Food Service Operations Manager

SSA Group, LLC•Milwaukee, WI

9d•$65,000 - $70,000

About The Position

SSA Group is hiring a Food Service Operations Manager at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Reporting to the General Manager, this full-time, exempt role leads day-to-day food service operations, with particular focus on front-of-house operations. The manager is responsible for staffing and developing the team, training employees, maintaining safe and clean operations, and coordinating food programs and quality with the Executive Chef. The position also works closely with the client and supports the Director of Food Service Operations across department operations, including inventory and financial processes. The manager oversees operational systems, equipment and facility maintenance, guest service, cash handling and POS functionality, scheduling, payroll, merchandising, invoices, and budget performance. The role contributes to seasonal planning, menu consistency, financial forecasting, and sustainability and community efforts. The position requires varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed, as well as the ability to stand for extended periods and handle boxes weighing up to 35 pounds.

Requirements

Two years of Operations Manager experience, dependent on sales; additional experience may be applicable.
ServSafe or Food Handling certification.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate with the client, General Manager, and headquarters personnel.
Proven leadership skills and an understanding of team building, development, and partnership-building.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills and 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 for basic office functions.
Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift, move, and handle boxes weighing up to 35 pounds as required.
Ability to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
Must be at least 18 years old; all education backgrounds are eligible.

Responsibilities

Lead and motivate staff to exceed customer and client expectations.
Recruit and hire employees, integrate new team members, supervise personnel, evaluate performance, coach and develop staff, document issues, and manage employee exits.
Build and develop the department leadership team through positive coaching and high-performance expectations.
Oversee food service training and staff integration in accordance with the onsite handbook and established expectations.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment and ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Work with the Executive Chef on food program execution, quality, daily oversight, and equipment maintenance schedules.
Maintain a positive working relationship with client staff.
Uphold company policies and procedures and set expectations for delivery of SSA EXTRA Guest Service.
Ensure cash-handling procedures are followed and troubleshoot and maintain POS functionality.
Develop and implement operational systems, processes, and policies that support organizational, client, and SSA expectations.
Participate in seasonal planning for food concepts, equipment needs, and operational excellence.
Manage the day-to-day functions of food services and programs, with a focus on front-of-house operations.
Provide safety training in lifting, carrying, hazardous-material and chemical control, and basic first aid.
Facilitate facility and equipment maintenance and repairs.
Support the Director of Food Service Operations in department operations, including inventory processes.
Process and route invoices to support timely vendor payment.
Maintain consistency and quality across operations and plan menus based on market trends, customer preferences, and nutritional considerations.
Ensure staff complete SSAfety training upon hire.
Respond to guest needs promptly and resolve complaints effectively.
Maintain food quality and facility cleanliness.
Support department financial forecasts, information flow, management processes, and organizational planning.
Manage merchandising to support consistency, impulse sales, and per-capita spending.
Manage payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines, including strategic staffing coverage to meet payroll budget expectations.
Schedule appropriate staffing levels in line with budgets and business forecasts.
Drive achievement of sales, per-capita, and controllable-budget goals.
Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the unit and brand team, remove barriers, and empower team members' growth and opportunity.
Support sustainability and conservation efforts and help educate unit staff about their application.
Support community efforts through hiring, engagement activities, and opportunities to give back.
Perform other tasks as necessary.

Benefits

$75 monthly cell phone stipend.
Flex Time Off with no accruals; employees are encouraged to schedule time off as needed within the scope of the business.
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 stated age, service, hours-worked, and enrollment eligibility requirements.
Employer-sponsored short-term and long-term disability, with scaled-salary pay following submission and approval of leave.
Paid parental leave for birthing parents of up to 6–8 weeks, based on the birthing event.
Up to 120 hours of paid leave for qualifying reasons, including parental bonding and a family's serious medical conditions.
Up to five days of paid bereavement leave.
On-demand pay access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
Meal plan and employee discounts where applicable.
Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local laws.