Regional People Leader

SSP Group; Ashburn (VA); Remote; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SSP America seeks a Regional People Leader to support airport operations across the Northeastern United States. You will partner with two Regional VPs and leadership teams to drive people strategy, engagement, and HR process execution in complex, multi-unit airport environments.

The role acts as a trusted advisor to operational leadership and as the primary liaison for labor relations and union activity. You will influence senior leaders, manage investigations, and travel 50-60% to regional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of HR Business Partner or progressive HR leadership experience.
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification required.
• Union / labor relations experience including grievance management and collective bargaining exposure.
• Experience supporting multi-unit or field operations.
• Experience with direct HR ownership across multiple U.S. states or jurisdictions.
• Ability to travel 50-60% within the U.S. to assigned airport locations.
• Strong ability to influence and partner with senior operational leaders.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Regional Vice Presidents, Directors of Operations, and airport leadership teams across the Northeastern U.S.
• Serve as the primary HR business partner and labor relations expert for assigned airports.
• Lead employee relations investigations, grievance management, and resolution of complex workplace issues.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. labor and employment laws, union agreements, and wage & hour regulations.
• Support recruiting strategies and workforce planning for both hourly and management teams.
• Coach leaders on performance management, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness.
• Drive initiatives that improve retention, team member experience, and operational performance.
• Collaborate with corporate HR support teams on benefits, training, compliance, and special projects.
• Partner with internal and external legal counsel on labor relations matters and agency complaints.
• Travel approximately 50 - 60% to airport locations within the Northeastern region to support operational teams.

Skills

Employee relations

Labor relations

Stakeholder partnership

Leadership

HR strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

PHR or SHRM-CP certification

Job description

Compensation: $130,000 – $150,000 + bonus. Compensation is based on experience and qualifications; exceptional candidates with directly relevant experience may be considered beyond the posted range.

Location: Remote (based within a commutable distance of NYC, Philadelphia, or Newark metro areas)

Travel: 50 - 60% to SSP airports within the region

SSP America is seeking a strategic and hands-on Regional People Leader to support airport operations across the Northeastern United States region. This role partners closely with two Regional Vice Presidents and their leadership teams to drive people strategy, strengthen employee engagement, and ensure effective execution of HR processes across complex, multi-unit airport environments.

The Regional People Leader serves as a trusted advisor to operational leadership while acting as the primary liaison for labor relations and union activity across assigned locations.

If you thrive in high-energy environments, enjoy solving complex employee relations challenges, and know how to build credibility with senior operations leaders, this role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

What You’ll Do

• Partner with Regional Vice Presidents, Directors of Operations, and airport leadership teams across the Northeastern U.S.
• Serve as the primary HR business partner and labor relations expert for assigned airports.
• Lead employee relations investigations, grievance management, and resolution of complex workplace issues.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. labor and employment laws, union agreements, and wage & hour regulations.
• Support recruiting strategies and workforce planning for both hourly and management teams.
• Coach leaders on performance management, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness.
• Drive initiatives that improve retention, team member experience, and operational performance.
• Collaborate with corporate HR support teams on benefits, training, compliance, and special projects.
• Partner with internal and external legal counsel on labor relations matters and agency complaints.
• Travel approximately 50 - 60% to airport locations within the Northeastern region to support operational teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field required.
• Minimum 8 years of HR Business Partner or progressive HR leadership experience.
• Union / labor relations experience required, including grievance management and collective bargaining exposure.
• Demonstrated proficiency applying U.S. labor and employment laws.
• Experience supporting multi-unit or field operations environments.
• Experience with direct HR ownership across multiple U.S. states or jurisdictions required, including application of varying state and local employment laws.
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification required.
• Strong ability to influence and partner with senior operational leaders.
• Experience managing complex employee relations investigations.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments with multiple priorities.
• Must be able to travel approximately 50% within the U.S. to assigned airport locations.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

• Strong business acumen and ability to partner with operations leaders.
• Confidence navigating complex employee relations and labor issues.
• Calm, credible leadership during high-pressure situations.
• Ability to influence leaders while balancing compliance and operational realities.
• Collaborative mindset with strong communication and coaching skills.

Why Join SSP America

• Competitive salary $130,000 – $150,000 + bonus
• High-impact regional leadership role supporting major airport operations
• Opportunity to partner directly with senior operational leadership
• Dynamic hospitality environment across multiple airport locations
• Career growth within a global airport hospitality company
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement programs
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Opportunity to shape people strategy across a complex multi-unit region

Diversity Statement

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.