Assistant Retail Operations Manager

Join SSA Group as an Assistant Retail Operations Manager and help shape the future of retail and photo experiences at Zoo Miami. You'll coach team members, drive sales, support daily operations, and create unforgettable guest experiences across multiple Gift Shop, Gift Kiosk/Cart, and Photo locations.

At SSA, we believe our work matters because the people do. For over 50 years, we've created experiences that leave people feeling connected, inspired, and reminded that fun still matters. Whether you're starting your career or bringing years of experience, you'll be part of a team that values your ideas, supports your growth, and encourages you to make an impact. More than 54% of our leaders were promoted from within—a reflection of our commitment to investing in people and creating opportunities to succeed.

Responsibilities

• Show dynamic leadership ability and motivate staff to exceed customer and client expectations.
• Manage department team operations: hire and recruit talent, integrate new team members, supervise personnel, evaluate performance, develop and coach employees, issue documentation, and manage exits.
• Develop training programs to train, motivate, and mentor employees.
• Remain knowledgeable of and comply with 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.
• Embody and champion the 452 Hospitality standard by delivering warm, genuine, and memorable service to every guest and client, and coach the team to do the same.
• Support store leadership in managing all inventory control programs as necessary.
• Ensure all company merchandise presentation standards are met to maximize sales.
• Complete daily department functions, including reporting daily, weekly, and monthly sales through an internal Ledger.
• Maximize sales by ensuring the right product and photo supplies packages are available; coordinate inventory needs with the Retail Operations Manager and Buyer.
• Ensure all cash handling procedures are followed at all times.
• Troubleshoot and maintain POS functionality for daily operations.
• Conduct daily One-Minute Meetings with the team.
• Forecast daily/weekly sales and complete sales analysis with respect to controllable costs for department and unit management.
• Support management of payroll and controllable profit within the established budget.
• Manage department payroll budget by strategically scheduling coverage, on-call shifts, etc.
• Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities and identify new ways to generate sales and achieve goals.
• Set and achieve Sales, Promo, Per Cap, and Controllable Budget targets.
• Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the unit.
• Support unit sustainability and conservation efforts, and teach staff about these initiatives.
• Drive community efforts through hiring, engagement activities, and opportunities for giving back.
• Supervise and coach Photo/Retail Associates on guest photo capture techniques, product knowledge, and upselling of photo packages and add-on items.
• Oversee daily photo operations, including equipment setup, printer and workstation maintenance, and timely resolution of equipment issues.
• Monitor photo sales performance, attach rate, and per-cap goals; identify opportunities to increase photo package sales through promotions and guest engagement.
• Ensure compliance with company policy and applicable regulations for photo capture, cash handling, and guest privacy.
• Partner with the Retail Operations Manager on photo pricing strategy, seasonal promotions, and package structure.
• Train new Photo/Retail Associates on photo station opening/closing procedures, POS functions, and 452 Hospitality guest engagement standards.
• Conduct quality checks on printed photo products to ensure presentation and quality standards are met before sale.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to clients, management teams, buyers, and HQ personnel.
• Proven leadership skills with an understanding of team building and development, while fostering partnerships.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills combined with the ability to stay organized.
• Demonstrated financial management, merchandising, analytical, and planning skills.
• Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer knowledge and skills for basic office functions.
• Familiarity with photography equipment, printing systems, and photo retail operations is a plus.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and move/handle boxes (up to 35 lbs) as necessary for operations, including lifting.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, varied hours/days (including nights, weekends, and holidays), and prolonged standing and walking.
• Two to three years of retail management experience preferred.
• Visual merchandising experience necessary.
• Experience supervising photography or photo retail operations is a plus.
• All education backgrounds eligible; must be 18 or older.

Benefits

• Full-time, non-exempt position eligible for overtime pay.
• Paid Time Off plan: up to 144 hours based on tenure.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and other voluntary benefits for you and your family (employee premiums apply).
• 401(k) program with a 15% company match (eligibility: 21 years or older, one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked; enrollment during Open Enrollment Periods).
• SSA Paid Benefit: Up to 120 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying reasons, including Parental Leave and serious medical conditions for you or your family.
• Up to 40 hours of Paid Bereavement leave.
• On-Demand Pay Program: Access a portion of earned wages before payday.
• Meal Plan and Employee Discounts where applicable.
• Tuition Discount through Partnership College.
• Holiday pay of 1.5× the regular rate for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
• Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local laws (accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location, including Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C.):
  • Colorado: 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year (Healthy Families and Workplaces Act).
  • Maryland: At least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year (Maryland Healthy Working Families Act).
  • Washington: 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked (Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time).