Senior People Leader

SeaTac Airport (SEA) | Senior People Leader

Join Our Team!

Compensation: $100,000 - $105,000 / year + bonus eligible

Location: Seattle-based, ~20% travel to Spokane and Portland 

We are food travel experts, and we are passionate about bringing cool, authentic restaurants to airports that reflect a taste of place. At SSP America, the potential to grow and expand is all around you.

If you are ready to take on a strategic and high impact leadership role in People Operations while working with a global travel dining brand that values its employees and offers strong career growth opportunities, apply today.

As a Senior People Leader, you will serve as the on-site HR leader supporting airport operations. You will partner with Operations Leadership, Corporate HR, and cross functional teams to drive employee engagement, ensure compliance, and support business performance. You will also lead key people initiatives across employee relations, labor relations, recruitment, and talent development in a fast-paced airport environment.

What You'll Do:

• Lead the implementation of HR programs, policies, and initiatives across assigned airport locations while ensuring clear communication to all team members.
• Manage complex employee relations issues, including investigations and conflict resolution, while partnering with internal counsel and corporate resources.
• Support payroll inquiries in partnership with the Corporate Payroll team to ensure timely and accurate resolution.
• Act as a key member of the Operations Leadership team, contributing to business goals, workforce planning, and operational execution.
• Maintain HR records and documentation in compliance with all legal and audit requirements, including employee and confidential files.
• Support labor relations efforts, including union activity, contract administration, grievance handling, and collective bargaining where applicable.
• Advise and coach leaders on employment decisions, performance management, and terminations while overseeing exit interview processes and insights.
• Coach Operations leaders on employee relations matters to reduce risk and improve team effectiveness.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to support recruitment efforts for hourly and management roles, including offer processes.
• Oversee the employee lifecycle from onboarding through development and performance management.
• Facilitate talent review and compensation planning programs in partnership with Corporate HR.
• Partner with Operations on bid scheduling and workforce planning initiatives.
• Lead and support key people programs such as engagement surveys, open enrollment, unit openings and closings, and employee recognition initiatives.
• Support additional HR projects and responsibilities as assigned.

What We’re Looking For:

• Minimum 4+ years of progressive HR experience in a Generalist or HR Business Partner capacity, with a strong focus on employee relations and compliance
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex, fast-paced environments and make sound decisions under pressure
• Proven ownership of employee relations, including investigations, performance management, and terminations in a high-volume environment
• Experience advising and influencing operations leaders, with the ability to balance business needs and risk
• Experience supporting high-volume, hourly workforces (restaurant, retail, hospitality, or similar operational environments)
• Experience working in union environments required
• Strong working knowledge of employment law and HR compliance, with the ability to apply it in real-time decision making
• Ability to operate independently as an on-site HR leader with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in HRIS systems (e.g., SuccessFactors, ADP, UltiPro) and Microsoft Office
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to manage sensitive situations and competing priorities
• High level of discretion and professionalism when handling confidential information
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• SHRM certification is a plus

Why Join Us?

• Dynamic Environment: Work in the fast paced and exciting setting of a major airport.
• Competitive Compensation: $100,000 - $105,000 + bonus
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• EAP
• Voluntary Benefits: Life AD&D, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance
• SSP 401(k) Plan with Employer Matching
• PTO – Starting at 80 hours a year
• 6 Premium Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave : 1 hour per 30 hours worked
• Bonus Eligibility

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 any 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.