Regional People Leader
About the role
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.
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% to airport locations within the Northeastern region to support operational teams.
Requirements
- 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.
- PREFERRED: PHR or SHRM-CP certification.
- Strong ability to influence and partner with senior operational leaders.
- Experience managing complex employee relations investigations.
- Able to work effectively in fast-paced environments with multiple priorities.
- Must be able to travel approximately 60% 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.
- Able 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.