Director of Airport Operations

SSP America; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunity

Health and dental benefits

RRSP with company match

Paid time off

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

SSP Group is seeking a Director of Airport Operations for our Ottawa operations at Ottawa International Airport (YOW). The role oversees multiple restaurant concepts, including full-service and quick-service, and requires building and sustaining high-performing management teams while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Reporting to the Regional Vice President of Operations, you will drive operational and financial performance, coach general managers, and ensure brand standards and food

Qualifications

• 7+ years of restaurant or food service management with multi-unit P&L responsibility.
• Proven multi-unit leadership and development of management teams.
• Strong background in full-service restaurant operations and guest service.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational and financial performance across multiple restaurant locations and brands.
• Coach, develop, and hold Restaurant General Managers accountable for results.
• Drive sales, profitability, labor management, food costs, and P&L performance.
• Ensure consistent execution of brand standards, food safety, and guest service expectations.
• Develop management talent and build high-performing teams.
• Partner with airport leadership, brand reps and corporate support teams.
• Identify operational challenges and implement solutions to improve performance.

Skills

Multi-unit P&L

Leadership

F&B operations

Financial management

Brand standards

People development

Problem solving

Job description

Director of Airport Operations | Ottawa International Airport (YOW)

• $110,000 – $120,000 CAD annually. Compensation is based on experience and qualifications; exceptional candidates with directly relevant experience may be considered beyond the posted range.

Potential for quarterly and year-end super bonus

Lead multiple restaurants. Develop strong leaders. Drive operational excellence.

SSP Canada is seeking an experiencedDirector of Airport Operations to lead our multi-unit food and beverage operations at Ottawa International Airport (YOW).

This is an opportunity for an accomplished multi-unit restaurant leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, knows how to develop and hold Restaurant General Managers accountable, and delivers strong operational and financial results.

Reporting to the Regional Vice President of Operations, you will oversee multiple restaurant concepts, including full-service and quick-service operations, while building high-performing management teams and ensuring exceptional guest experiences.

What You'll Do

• Lead operational and financial performance across multiple restaurant locations and brands.
• Coach, develop, and hold Restaurant General Managers accountable for results.
• Drive sales, profitability, labor management, food costs, and P&L performance.
• Ensure consistent execution of brand standards, food safety, and guest service expectations.
• Develop management talent, strengthen succession planning, and build effective teams.
• Partner with airport leadership, brand representatives, and corporate support teams.
• Identify operational challenges and implement solutions that improve performance.

What We're Looking For

• 7+ years of progressive restaurant or food service management experience, including multi‑unit P&L responsibility, or equivalent education and experience.
• Proven multi‑unit restaurant leadership experience, with demonstrated success leading and developing management teams.
• Strong background in full‑service restaurant operations, including food and beverage service.
• Demonstrated ability to manage financial performance, operational standards, and multiple priorities.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with multiple restaurant brands or franchise concepts preferred.
• Airport food and beverage concessions experience highly desirable.

Why Join Us?

• Leadership Impact: Take on a key senior leadership role within one of SSP Canada's major airport operations.
• Dynamic Environment: Lead multiple restaurant concepts in the fast‑paced environment of Ottawa International Airport.
• Develop Leaders: Build and strengthen a management team while creating succession and growth opportunities.
• Career Growth: Join one of the world's leading food travel companies with opportunities to continue advancing your operational leadership career.
• Competitive Total Rewards: Salary, bonus opportunity, health and dental benefits, paid time off, RRSP with company match and Employee Assistance Program.

Additional Statements

This position is located in a secure airport environment and a Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC) is required. All candidates must be legally authorised to work in Canada and must be able to provide the necessary government‑issued documentation required for airport security clearance. Documentation will be reviewed during the onboarding process in accordance with Transport Canada regulations. Further information can be found at:

SSP Canada is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities, 2005 in our recruitment and employment practices. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, including the interview and assessment stage, due to a disability, please inform us of your need and the nature of the accommodation(s) that may be required.