Food Service Operations Manager

About the role

The SSA Group at the San Antonio Zoo is seeking a Food Service Operations Manager to lead and manage the food service operations. This position reports to the General Manager and plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the food service department.

Responsibilities

• Show dynamic leadership ability and motivate staff to exceed customer and client expectations.
• Hire and recruit new talent, integrate new team members, supervise assigned personnel, evaluate performance, develop, coach, issue documentation, and manage employee exits.
• Build and develop department’s leadership team, focusing on innovative performance and 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 manage in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Work directly with the Executive Chef on execution of food programs, quality, and daily oversight.
• Remain knowledgeable of and manage in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Work directly with the Executive Chef on execution of food programs, quality, and daily oversight.
• Ensure a positive working relationship with the client's staff.
• 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 the organization's mission, business needs, client, and SSA expectations.
• Absorb 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 on front of house operations.
• With specific focus to front of house operations.
• Work with the Executive Chef on established maintenance schedules in conjunction with manufacturer's instructions for all equipment, providing safety training in lifting, carrying, hazardous material control, chemical control, and basic first aid.
• Facilitate the maintenance and repairs of facility and equipment.
• Support the Director of Food Service Operations in all operational functions of the Food Department, inclusive of inventory process as set by business standards.
• 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 SSA Safety training(s) completed with all staff upon hire.
• Fulfill guest's needs quickly and efficiently as well as resolve complaints effectively.
• Maintain quality and facility cleanliness.
• Support department financial forecasts, information flow, and management, business processes, and organization planning.
• Manage 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.
• Support the 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.
• Support SSA/Unit in driving community effort through hiring efforts, engagement activities, and focus on opportunities of giving back.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

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.
• 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 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.
• 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.