:
  
  Highly desirable.
• 5+ Years of Multi‑Unit Restaurant Management: Experience with General Manager direct reports or franchise management required.
• Financial
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to monitor and control labor costs in dollar and percentage terms.
• Technical Training: Culinary background desirable; food safety importance.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficient in MS Office, POS systems; organizational maturity to prioritize activities; excellent written and verbal communication.
• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to influence, manage relationships, and resolve difficult situations with clients, customers, peers, and direct reports.
• Safety Certification: Food Handlers’ Card or equivalent.
• Analytical
  
  Skills:
  
  Conduct gap analysis between desired and current state of expressed goals based on business planning and operations knowledge.

• Competitive Compensation: $110,000 – $130,000 per year plus quarterly and year‑end bonuses.
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Plans.
• Paid Time Off, 401(k) with company match, Employee Assistance Program.
• Dynamic Environment at a major airport.
• Growth opportunities within the world’s largest restaurant operator.

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 other protected status. SSP America will provide reasonable accommodations during the application and interview process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws.