Operations Director Jobs in Colorado
Operations Director jobs in Colorado are concentrated in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder, where companies like Lockheed Martin, UCHealth, and TIAA maintain large operational footprints and hire regularly at the senior leadership level. Demand is strongest in aerospace and defense operations, healthcare systems management, and technology services, reflecting the industries that define the state's economy. Candidates range from mid-career managers stepping into their first director role to seasoned executives overseeing multi-site portfolios. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Operations Director JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 72+ Operations Director jobs
About First Meridian Services
At First Meridian Services, Inc., our team members are our greatest asset. We are committed to building a workplace that excites, rewards, and supports you—one where passionate, professional, and knowledgeable individuals can grow and thrive. We are constantly seeking great people who will make us even greater.
As you get to know our culture and mission, we hope you’ll take full advantage of the opportunities to enhance your profession and contribute to our shared goals. We believe in creating a rewarding environment where you can build a long and successful career. Welcome to First Meridian Services—where your future takes flight.
SUMMARY
The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management and strategic direction of multiple restaurant and retail locations within the airport. This role involves ensuring the highest standards of customer service, operational efficiency, and financial performance across all locations. The Director will collaborate with senior leadership, vendors, and internal teams to optimize staffing, inventory, and operational processes, while maintaining a focus on profitability and brand consistency. Key responsibilities include budget management, staff development, compliance with safety and regulatory requirements, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
BENEFITS & PERKS
- Salary Range: $100,000 to $155,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications, plus quarterly bonus potential based on budgeted operating profit and applicable bonus program terms.
- Insurance: Health, Dental, and Vision available the first of the month following your start date; additional EAP, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Life Insurance options available.
- Additional Benefits: Monthly cell phone stipend (opt-in), free RTD EcoPass or employee parking, 401(k) available after 6 months, and employee discounts at Skyport restaurant and retail locations.
- Time Off: PTO accrual increases with tenure, plus 7 recognized holidays per year and paid leave provided in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
- Supportive team environment with training and professional development opportunities.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Mentor all General Managers in the division through regular, structured (i.e., weekly meetings) and unstructured (i.e., situational discussions) communication.
- Create written development plans for all GMs, setting tangible goals to support their growth. Mentor GMs to do the same with their managers.
- Participate in interviews and own the hiring process for all General Managers within the division.
- Oversee training for all new managers, engaging regularly to ensure all parties meet expectations.
- Have a regular, visible presence in locations to ensure a strong connection to the daily operations and find ways to enhance both the employee and guest experience.
- Ensure the completion of monthly inventory at all locations and review inventories at the end of each month.
- Stay on top of daily trends in passenger flow and work with locations to adjust labor and food orders for unexpected spikes or lulls in business.
- Ensure that all locations understand and follow appropriate cash handling procedures. Work with the accounting team on any issues surrounding cash-related issues.
- Review payroll bi-weekly for all concepts and work with GMs to make labor adjustments as needed.
- Review P&Ls with GMs on a monthly and quarter-end basis and assist them with filling out financial review meeting templates prior to regularly scheduled meetings.
- Lead new location opening project management and brand relationship management.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Genuine passion for providing a positive guest experience
- Friendly, outgoing, approachable personality
- Ability to work well with others and support a positive work environment
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Dependable
- Flexible to work nights, weekends, and holidays
- Ability to follow all guidelines and procedures set forth by FMS/Skyport, brand partners, airport, federal, state, and local employment regulations.
- Ensure responsible alcohol service compliance while managing beverage COGS, inventory, and key controllables.
- Strong understanding of front and back of house systems and operations.
- Strong knowledge of Health Department standards.
- Effective communication skills both verbal and written; including the ability to coach, direct, and influence a diverse group of individuals.
- Ability to have and manage candid, constructive conversations.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve.
- Self-directed and highly organized with the ability to quickly adapt and manage multiple priorities.
- A leadership style that promotes respect, collaboration, and teamwork.
- Ability to use basic math, e.g., addition, subtraction, and basic fractions
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Must successfully complete required airport security and background screening, including a federal background check.
- High School diploma or equivalent
- 10+ years of restaurant experience, with 5+ years in a management or supervisory role.
- ServSafe Certified is a plus and required within 6 months of employment
- Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), restaurant point of sale systems, and scheduling software.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Airport: This position operates in a climate-controlled international airport environment. The temperature, volume of noise, and exposure to the public are outside the control of First Meridian Services, Inc. The position requires use of public spaces as provided by the airport.
Restaurant: This position may require frequent exposure to a restaurant or retail operation environment. Regular exposure to varying temperatures (hot/cold/freezing), fumes, vapors, industrial restaurant equipment, noise, and guests will be a common occurrence.
