Assistant Food Operations Manager

SSA Group • Salt Lake City, UT

2d

About The Position

SSA Group is seeking an Assistant Food Service Operations Manager at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. The role supports management of the food service department, with a particular focus on front-of-house operations, and helps deliver warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for guests and clients. The position supports seasonal planning, operational systems and processes, financial forecasting, merchandising, staffing, training, and the day-to-day functions of food services and programs.

The manager helps maintain consistent food quality, cleanliness, safety, and service across operations. They work closely with the client’s staff, vendors, the General Manager, and SSA personnel, and support employee development and performance management in accordance with company policies and applicable labor laws. The role also promotes inclusion, sustainability and conservation efforts, and community engagement.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position eligible for overtime. The schedule may include varied hours, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. The role requires standing for extended periods and moving or handling boxes weighing up to 35 pounds.

Requirements

• At least two years of food management experience.
• ServSafe and Food Handling certifications.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate with clients, the General Manager, and headquarters personnel.
• Proven leadership skills and an understanding of team building, development, and partnership.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to stay organized.
• Financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning, and leadership skills.
• Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer knowledge and skills sufficient for basic office functions.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and move or handle boxes weighing up to 35 pounds, including lifting.
• Ability to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Deliver warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for guests and clients in keeping with 452 Hospitality.
• Support implementation of operational systems, processes, and policies that serve the organization’s mission and business needs, as well as client and SSA expectations.
• Support seasonal planning for food concepts, equipment needs, and operational excellence.
• Support financial forecasts, information flow and management, business processes, and organizational planning.
• Support merchandising efforts to maintain consistency, encourage impulse sales, and drive per-capita spending.
• Oversee food service training and orientation according to the onsite handbook, and ensure staff complete SSAfety training upon hire.
• Respond to guest needs promptly and efficiently and resolve complaints effectively.
• Maintain food quality, facility cleanliness, and a clean, safe, and organized work environment for employees and guests.
• Document and discipline employees progressively to promote performance in compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Support day-to-day food service functions and programs, with a particular focus on front-of-house operations.
• Support maintenance and repair of facilities and equipment.
• Maintain a close working relationship with client staff.
• Plan menus based on market trends, customer preferences, and nutritional considerations, and help ensure quality and consistency across operations.
• Ensure invoices are provided to the office team so vendors are paid within terms.
• Support management of food department operations, payroll, and controllable profit within established guidelines.
• Meet payroll budget expectations through strategic staffing coverage, including on-call shifts as appropriate.
• Manage employees in accordance with state and federal labor laws.
• Schedule appropriate staffing levels in accordance with the budget and business forecast.
• Promote an inclusive and supportive approach, remove barriers, and empower growth and opportunity for team members.
• Lead by example in sustainability and conservation efforts, and provide opportunities to teach unit staff about those efforts.
• Support community engagement and opportunities to give back.
• Uphold and demonstrate understanding of company policies and procedures, and perform other tasks as necessary.

Benefits

• Paid time off of up to 144 hours, based on tenure.
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and other voluntary benefits for employees and their families; employee premiums apply.
• 401(k) program with a 15% company match, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Up to 120 hours of SSA-paid leave for qualifying reasons, including parental leave and serious medical conditions affecting the employee or family.
• Up to 40 hours of paid bereavement leave.
• On-demand pay access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
• Meal plan and employee discounts, where applicable.
• Tuition discount through a college partnership.
• Holiday pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
• Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local laws.
• Zoo membership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed