Job Overview: Assistant Restaurant Manager – High-Volume Ops

SSP America (a division of SSP Group) is seeking an Assistant Restaurant Manager to lead high-volume dining operations at San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC). This role is designed for a results-driven hospitality leader who can navigate the unique challenges of airport concessions—where speed, safety, and service must coexist in a 24/7 environment.

As an Assistant Manager, you will be the “engine” of the restaurant, coordinating frontline staff to deliver consistent food quality while meeting the strict security and operational timelines of a major international airport.

Key Responsibilities & Operational Leadership

Daily Operations & High-Volume Management

Shift Leadership: Oversee daily front-of-house and back-of-house operations, ensuring optimal staffing levels to meet fluctuating flight schedules and passenger surges.
Quality & Safety: Maintain rigorous standards for food quality, presentation, and safety. Ensure full compliance with health department regulations and airport-specific safety protocols.
Problem Solving: Act as the primary point of contact for customer escalations and operational bottlenecks, ensuring “First Class Service” even during peak travel windows.

Team Development & Performance

Staff Supervision: Lead, coach, and motivate a diverse team of servers, cooks, and support staff.
Training: Implement SSP’s global training standards to ensure every team member is proficient in both culinary execution and customer engagement.
Inventory & Cost Control: Assist in managing inventory, reducing waste, and monitoring labor costs to ensure the unit meets its financial targets.

Requirements & Qualifications

Professional Experience

Tenure: Minimum of 2 years of restaurant management experience is required.
Environment: Experience in high-volume, “fast-casual,” or full-service dining is highly preferred.
Skills: Strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse workforce and international traveler base.

Mandatory Criteria

Compliance: Must be able to pass a 10-year federal background check to obtain an airport SIDA badge.
Flexibility: Ability to work a varied schedule, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent; hospitality degree or certifications (e.g., ServSafe) are a plus.

Compensation & Comprehensive Benefits

Competitive Salary: Includes eligibility for performance-based bonuses.
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Financial Security: 401(k) retirement plan and life insurance.
Career Growth: SSP operates in over 30 countries; this role offers a clear pathway into General Management or multi-unit Regional Leadership.

Why Join SSP at San Jose International?

SSP is a global leader in travel “food-travel” experts. Working at SJC offers a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. You will represent world-class brands while enjoying the stability and professional structure of a global corporation.

Application Information

Interested candidates should apply through the SSP America Careers portal. Your application should highlight your experience managing high-volume shifts and your ability to lead teams under pressure.

The Company & Culture SSP America is a prominent division of the global SSP Group, which brands itself as “The Food Travel Experts.” In 2026, the company is recognized for its “Taste of Place” philosophy—a commitment to bringing authentic, local culinary brands into airport terminals rather than just generic chains. The culture at the San Jose hub is defined by operational excellence and high-growth momentum. Following their multi-year contract win at SJC, the team has been awarded the prestigious SSP America PASSION Cup, a high-honor internal award that recognizes the San Jose team for superior results in safety, service, and financial performance. Employees often describe a fast-paced environment where “heartfelt hospitality” is the standard, though the nature of airport work requires strict adherence to security and federal regulations.

The Location: San José Mineta International Airport (SJC)

The Hub: Located at 1701 Airport Blvd, SSP America is the primary food and beverage concessionaire at SJC, managing a significant portion of the airport’s 30+ dining locations.
The SJC Vibe: In 2026, the SJC terminal is often cited as one of the most tech-friendly and efficient in the U.S. The SSP team here works in a “Silicon Valley” atmosphere, serving a mix of high-tech business travelers and vacationers.
The Portfolio: SSP’s presence at SJC includes a mix of “cool, local, and authentic” brands, such as:
- Jim Stump’s Taproom + Kitchen: A flagship gastropub by a legendary South Bay chef.
- Pizza My Heart: A beloved local surf-themed pizza chain.
- Olla Cocina: Modern Mexican cuisine.
- San Pedro Square Market: An airport outpost of the iconic downtown food hall.

To apply for this job please visit careers.foodtravelexperts.com.