Senior People Leader

SeaTac Airport (SEA) | Senior People Leader

Join Our Team!

Compensation: $108,000 - $115,000 / year + bonus eligible

We are food travel experts, and we are passionate about bringing cool, authentic restaurants to airports that reflect a taste of place. At SSP America, the potential to grow and expand is all around you.

If you are ready to take on a strategic and high impact leadership role in People Operations while working with a global travel dining brand that values its employees and offers strong career growth opportunities, apply today.

As a Senior People Leader, you will serve as the on-site HR leader supporting airport operations. You will partner with Operations Leadership, Corporate HR, and cross functional teams to drive employee engagement, ensure compliance, and support business performance. You will also lead key people initiatives across employee relations, labor relations, recruitment, and talent development in a fast-paced airport environment.

What You'll Do:

• Lead the implementation of HR programs, policies, and initiatives across assigned airport locations while ensuring clear communication to all team members.
• Manage complex employee relations issues, including investigations and conflict resolution, while partnering with internal counsel and corporate resources.
• Support payroll inquiries in partnership with the Corporate Payroll team to ensure timely and accurate resolution.
• Act as a key member of the Operations Leadership team, contributing to business goals, workforce planning, and operational execution.
• Maintain HR records and documentation in compliance with all legal and audit requirements, including employee and confidential files.
• Support labor relations efforts, including union activity, contract administration, grievance handling, and collective bargaining where applicable.
• Advise and coach leaders on employment decisions, performance management, and terminations while overseeing exit interview processes and insights.
• Coach Operations leaders on employee relations matters to reduce risk and improve team effectiveness.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to support recruitment efforts for hourly and management roles, including offer processes.
• Oversee the employee lifecycle from onboarding through development and performance management.
• Facilitate talent review and compensation planning programs in partnership with Corporate HR.
• Partner with Operations on bid scheduling and workforce planning initiatives.
• Lead and support key people programs such as engagement surveys, open enrollment, unit openings and closings, and employee recognition initiatives.
• Support additional HR projects and responsibilities as assigned.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in an HR role with strong exposure to employee relations and compliance.
• SHRM certification is a plus.
  Experience in restaurant, retail, hospitality, or other high volume operational environments preferred.
• Experience working in union environments is highly preferred.
  Strong technical proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS systems such as SuccessFactors, UltiPro, or ADP.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage conflict, handle high pressure situations, and make sound decisions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast paced environment.
• High level of discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Why Join Us?

• Dynamic Environment: Work in the fast paced and exciting setting of a major airport.
• Competitive Compensation: $108,000 - $115,000 + bonus
• 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 – Starting at 80 hours a year
• 6 Premium Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave : 1 hour per 30 hours worked
• Bonus Eligibility

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 any 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.