VP, Relations & Partnerships

Role Overview

This senior leadership position is centered on accelerating company growth through high-value relationships with airport authorities, airline partners, and other important stakeholders. The role reports to the Head of Business Development and is responsible for managing partnership agreements, spotting expansion opportunities, and working with cross-functional teams to create innovative solutions that drive revenue in airport dining and retail.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, grow, and maintain strategic partnerships with airport authorities, airlines, and other key stakeholders to broaden the company’s presence and unlock new revenue streams.
• Lead the review and management of partnership agreements so they stay aligned with business priorities, regulatory expectations, and long-term value creation.
• Study market conditions and industry trends to surface new opportunities and help prioritize initiatives that strengthen the company’s market position.
• Partner with internal groups such as Operations, Marketing, and Finance to align on strategic direction and ensure partnerships are executed smoothly.
• Use partnerships to support innovation by bringing in new dining concepts, technologies, and guest experiences that reinforce the brand.
• Define and track KPIs to evaluate partnership impact, assess performance, and refine strategies using data-backed insights.

Experience and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring a bachelor’s degree in business administration, hospitality management, finance, marketing, or a related discipline. An MBA is strongly preferred. The role calls for 12-15+ years of progressively responsible executive leadership experience, along with a strong record in multi-unit operations, strategic planning, and profitability improvement within fast-moving sectors such as travel, hospitality, food and beverage, or retail. Candidates should also have proven success leading large-scale initiatives such as market expansion, process improvements, and technology rollouts. Experience in regulated environments, particularly airports, is important, as is the ability to manage strong partnerships with airports, vendors, and stakeholders. Strong P&L ownership, budget management capability, and a focus on ROI are essential. Global or multi-regional exposure is preferred.

Work Conditions and Compliance

This is a regular, full-time, exempt position based onsite in Ashburn, VA. The role requires eligibility to work and travel approximately 40% of the time across the United States and Canada, including overnight stays when needed. Travel and work on weekends, nights, and holidays may be required depending on business needs and project timing. The selected candidate must pass and maintain a criminal background check and meet applicable airport security requirements, which may include TSA clearance, FAA-related requirements, Transport Canada requirements, and other relevant checks.

Physical and Language Requirements

The position involves both office-based and unit-level work. While in the office, the role is largely sedentary. When working in units or concepts, the employee must be able to move throughout the area, including standing and walking for extended periods as well as bending, kneeling, stooping, and crouching. The role also requires regular communication, the ability to handle difficult and ambiguous situations, and the operation of computers and related equipment. Candidates must be fluent in English, including speaking, reading, and writing, and should be able to review materials accurately by sight and hearing. Reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Additional Information

SSP America follows the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, and applicable state and local laws. The company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would create an undue hardship. This role requires regular attendance and flexibility in hours, with schedules varying based on business needs, project stage, and management agreement. The job description is not exhaustive, and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. This position is covered by applicable collective bargaining terms where relevant, and where there is a conflict between the handbook and a collective bargaining agreement, the collective bargaining agreement takes precedence.

Equal Opportunity

SSP America is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate unlawfully on any protected basis, including race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, or union activity.