Regional People Leader

SSP Deutschland GmbH; Connecticut; Hybrid; USD 122,500 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off and holidays

Opportunity for career growth

Job summary

A leading airport hospitality company is seeking a Regional People Leader to drive HR strategy across airport operations in the Northeastern United States. This critical role involves partnering with senior leadership, managing employee relations, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Candidates should have significant HR leadership experience, union relations background, and relevant qualifications. The position offers a competitive salary with comprehensive benefits and the chance to shape people strategy in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of HR Business Partner or progressive HR leadership experience.
• Union/labor relations experience required, including grievance management.
• Demonstrated proficiency in U.S. labor and employment laws.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Regional Vice Presidents and airport leadership teams.
• Lead employee relations investigations and grievance management.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. labor and employment laws.

Skills

Labor relations expertise

Employee relations management

Strong communication skills

Performance management coaching

Business acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

PHR or SHRM-CP certification

Job description

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% to airport locations within the Northeastern region to support operational teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field.
• 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.
• 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 $122,500 – $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.