Vice President, Operations - Airline Lounges

Sodexo • Miami, FL

122d

About The Position

SodexoLive! is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Vice President of Operations - Airline Lounges to lead, grow, and elevate a growing airport lounge portfolio across the U.S. This high-impact, multi-site leadership role requires a visionary leader who thrives in fast-paced, premium hospitality environments with prior international work experience or experience working with international clients. You'll be at the forefront of business expansion, client relationship management, and operational excellence, all while ensuring an unforgettable guest experience. As a key executive leader, you will drive strategic growth, financial performance, and best-in-class service delivery, collaborating with senior leadership, client partners, and high-performing teams. Your leadership will directly influence SodexoLive's competitive edge in the airport lounge industry. This role demands a growth-oriented, strategic leader who can drive business expansion, elevate team performance, and ensure operational excellence across a portfolio consisting of international clientele. The ideal candidate will balance hands-on leadership in day-to-day operations with high-impact strategic engagement at the senior level. Success in this role requires the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships, lead cross-functional teams, and drive innovation while maintaining an unwavering commitment to compliance, service excellence, and financial performance. A leader in this role must communicate with clarity and influence at all levels—from frontline teams to executive leadership—while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This is a remote leadership role with 50% - 70% travel, working hands-on with international airport lounge accounts. Candidates must reside near a major airport.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10 years of multi-unit, support, or strategic leadership experience.
• Proven track record in strategic leadership and decision-making.
• Experience in overseeing multi-site operations.
• Strong client and stakeholder management skills.
• Financial acumen with full P&L oversight experience.
• Ability to mentor and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience in risk management and compliance.

Nice To Haves

• Prior international work experience or experience working with international clients.
• Experience in the hospitality industry.
• Strong communication skills to influence at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a growth strategy that expands market share and financial performance.
• Lead change management initiatives, driving innovation and operational efficiency across all locations.
• Identify and capitalize on business development opportunities to maximize revenue and retention.
• Oversee a $60M+ portfolio of third-party airport lounges, ensuring strategic alignment with client and corporate objectives.
• Serve as the primary executive liaison for key clients, ensuring contract retention and satisfaction.
• Build a Web of Influence within client organizations to strengthen relationships and identify expansion opportunities.
• Oversee contract negotiations, renewals, and strategic investments, ensuring long-term partnerships.
• Ensure premium service delivery and compliance with Sodexo Live's hospitality standards.
• Maintain full P&L accountability, ensuring financial sustainability and profitability, while optimizing P&L performance.
• Utilize data analytics and forecasting tools to optimize resource allocation and decision-making.
• Drive best-in-class operational protocols to maximize efficiency and service quality.
• Inspire, develop, and lead the management team to achieve operational excellence.
• Foster a high-performance culture, centered on collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Promote a mission-driven approach to excellence, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.
• Lead a high-performance team of Senior National Client Executive (Associate Vice President), ensuring strong leadership across multiple locations.
• Drive succession planning, talent development, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Elevate customer experience standards, ensuring seamless and high-quality hospitality services.
• Implement service enhancements and best practices to optimize guest satisfaction and loyalty.
• Conduct regular site visits, assessing and refining service delivery and operational execution.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Food Services and Drinking Places
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree