Job Description

San Diego International (SAN) Airport | Panda Express

Salary: $70,000–$75,000/year + potential quarterly bonus

Ready to lead in a fast-paced, high-energy airport environment where no two days are the same?

We are looking for a passionate and driven Restaurant General Manager to lead our Panda Express location at San Diego International Airport (SAN). This is an exciting opportunity for a hospitality leader who thrives on developing teams, driving results, and delivering exceptional guest experiences in a dynamic travel environment.

As the Restaurant General Manager, you will oversee the daily operation of the restaurant, lead and develop your management team, and ensure excellence across guest service, operations, financial performance, food quality, and team culture.

What You'll Do

• Lead day-to-day restaurant operations in a high-volume airport environment
• Create an engaging, guest-focused culture that delivers outstanding hospitality
• Recruit, train, coach, and retain a strong management and hourly team
• Drive operational excellence, food quality, sanitation, and safety standards
• Manage labor, food cost, inventory, waste control, and overall financial performance
• Lead shifts alongside your team and provide hands-on operational support
• Drive speed of service and execution during peak meal periods while maintaining food quality and presentation standards
• Ensure consistent execution of brand recipes, wok-cooking standards, and portion control
• Lead daily shift huddles and foster a high-energy, accountability-driven team culture
• Handle guest concerns professionally and turn feedback into action
• Support new product launches, promotions, and operational initiatives
• Develop future leaders through coaching, accountability, and mentorship
• Coach Assistant Managers and Shift Leaders to support internal growth and succession planning
• Maintain strong operational readiness for fluctuating airport passenger traffic
• Maintain compliance with company policies, food safety standards, and airport operational requirements

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 3 years of restaurant management experience in a quick service or fast casual environment
• Experience leading high-volume restaurant operations
• Experience with Panda Express or Asian-inspired restaurant concepts is a plus
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
• Experience managing labor, food cost, inventory, and operational performance
• Ability to stay calm, organized, and solution-focused under pressure
• Strong operational discipline with a focus on cleanliness, consistency, and execution
• Excellent communication and decision-making skills
• Ability to multitask and adapt quickly in a high-traffic environment
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays

Why Join SSP America?

At SSP America, we bring world-class food travel experiences to airports across North America. We partner with leading brands and local favorites to create memorable dining experiences for travelers every day.

Our Benefits & Perks

• Quarterly bonus potential
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Career growth and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary Benefits including Pet Insurance, Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity coverage

If you're ready to grow your hospitality career in an exciting airport setting, we'd love to connect with you.

Diversity Statement

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 and 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.