Food Service - Assistant Operations Manager

At SSA, we believe our work matters because the people do. For more than 50 years, we've helped create experiences that leave people feeling connected, inspired, and reminded that fun still matters. Whether you're looking for your first job, building your career, or bringing years of experience to a new role, 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 are promoted from within, reflecting our commitment to investing in people and creating opportunities to succeed.

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.

Responsibilities

• Live out 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client.
• Support implementation of operational systems, processes, and policies in support of the organization's mission, business needs, client, and SSA expectations.
• Assume a supportive and strategic role in upcoming season planning for food concepts, equipment needs, and operational excellence.
• Support department financial forecasts as necessary, information flow and management, business processes, and organization planning.
• Support oversight of merchandising for consistency, impulse sales, and driving per capita.
• Oversee food service training and orientation of all staff according to the onsite handbook and set expectations through guidance.
• Ensure SSAfety training(s) are completed with all staff upon hire.
• Fulfill guests' needs quickly and efficiently as well as resolve complaints effectively.
• Maintain quality and facility cleanliness.
• Progressively document and discipline employees to promote better work performance compliant with company policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment for all employees and guests.
• Support the day-to-day functions of all food services and programs, with a specific focus on front-of-house operations.
• Support facilitation of the maintenance and repairs of facility and equipment.
• Maintain a close relationship with the client's staff to ensure a positive working relationship.
• Ensure overall consistency and high quality across various operations; plan menus based on market trends, customer preferences, and nutritional considerations.
• Ensure invoices are given to the office team to facilitate smooth communication so that all vendors are paid within terms.
• Support management of all operational functions of the Food Department.
• Support management of payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines.
• Meet payroll budget percent expectations by being strategic with coverage, on-call shifts, etc.
• Manage employees in accordance with State and Federal labor laws.
• Schedule appropriate staff levels in accordance with budget and business forecast.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
• Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the team, with networking continuing at all units.
• Focus on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
• Lead by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; display knowledge of efforts in business application and provide teaching opportunities for unit staff as necessary.
• Engage with SSA/Unit in driving community efforts through engagement activities and focus on opportunities for giving back.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to clients, General Managers, 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.
• 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 (35 lbs) as necessary for operation, which entails lifting.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
• Two years of operations management experience dependent on sales; more years of experience may be applicable.
• ServSafe or Food Handling Certified.
• All education backgrounds eligible; must be 18 or older.

Benefits

• Full-Time, non-exempt, 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 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).
• SSA Paid Benefit: Up to 120 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying reasons, including Parental Leave and your or your family’s serious medical conditions.
• Up to 40 hours Paid Bereavement.
• On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
• Meal Plan & Employee Discounts where applicable.
• Tuition Discount through Partnership College.
• Holiday pay of 1.5× the regular rate is provided for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
• Paid sick leave is provided 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: 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.