Food Service Operations Manager

SSA Group•Denver, CO

About The Position

The Food Service Operations Manager leads the food service department, with particular focus on front-of-house operations, and is responsible for its day-to-day functions and programs. The role oversees staffing, onboarding, training, coaching, performance management, and team development; maintains a clean, safe, and organized workplace; and ensures compliance with applicable laws, company policies, and client expectations. The manager works closely with the Executive Chef on food programs, quality, daily oversight, equipment maintenance, and seasonal planning, and maintains a positive working relationship with the client’s staff. The position drives guest service, operational systems, merchandising, financial controls, staffing plans, payroll, inventory, invoicing, and budget performance. It supports department forecasts, business processes, and organization planning, while ensuring consistent quality and cleanliness across operations. The manager also supports inclusive workplace practices, sustainability and conservation efforts, and community engagement. This is a full-time, exempt role. The listed compensation and benefits include a $75 monthly cell phone stipend, flexible time off, eligible insurance and retirement benefits, paid leave provisions, on-demand pay, and meal and employee discounts where applicable.

Requirements

At least two years of Operations Manager experience, with applicable experience depending on sales; additional years may be applicable.
ServSafe or Food Handling certification.
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 and team-building skills, with the ability to foster partnerships and develop team members.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills and the ability to stay organized.
Financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning, and leadership skills.
Flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
Computer skills sufficient for basic office functions.
Physical ability to stand for extended periods and move and handle boxes weighing up to 35 pounds as needed, including lifting.
Ability to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Responsibilities

Lead and motivate staff to exceed customer and client expectations.
Recruit and hire talent; integrate new team members; supervise, evaluate, develop, coach, document, and manage employee exits.
Build and develop the department’s leadership team through coaching and performance development.
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 manage operations in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Work with the Executive Chef on food program execution, quality, daily oversight, and equipment maintenance planning.
Maintain a close and positive working relationship with client staff.
Uphold company policies and procedures and deliver SSA EXTRA Guest Service; set department expectations for guest service and resolve guest complaints effectively.
Ensure cash-handling procedures are followed and troubleshoot and maintain point-of-sale functionality.
Build, implement, and drive operational systems, processes, and policies supporting organizational mission, business needs, client requirements, and SSA expectations.
Participate in seasonal planning for food concepts, equipment needs, and operational excellence.
Oversee day-to-day food service functions and programs, with particular focus on front-of-house operations.
Support the Director of Food Service Operations in department operations, including inventory processes.
Process invoices and coordinate with the office team so vendors are paid within terms.
Maintain consistency and high quality across operations; plan menus based on market trends, customer preferences, and nutritional considerations.
Ensure SSAfety training is completed for all staff upon hire; provide safety training related to lifting, carrying, hazardous materials, chemical control, and basic first aid.
Facilitate facility and equipment maintenance and repairs.
Support department financial forecasts, information flow and management, business processes, and organization planning.
Manage merchandising to promote consistency, impulse sales, and per-capita revenue.
Manage payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines; meet payroll budget expectations through strategic coverage and on-call shifts.
Schedule appropriate staffing levels in accordance with budget and business forecasts; work toward sales, per-capita, and controllable-budget targets.
Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the unit and help remove barriers and empower team growth and opportunity.
Support sustainability and conservation efforts by applying relevant practices and teaching unit staff as appropriate.
Support community efforts through hiring, engagement activities, and opportunities to give back.
Perform other tasks as necessary.

Benefits

$75 monthly cell phone stipend.
Flexible time off with no accruals; employees are encouraged to schedule time off as needed within business scope.
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.
Employer-sponsored short-term and long-term disability benefits, with scaled-salary pay following submission and approval of leave.
Paid parental leave for birthing parents, covering up to 6–8 weeks based on the birthing event.
Up to 120 hours of paid leave for qualifying reasons, including parental bonding and serious medical conditions affecting family members.
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.