Director of Retail Operations
HPN Airport | Director of Retail Operations – Airport Bar & Market
Director of Retail Operations
(Retail Market with To-Go Bar)
Location: Westchester County Airport (HPN) – White Plains, NY
Salary: $85,000 – $90,000 + Bonus
Status: Full-Time | Onsite Leadership Role
Lead a High-Visibility Airport Retail Operation
SSP America is seeking a Director of Retail Operations to lead a high-volume airport retail market with a small to-go bar component at Westchester County Airport (HPN).
This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role responsible for full operational ownership of a single location generating approximately $7–$10M in annual revenue. The Director will lead a small leadership team and frontline staff while partnering closely with airport stakeholders and SSP corporate partners.
This role is ideal for a strong retail leader with experience in high-volume environments who can bring structure, consistency, and operational discipline to a fast-paced airport setting.
What You’ll Own
Retail & Operational Leadership
- Full ownership of day-to-day retail market operations with a supporting beverage component
- Strong floor presence to drive sales, merchandising standards, and customer experience
- Execution of retail standards, food safety, and regulatory compliance
- Oversight of a team of 3 managers and approximately 14 staff
- Maintenance of liquor compliance for the to-go bar
Business & Financial Management
- Accountability for unit-level P&L performance
- Inventory management, merchandising, ordering, and vendor coordination
- Labor planning, scheduling, and cost control
- Forecasting and operational planning to support business needs
People Leadership
- Hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance management
- Building leadership capability within the management team
- Creating a culture of accountability, service, and operational discipline
Stakeholder Partnership
- Represent SSP America with airport leadership and partners
- Communicate effectively with corporate support teams
- Serve as a brand ambassador for a diverse traveler base
What You Bring
Experience
- Minimum 5+ years of progressive retail leadership experience (required)
- Current or recent experience as a General Manager, Store Manager, or similar role
- Proven ownership of a high-volume retail operation
- Experience in airport, travel retail, convenience retail, or street-side retail environments strongly preferred
- Experience overseeing a food or beverage component is a plus
Leadership Profile
You are a leader who:
- Operates with ownership and accountability
- Is highly visible and hands-on with your team
- Drives sales through strong merchandising and operational execution
- Brings structure and consistency to fast-paced environments
- Communicates confidently with senior stakeholders
- Is comfortable working in a regulated airport environment
- Can maintain consistent onsite presence at HPN
Experience with Crunchtime or similar inventory systems is strongly preferred.
Why This Role
- High-impact, single-unit ownership with DO-level visibility
- Opportunity to stabilize and build a team from the ground up
- Exposure to airport leadership and premium travel environment
- Blend of retail execution with light food & beverage complexity
Minimum Requirements:
- 5+ years of retail leadership experience
- Experience managing high-volume retail operations
- Ability to work onsite at HPN
About SSP America
We’re travelers serving travelers. With restaurants in over 80 airports, we bring local favorites to passengers across North America. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, value accountability, and enjoy leading strong teams — this is your opportunity.
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.
Nearest Major Market: New York City
