Director of Operations DEN

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits :

401(k)

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Health insurance

Profit sharing

Vision insurance

Job Title : Director of Operations DEN

Location : Denver International Airport (DEN)

Reports To : Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Company : Olive & Finch Collective

About Olive & Finch Collective

Olive & Finch Collective is a Denver-based hospitality group committed to fresh, chef-driven meals, exceptional guest experiences, and a people-first culture. Since opening in 2013, our growing portfolio now includes restaurants, cafs, a full-service bakeshop, a robust catering and events division, retail and grab-and-go operations, and multiple locations at Denver International Airport. At Olive & Finch, we believe in inclusive leadership, sustainable growth, and nourishing both our guests and our teams.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations DEN is responsible for the oversight and execution of all Olive & Finch Collective operations at Denver International Airport (DEN). This role is the primary liaison between Olive & Finch and DENs airport management team, ensuring seamless communication, compliance, and partnership. The Director of Operations plays a critical role in pre-opening planning, coordinating buildouts, and launching new concepts.. Post-opening, this leader ensures operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and ongoing collaboration with DEN to meet and exceed expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Airport Relationship & Compliance

Serve as the primary point of contact with the DEN concessions team and airport stakeholders.

• Ensure full compliance with all DEN, TSA, FAA, and airport concessionaire requirements, including security, safety, and reporting obligations.
• Maintain regular communication and represent Olive & Finch at airport meetings, reviews, and inspections.

Pre-Opening & New Unit Launches

Lead all pre-opening coordination with DEN and internal teams for construction, design, equipment procurement, hiring, and training.

• Oversee timelines and deliverables for multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring on-time and on-budget openings.
• Partner with marketing and brand teams to ensure cohesive launch campaigns and strong opening performance.

Operational Leadership

Manage day-to-day operations of all airport locations post-opening, ensuring adherence to Olive & Finch brand standards and airport guidelines.

• Develop and implement systems to maximize operational efficiency, guest experience, and profitability in a high-volume airport environment.
• Support and mentor airport General Managers and department leaders to achieve operational goals.

Financial & Performance Management

Partner with the COO and Director of Finance to develop budgets, labor models, and financial forecasts for airport units.

• Track and analyze KPIs (sales, COGS, labor, guest satisfaction) to drive performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Lead problem-solving efforts to address operational challenges unique to airport operations.

Team Leadership & Culture

Recruit, train, and retain top-performing airport operations leaders and staff.

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and guest-first service.
• Serve as a visible and engaged leader, modeling Olive & Finch values and supporting employee development.

Qualifications

7+ years of progressive leadership experience in hospitality or airport food & beverage operations.

• Demonstrated success opening and operating multiple food & beverage concepts, including full service, QSR, bar and coffee formats.
• Strong knowledge of airport concessionaire processes, compliance requirements, and high-volume operations.
• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to lead multiple pre-opening projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Collaborative, hands-on leader with a bias toward action and problem solving.

Commitment to guest experience, team development, and operational excellence.