Restaurant Manager JFK Airport

Restaurant Manager

Location: JFK International Airport – Terminal 8

Company: MERA Corporation

About MERA Corporation

MERA Corporation operates a diverse portfolio of food and beverage venues across international airports, delivering fast, consistent, and quality-driven dining experiences for travelers on the go. As we expand our presence at JFK Terminal 8 with quick-service restaurants (QSR), we are seeking an energetic and operationally focused Restaurant Manager

lead one of our high-volume QSR locations.

Position Overview

The Restaurant Managerr is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a fast-paced quick-service restaurant within the airport environment. This role emphasizes team leadership, operational efficiency, customer service excellence, and compliance with all airport and brand standards. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-moving setting, has a strong grasp of QSR operations, and can lead a team to deliver speedy service while maintaining quality and safety.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Staff Development

  • Lead, train, and motivate a team of supervisors, leads, and front-line staff to meet service, speed, and quality standards.
  • Create/execute training schedule ensuring all staff are properly prepared for their role.
  • Schedule, coach, and manage performance to support team retention and advancement.
  • Foster a fast-paced, team-oriented culture focused on delivering great customer service efficiently.

Operational Execution

  • Manage all aspects of Restaurant operations including speed of service, food quality, cleanliness, and cash handling.
  • Ensure all staff adhere to food prep, portioning, and presentation standards set by MERA and franchise/brand guidelines.
  • Maintain optimal staffing levels and shift coverage to meet fluctuating passenger traffic throughout the day.
  • Manage and navigate any challenges in a union staff environment

Financial Accountability

  • Monitor labor costs, food costs, and inventory to achieve financial targets.
  • Complete daily/weekly financial reporting and communicate results to Operations and Terminal Managers.
  • Execute promotions and upselling strategies to boost sales and improve check averages.

Customer Experience

  • Champion friendly, fast, and accurate service at all touchpoints.
  • Resolve customer concerns on the spot and implement service recovery strategies.
  • Ensure that all team members uphold a clean, welcoming, and professional appearance and demeanor.

Compliance, Safety & Cleanliness

  • Enforce health, safety, sanitation, and security protocols in compliance with JFK airport and NYC Health Department standards.
  • Conduct regular audits and maintain readiness for inspections.
  • Ensure compliance with all brand and franchise operating procedures and standards.

Work Schedule

Our QSR units operate from 3:00 AM until the last flight (typically between 10:00 PM–12:00 AM, subject to change). The Unit Manager must have open availability, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. This position requires a rotating schedule across various shifts.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 2 years of Restaurant high-volume food service management experience required.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage a diverse hourly workforce.
  • Proven experience managing labor, food cost, and operational performance in a fast-paced environment.
  • Comfortable working with POS systems, scheduling tools, and inventory systems.
  • Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
  • Ability to pass a 10-year FBI background check for airport security clearance.
  • ServSafe certification preferred or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire.
  • Able to lift up to 50 lbs and remain standing/walking for 9–10 hour shifts.
  • High school diploma or GED required; degree in Hospitality or Business is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Bonus Structure: Quarterly performance-based bonuses
  • Meals: Complimentary shift meals and discounts at other airport food & retail locations
  • Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available from day one
  • Paid Time Off: Generous PTO and paid training
  • Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement within JFK Terminal 8 and other MERA locations

Join MERA at JFK Terminal 8 and lead a team that keeps travelers moving with quality, speed, and service.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Tipo de puesto: Tiempo completo

Sueldo: $55, $65,000.00 al año

Beneficios:

  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance

Lugar de trabajo: Empleo presencial

Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...