Operations Manager – John F Kennedy International Airport
Smarte Carte
Job Number: 26215-299
Expires on November 11, 2026
Category: Passenger Services
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Compensation: $75,000.00 to $80,000.00 Per Year
Employment Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Weekends, Flexible Hours, Holidays
Experience: 3–5 Years / Mid Level (36–48 months)
Benefits: 401K Program, Dental Insurance, Disability Insurance, Health Insurance, Holiday Pay, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Wellness Programs
Job Description
BENEFITS
Smarte Carte Inc. offers competitive pay and outstanding benefits, including: Group Health Insurance; Medical & Dental; Company-Paid Life Insurance; Company-Paid Short-Term Disability; Matching 401 (k); Paid Time Off; Paid Holidays; Company Outings; Wellness Reimbursement Program; and More!
Weekends and holidays required as needed.
COMPANY BACKGROUND:
Smarte Carte is a global provider of travel and leisure infrastructure solutions, serving major airports, transportation hubs, entertainment destinations, retail locations, resorts, and fitness centers across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. For more than 50 years, we have partnered with over 3,500 world-class venues to deliver convenient, reliable services used by millions of people each year.
Our portfolio includes luggage carts, smart locker systems, mobility rentals (ECVs, wheelchairs, and strollers), massage chairs, medallion collectibles, and a variety of guest and passenger services designed to enhance the visitor experience.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Operations Manager directs airport operations by building and developing a strong team of front-line staff. The Operations Manager is responsible for increasing levels of customer satisfaction and employee engagement while building a culture of accountability, performance, and integrity. The Operations Manager is responsible for the P&L, achieving annual revenue and EBITDA goals as well as improving the efficiency of labor, materials, and equipment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Overall responsibility for a multi-million-dollar P&L, with the expectation to deliver revenue growth vs. annual and budgeted plans.
- Lead business unit consisting of multiple terminals and a workforce of 20 – 30 employees.
- Coach staff to ensure daily operational performance goals are met through labor force management and applying proven continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma to improve productivity and vend quality.
- Seek and develop new business opportunities, e.g. airport services, other vending opportunities.
- This hands-on position requires the Operations Manager to direct, manage, and execute repairs, and maintain and clean equipment as needed.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders within the airport community as well as peers within Smarte Carte.
- Participate in the development and implementation of corporate strategic initiatives to grow revenue and earnings.
- Effectively translate strategic initiatives into meaningful and actionable goals for direct reports.
- Other duties as assigned.
EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in an operational function such as manufacturing, logistics, distribution, process improvement, etc.
- Demonstrated P&L management experience is required.
- Minimum of 2 years of direct management experience and the ability to manage across a wide range of capabilities and personalities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Possess strategic leadership, planning and thinking skills along with a value chain mind-set.
- Demonstrated success working in a cross-functional team environment.
- Ability to successfully manage the institutional complexity within assigned airports.
- Demonstrated business acumen as defined by a proven track record of success in an operational environment.
- Must demonstrate experience and ability to lead large-scale process implementation with measurable improvements in financial and/or performance metrics.
- Ability to forge positive relationships with external constituents, e.g., customers, clients, supplier partners, etc., and manage across a wide range of capabilities and personalities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Some financial and analytical skills; must be proficient in reading, interpreting, and analyzing financial statements, and understand how operational KPI’s affect financial outcomes.
- Organized and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office/Suite.
- Excellent management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers.
- Strong knowledge of leading teams through significant change in a large organization.
LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS:
The successful candidate will be expected to be a high-energy, creative, and resourceful self-starter who demonstrates leadership skills and instincts. This leader is highly intelligent and enthusiastic with a commitment to excellence. In terms of personal competencies, the successful candidate must be hands-on and possess the best combination of strategic thinking and ability to translate strategic priorities into that also leads to actual results. This is a practical rather than a theoretical thinker who should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Leadership: A confident, mature person with the ability to connect and inspire others. A proven track record of leadership that leads to concrete results that drive key performance indicators. Able to articulate what a successful culture looks like and develop a detailed roadmap for building that culture.
- Results Oriented: A leader who possess the ability to take actions and implement effective solutions in a timely manner.
- Problem Solver: A creative yet pragmatic problem solver. Methodical and hands-on, as well as detail-oriented.
- Analytical Thinking and Decision-Making: Decisive and logical at thoroughly evaluating issues. Excellent planning, execution, and project-management skills.
- Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills: A team player and builder, receptive to ideas from others. Shares information and keeps team members and partners informed. Works effectively with others to identify and resolve issues. Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to interact successfully with all levels of management as well as a diverse work force.
- Ethics: Highest level of professional integrity and honesty as well as personal credibility
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field, and experience in an operationally oriented role is required.
Licenses & Certifications:
- Ability to get an Airport Badge is required
- A valid driver’s license is required
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Walk and stand for the duration of the shift
- Lift 40 lbs. to waist height
- Push/pull 75-100 lbs.; move up to 15 carts simultaneously
TRAVEL REQUIRED:
Some travel for Regional and/or Corporate meetings/training
Job Location
Smarte Carte
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport
Jamaica, New York 11430
How to Apply
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Smarte Carte
Smarte Carte provides industry-leading self-service solutions for travel and leisure venues, including luggage carts, mobility equipment, and strollers.
View all of Smarte Carte job listings
We’re an innovative service and concessionaire company in fast-moving spaces. Join our team — we aspire to be the best place you’ve ever worked.
We take pride in our company culture — it’s at the heart of everything we do. Our culture is the fuel behind positive attitudes, lively energy, and a thriving environment.
At Smarte Carte, we help our team members live happy, healthy, and productive lives. We offer our team and their loved ones a range of benefits to support their overall well-being, including financial, health, social, and professional.
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the “Know Your Rights” notice from the Department of Labor.