Food Service Operations Manager

SSA Group at Jacksonville Zoo is looking for a talented Food Service Operations Manager to join our team!

Please note that for this position, we accept applications on an ongoing basis. There is no set deadline for submitting your application. We encourage interested candidates to apply at any time, and we will review applications as they are received. This approach allows us to continuously consider potential candidates and ensures that opportunities remain open until the ideal candidate is found.

Food Service Operations Manager

Who are we:

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. With pillars of focus like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, SSA is transforming the cultural attraction industry. 

SSA was built by families, for families, with a family’s sense of love and dedication. We don’t just rely on the best practices in our industry, we customize best practices for each partner to set the bar higher and higher, always. We do all we can to further the mission of our partners because their guests and the communities they serve, deserve it.

Position Title: Food Service Operations Manager

Reports to: General Manager

Responsibilities 

• Show dynamic leadership ability and motivate staff to exceed expectations of the customer and our client. 
• Ensure your department’s team is set with the operation in mind: hire & recruit for new talent, integrate new team members, supervise assigned personnel, evaluate performance, develop, coach, issue documentation, and manage employee exits. 
• Builds & develops department’s leadership team, pushing for innovative performance, leadership through positive coaching and challenging.
• Oversee food service training and integration of all staff according to the onsite handbook and set expectations by your guidance.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
• Remain knowledgeable of and manages in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws. 
• Work directly with Executive Chef on execution of food programs, quality and daily oversight.
• Maintains a close relationship with the client's staff to ensure a positive working relationship.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
• Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client.  Set expectations for department under EXTRA Guest Service.
• Ensure all cash handling procedures are in effect at all times.  Troubleshoot and maintain POS functionality for daily operation or as necessary. 
• Build, implement and drive operational systems, processes and policies in support of organizations mission, business needs, client & SSA expectations.
• Assumes an active role in upcoming season planning for food concepts, equipment needs and operational excellence.
• Responsible for the day to day functions of all food services and programs. With specific focus to front of house operations.
• Work with Executive Chef on established maintenance scheduled in conjunction with manufacturer's instructions for all equipment, provides safety training in lifting, carrying, hazardous material control, chemical control and basic first aid.
• Facilitate the maintenance and repairs of facility and equipment.
• Support Director of Food Service Operations in all operational functions of the Food Department; inclusive of inventory process as set by business standard.
• Process invoices so that all vendors are paid within terms.
• Ensure overall consistency and high quality across the various operations; plan menus based on such factors as market trends, customer preferences and nutritional considerations.
• Ensure SSAfety training(s) completed with all staff upon hire.
• Fulfill guest's needs quickly and efficiently as well as resolve complaints effectively.
• Maintains quality and facility cleanliness.
• Support department financial forecasts, information flow and management, business processes and organization planning. Manages merchandising for consistency, impulse sales, and driving per cap.
• Process invoices to office team ensuring smooth communication so that all vendors are paid within terms.
• Manage payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines. Meet payroll budget percent expectations by being strategic with coverage, on-call shifts, etc.
• Schedule appropriate staff levels in accordance with budget and business forecast.
• Set precedent to achieve Sales, Per Cap & Controllable Budget.
• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach at the Unit.
• Supports unit in being an example for Company & Client guidelines with regard to Sustainability/Conservation efforts.  Displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
• Supports SSA / Unit in driving community effort through hiring efforts, engagement activities, and focus on opportunities of giving back.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

Job Requirements 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, General Manager and HQ personnel.
• Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
• Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
• Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning and leadership skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

IDEA + Belonging 

• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units.
• Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
• Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary. 
• Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back.

Previous Experience

• Two years Operations Manager experience dependent on sales, more years’ experience may be applicable.
• ServSafe or Food Handling Certified.
• All education backgrounds eligible, must by 18 or older.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments) 

SSA Group, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity through our commitment to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. 

Compensation and Benefits 

• Salary is based on range in consideration of relevant job experience and certification/education  
• Flexible Time off – we want our team to take time as they need, so don’t accrue hours but rather give you freedom to schedule within scope of the business and your needs 
• Medical | Dental | Vision 
• 401 (K) Plan + Match 
• Supplemental Insurance 
• Company Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability 
• Training and Career Development 
• Tuition Discount through Partnership College 
• Parental Leave 
• Meal Plan & Employee Discounts 
• $75 monthly cell phone stipend  

All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").

San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.

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