The Specialty Markets Senior Director is responsible for driving growth, innovation, and profitability in Specialty Markets by leading strategic business development efforts, product innovation, and operational excellence. The role emphasizes building strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders, curating best-in-class food offerings, developing sustainability initiatives, and ensuring financial performance. The position requires collaboration across multiple teams, including procurement, marketing, finance, and dining, to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive the company’s market leadership.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
•    Build and foster long-lasting relationships with key clients and stakeholders to support business growth and ensure high levels of client/customer satisfaction.
•    Create and execute effective business and marketing strategies to improve profitability, increase sales, and enhance guest satisfaction within Specialty Markets.
•    Curate and implement innovative food concepts, incorporating the latest food trends, alternative ingredients, and healthy options to create “Best-in-Class” Fresh Food Markets through culinary expertise
•    Develop and implement environmentally sustainable practices, including waste reduction, use of eco-friendly packaging, and sourcing local ingredients.
•    Establish and evolve procurement best practices to drive service excellence and operational efficiencies across all Specialty Markets.
•    Develop and provide models and analyses to support capital investment decisions, particularly within the airport sector.
•    Develop department and business-wide Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure performance and set goals.
•    Expand and tailor market portfolios based on consumer preferences, ensuring the offer meets diverse market demands.
•    In partnership with the SVP of Dining and FP&A support the budget and forecasting process by coordinating with the RVPs (Regional Vice Presidents) and supporting weekly updates with real time business decisions. 
•    In partnership with FP&A, monitor and analyze financial reports, making data-driven decisions to optimize revenue streams and control costs.
•    Identify opportunities to improve profitability through pricing strategies, product mix optimization, and cost control.
•    Jointly develops the high-level strategy for team structure and organizational growth plans.
•    Negotiates and manages partnerships with vendors, suppliers, and other business partners.
•    Provide vision and strategic leadership to drive performance and employee satisfaction through the delivery of best-in-class Specialty Market experiences.
•    Responsible for analyzing food market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor strategies to drive business growth.
•    Supports the Dining Division’s RFP processes by developing operational and financial models to support decisions for new and expanded business units. 

TYPICAL KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS:

•    Ability to collaborate across departments, including marketing, operations, procurement, merchandising, and R&D, to ensure cohesive execution of market strategies.
•    Ability to coach and mentor teams, fostering leadership growth, and promoting professional development.
•    Ability to engage and motivate teams to cultivate a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.
•    Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely execution, high standards, and cost efficiency.
•    Ability to consolidate large amounts of data from multiple sources, draw conclusions, and present results in executive ready format.
•    Ability to perform quantitative business analysis.
•    Ability to structure action plans with timelines and goals.
•    Deep understanding of food safety regulations, industry standards, and audit procedures, ensuring compliance and maintaining high-quality standards.
•    Experience in managing suppliers, procurement, and logistics to ensure timely product delivery and cost-effective operations.
•    Expertise in negotiating contracts and partnerships to ensure favorable terms for the company while maintaining relationships.
•    Experience with digital marketing strategies and e-commerce trends in the food industry to drive consumer engagement.
•    Experience responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to secure new business opportunities.
•    Experience with managing P&L’s.
•    Excellent organizational, time management, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
•    Familiarity with Point of Sale (POS) systems, data analytics tools, and food service management platforms (e.g., SAP or TCPos) to optimize operations.
 

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: 
•    Legal Age:  18 Years 
•    Education or Equivalent Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in or equivalent experience 
•    Supervisory/Managerial Experience: 5 or more years 
•    Function Specific Experience: 10+ years’ food and beverage management experience, including 5 years’ experience developing and curating marketplace concepts. 
•    Travel Requirements:  40% or more 
•    Schedule:  May require some nights, weekends, and holidays. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:  Describe the physical environment in which the job works, and any special physical qualifications required (safety hazards, visual/hearing acuity or unusual conditions).  Work is performed in area that is adequately lighted and ventilated. 

Physical Demands:    
•    Must be able to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods of time. 
•    May require some lifting up to 20 lbs. 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.