The nature of restaurant work requires the Director of Operations to possess certain physical abilities. Those listed here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform this job. The workday is a combination of time spent standing, walking, moving throughout restaurant locations, and sitting at a desk completing administrative tasks, often while working in close proximity to others. Eye-hand coordination, depth perception, finger dexterity, and functional vision and speech perception are required. Some bending, crouching, pushing/pulling and lifting/lowering of 20-50 lbs. Some repetitive motions with hands, wrists, or arms. Must be able to operate all equipment used in the restaurant. Some exposure to skin irritants, electrical equipment, and sharp instruments. Risk to these exposures is minimized by strict adherence to company standards, policies and procedures.
Physical Requirements & Frequency
Bend - Occasionally
Climb/Crawl - Rarely
Sit - Frequently
Kneel - Occasionally
Squat - Occasionally
Stand/Walk - Constantly
Mental Requirements & Frequency
Communicate Orally - Constantly
Evaluating - Frequently
Perform Calculations - Frequently
Read/Comprehend - Frequently
Reason/Analyze - Frequently
Write - Frequently
HIRING PROCESS
Interested? Click "apply now" and include an updated resume for consideration. If we choose to proceed with your application, be on the lookout for a text or email from us to set up an initial interview.
Internal Applicants: Current First Meridian Services employees must meet applicable internal transfer eligibility requirements to be considered for this opportunity. Generally, employees must have been in their current position for at least six months and have no disciplinary documentation within the previous six months. Please get in touch with your manager or HR with questions regarding eligibility.
First Meridian is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or protected veteran status.
About First Meridian Services
At First Meridian Services, Inc., our team members are our greatest asset. We are committed to building a workplace that excites, rewards, and supports you—one where passionate, professional, and knowledgeable individuals can grow and thrive. We are constantly seeking great people who will make us even greater.
As you get to know our culture and mission, we hope you’ll take full advantage of the opportunities to enhance your profession and contribute to our shared goals. We believe in creating a rewarding environment where you can build a long and successful career. Welcome to First Meridian Services—where your future takes flight.
SUMMARY
The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management and strategic direction of multiple restaurant and retail locations within the airport. This role involves ensuring the highest standards of customer service, operational efficiency, and financial performance across all locations. The Director will collaborate with senior leadership, vendors, and internal teams to optimize staffing, inventory, and operational processes, while maintaining a focus on profitability and brand consistency. Key responsibilities include budget management, staff development, compliance with safety and regulatory requirements, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
BENEFITS & PERKS
- Salary Range: $100,000 to $155,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications, plus quarterly bonus potential based on budgeted operating profit and applicable bonus program terms.
- Insurance: Health, Dental, and Vision available the first of the month following your start date; additional EAP, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Life Insurance options available.
- Additional Benefits: Monthly cell phone stipend (opt-in), free RTD EcoPass or employee parking, 401(k) available after 6 months, and employee discounts at Skyport restaurant and retail locations.
- Time Off: PTO accrual increases with tenure, plus 7 recognized holidays per year and paid leave provided in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
- Supportive team environment with training and professional development opportunities.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Mentor all General Managers in the division through regular, structured (i.e., weekly meetings) and unstructured (i.e., situational discussions) communication.
- Create written development plans for all GMs, setting tangible goals to support their growth. Mentor GMs to do the same with their managers.
- Participate in interviews and own the hiring process for all General Managers within the division.
- Oversee training for all new managers, engaging regularly to ensure all parties meet expectations.
- Have a regular, visible presence in locations to ensure a strong connection to the daily operations and find ways to enhance both the employee and guest experience.
- Ensure the completion of monthly inventory at all locations and review inventories at the end of each month.
- Stay on top of daily trends in passenger flow and work with locations to adjust labor and food orders for unexpected spikes or lulls in business.
- Ensure that all locations understand and follow appropriate cash handling procedures. Work with the accounting team on any issues surrounding cash-related issues.
- Review payroll bi-weekly for all concepts and work with GMs to make labor adjustments as needed.
- Review P&Ls with GMs on a monthly and quarter-end basis and assist them with filling out financial review meeting templates prior to regularly scheduled meetings.
- Lead new location opening project management and brand relationship management.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Genuine passion for providing a positive guest experience
- Friendly, outgoing, approachable personality
- Ability to work well with others and support a positive work environment
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Dependable
- Flexible to work nights, weekends, and holidays
- Ability to follow all guidelines and procedures set forth by FMS/Skyport, brand partners, airport, federal, state, and local employment regulations.
- Ensure responsible alcohol service compliance while managing beverage COGS, inventory, and key controllables.
- Strong understanding of front and back of house systems and operations.
- Strong knowledge of Health Department standards.
- Effective communication skills both verbal and written; including the ability to coach, direct, and influence a diverse group of individuals.
- Ability to have and manage candid, constructive conversations.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve.
- Self-directed and highly organized with the ability to quickly adapt and manage multiple priorities.
- A leadership style that promotes respect, collaboration, and teamwork.
- Ability to use basic math, e.g., addition, subtraction, and basic fractions
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Must successfully complete required airport security and background screening, including a federal background check.
- High School diploma or equivalent
- 10+ years of restaurant experience, with 5+ years in a management or supervisory role.
