Assistant General Manager

About the Role

SSA Group at San Antonio Zoo is seeking a dynamic Assistant General Manager with a focus on Culinary Operations. This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who thrives on the fast pace of daytime operations, has a sharp eye for health department compliance, and knows how to turn great food and guest service into a signature part of a world-class visitor experience. You'll oversee everything from event programming and team development to branding and signage — including support oversight of the on-site franchised Starbucks — all while partnering closely with zoo leadership to drive results across the business.

Responsibilities

• Daytime operations management
• Health department compliance
• Guest experience leadership
• Zoo/consumer event execution
• Employee corrective action and performance management
• Labor management and scheduling
• Branding, signage, and graphics oversight
• Support oversight of franchised Starbucks operations
• Coach, supervise, direct all department managers so operational needs (financial, staffing, product, merchandising, client expectations, etc.) are met on a daily basis
• Schedule management personnel as necessary
• Assist designated management team or individuals in developing training standards for alcohol service, customer service, safety, harassment, etc.
• Work with Executive Chef, Retail Operations Manager and Buyer to track, maintain and budget inventory and Cost of Goods (COG) as necessary
• Work closely with General Manager regarding client relationship, maintain professional communication and display support when necessary to client
• Support General Manager in oversight of all departments (or as assigned), responsible for coaching and documentation of management and operations
• Remains knowledgeable of and manages in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal laws
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures
• Forecast weekly sales, complete and maintain sales analysis monthly sales with GM
• Manage payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines
• Meet payroll budget percent expectations by being strategic with coverage, on-call shifts, etc; in management of Department Managers
• Set precedent to achieve Sales, Per Cap & Controllable Budget
• Minimize controllable costs associated with the operation
• Continually strategize with GM on revenue avenues, areas of opportunity
• Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client
• Engage with Department Managers on ensuring EXTRA Guest Service at all levels of team
• Oversee, support and assist in driving operational systems, processes and policies in support of organization's mission, business needs, client & SSA expectations
• Ensure the unit is compliant with company policies and standards; Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, laws, and policies
• Determine appropriate level of operation on daily basis based on weather, events, client needs, etc.
• Support GM and Unit Controller in monthly safe audit
• Interact with the facility personnel to obtain operational needs (security, cleaning, maintenance, etc.)
• Develop new and innovative operational items in all departments
• Assist with construction or renovation plans and their execution as designated by GM
• Audit Worker Compensation Compliance
• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach at the Unit
• Assure editorial role on all unit publications (newsletters, calendars, memos, etc.)
• Ensures unit strives to be 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

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

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 that is 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

Previous Experience

• Three years of operations management
• ServSafe or Food Handling Certified a plus
• All education backgrounds accepted, must be 18 or older

Compensation and Benefits

• Full-Time, Exempt
• $75 monthly cell phone stipend
• Flex Time Off: no accruals; employees are encouraged to schedule time off as needed within business scope
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; employee premiums applicable
• Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods)
• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored; scaled-salary pay following submission and approval of leave
• Parental Leave: Birthing Parent Plan covers up to (6-8) weeks fully paid leave, based on the birthing event
• SSA Paid Benefit: Up to 120 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying reasons, including Parental Bonding and your family's serious medical conditions
• Up to 5 days Paid Bereavement Leave
• On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday
• Meal Plan & Employee Discounts where applicable
• Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location. Locations include: Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., Colorado: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Maryland: Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, as required under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Washington: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, in accordance with the Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time.

Reports to: General Manager

Who we are: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey. Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities.