Director of Airport Operations

Areas USA, Inc•Austin, TX

About The Position

The Director of Airport Operations leads and oversees airport operations, with a focus on delivering strong financial and operational results, building a positive workplace culture, developing future leaders, and maintaining client relationships. The role is responsible for achieving financial, operational, and guest service objectives while fostering a high-quality work environment and ensuring food safety and brand compliance across locations. The Director oversees budgets, staffing, scheduling, payroll compliance, storefront quality, and timely store openings. The position works with the Regional Vice President to develop and execute strategies aligned with organizational goals, and collaborates with Legal, Human Resources, Loss Prevention, Business Development, Finance, and other business units. The Director also represents the company in public relations activities as needed. The role leads and develops a leadership team that includes Assistant Directors and Concept Managers. It sets goals, holds team members accountable, conducts performance evaluations, provides ongoing feedback, and promptly addresses associate relations matters.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality, or a related field.
At least 7 years of upper-management experience in food, beverage, and retail operations across multiple locations (15 or more).
Proven track record of successfully running a multi-million-dollar business.
Strong financial acumen and ability to analyze and optimize business performance.
Excellent leadership skills focused on developing and motivating teams.
Ability to create and maintain a positive, high-performance culture.
Strong client relationship management skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant business software.
Strong strategic planning and execution abilities.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong analytical skills for budget management, business analysis, and risk assessment.
Exceptional time management, organization, and project management skills.
Commitment to high standards of guest relations, diplomacy, and professionalism.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.

Responsibilities

Meet and exceed expectations for financial performance, people management, client satisfaction, and business partner relationships.
Develop and implement strategies that foster a culture in which team members feel valued and provide an exceptional guest experience.
Identify, mentor, and develop future leaders and maintain a strong leadership pipeline.
Maintain high standards of food safety and brand compliance across operations.
Manage and optimize budgets to meet or exceed financial targets.
Ensure adherence to brand standards across all locations.
Provide visible, transparent leadership in daily airport floor operations.
Create and execute action plans addressing retention, turnover, and employee satisfaction.
Collaborate with the Regional Vice President to develop and implement strategies aligned with organizational goals.
Oversee staffing requirements and budget guidelines in conjunction with annual financial statements.
Ensure compliance with airport badging requirements through daily termination notifications.
Optimize schedules and ensure payroll compliance using the workforce management tool.
Work with team members to maintain high-quality storefronts and ensure timely store openings.
Coordinate with Legal, Human Resources, Loss Prevention, Business Development, Finance, and other business units on daily operational matters.
Represent the company in public relations activities as needed.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing leadership team, including Assistant Directors and Concept Managers.
Set clear goals and hold team members accountable for results.
Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback to direct reports.
Address and resolve associate relations matters promptly and effectively.