- ServSafe Certified is a plus and required within 6 months of employment
- Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), restaurant point of sale systems, and scheduling software.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Airport: This position operates in a climate-controlled international airport environment. The temperature, volume of noise, and exposure to the public are outside the control of First Meridian Services, Inc. The position requires use of public spaces as provided by the airport.
Restaurant: This position may require frequent exposure to a restaurant or retail operation environment. Regular exposure to varying temperatures (hot/cold/freezing), fumes, vapors, industrial restaurant equipment, noise, and guests will be a common occurrence.
The nature of restaurant work requires the Director of Operations to possess certain physical abilities. Those listed here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform this job. The workday is a combination of time spent standing, walking, moving throughout restaurant locations, and sitting at a desk completing administrative tasks, often while working in close proximity to others. Eye-hand coordination, depth perception, finger dexterity, and functional vision and speech perception are required. Some bending, crouching, pushing/pulling and lifting/lowering of 20-50 lbs. Some repetitive motions with hands, wrists, or arms. Must be able to operate all equipment used in the restaurant. Some exposure to skin irritants, electrical equipment, and sharp instruments. Risk to these exposures is minimized by strict adherence to company standards, policies and procedures.
Physical Requirements & Frequency
Bend - Occasionally
Climb/Crawl - Rarely
Sit - Frequently
Kneel - Occasionally
Squat - Occasionally
Stand/Walk - Constantly
Mental Requirements & Frequency
Communicate Orally - Constantly
Evaluating - Frequently
Perform Calculations - Frequently
Read/Comprehend - Frequently
Reason/Analyze - Frequently
Write - Frequently
HIRING PROCESS
Interested? Click "apply now" and include an updated resume for consideration. If we choose to proceed with your application, be on the lookout for a text or email from us to set up an initial interview.
Internal Applicants: Current First Meridian Services employees must meet applicable internal transfer eligibility requirements to be considered for this opportunity. Generally, employees must have been in their current position for at least six months and have no disciplinary documentation within the previous six months. Please get in touch with your manager or HR with questions regarding eligibility.
First Meridian is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or protected veteran status.
See All 72 Operations Director Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Operations Director JobsOperations Director Jobs by City in Colorado
Where Colorado roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Operations Director Job Market in Colorado
A snapshot from current Colorado openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Sports & Recreation
- Staffing & Recruiting
What Colorado Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in operations director jobs across Colorado.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field required
- Seven or more years of progressive operations management experience in Colorado's key industries
- Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams and lead process improvement initiatives
- Experience with P&L ownership, budget planning, and financial performance reporting
- Proficiency with ERP systems and operational analytics platforms used in Colorado enterprises
- Strong familiarity with Colorado regulatory requirements, including CDPHE compliance for relevant sectors
Operations Director Jobs in Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an operations director in Colorado?
Most operations directors in Colorado reach the role through a combination of a bachelor's degree in business, operations, or a related field and progressively senior management experience. Colorado does not require a state-issued license for the operations director title itself, though roles in regulated industries such as healthcare or environmental services may require sector-specific credentials. Many Colorado employers also value an MBA or a Project Management Professional certification when evaluating director-level candidates.
Which companies hire operations directors in Colorado?
Employers hiring operations directors in Colorado right now include CommonSpirit Health, The Aerospace Corporation, and EMCOR, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Colorado's mix of aerospace contractors along the Front Range, large regional health systems, and growing technology firms means demand cuts across several distinct industries rather than concentrating in a single sector.
Which Colorado cities have the most operations director jobs?
Denver, Colorado Springs, and Beaver Creek account for the largest share of operations director openings in Colorado. Denver's density of corporate headquarters, healthcare networks, and professional services firms drives the bulk of postings, while Colorado Springs benefits from a strong defense and government contracting presence, and Boulder's technology and life sciences employers add consistent demand for operations leadership.
Are there remote operations director jobs in Colorado?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely analytical roles, since operations directors typically oversee facilities, teams, and supply chains that require on-site presence. About 35% of operations director openings tied to Colorado are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with hybrid arrangements more available than fully remote positions. The functions most likely to allow remote work are strategic planning, vendor management, and performance reporting rather than day-to-day floor or facility oversight.
How can I get hired as an operations director in Colorado with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is moving into an operations manager or senior project manager role first, then building toward director-level responsibility. Large Colorado employers such as UCHealth, Centura Health, and major Front Range aerospace contractors regularly hire operations coordinators and managers as entry points into their leadership pipelines. Earning a Project Management Professional credential or completing a lean operations certification gives candidates a measurable edge, and lateral moves from supply chain, logistics, or quality assurance positions are a common bridge into operations leadership.
Where can I find and apply to operations director jobs in Colorado?
You can find and apply to operations director jobs in Colorado on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from Colorado employers. Search the listings to find roles that fit your industry background and seniority level, then apply directly to the ones that match your experience.
See All 72 Operations Director Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Operations Director Jobs