Food Service Operations Manager

SSA Group, LLC•Denver, CO

1d•$60,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

SSA Group is hiring a Food Service Operations Manager at Denver Zoo. Reporting to the Director of F&B, this role is responsible for day-to-day food service operations, with a particular focus on front-of-house operations. The manager leads and develops staff and department leadership, oversees recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee exits, and maintains a clean, safe, organized, and high-quality operation. The role works closely with the Executive Chef on food programs, quality, menus, equipment maintenance, and daily oversight, and maintains a productive relationship with client staff. The manager oversees guest service, cash handling and POS functionality, inventory, vendor invoices, merchandising, payroll, staffing, sales, per-capita performance, and controllable budgets. The position also supports financial forecasting, seasonal planning, operational systems, facility and equipment repairs, sustainability and conservation initiatives, and community engagement. This is a full-time, exempt role. The employer offers a $75 monthly cell phone stipend, flexible time off, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, a 401(k) with a 15% company match subject to eligibility, employer-sponsored disability coverage, parental and other paid leave benefits, on-demand pay, and meal plan and employee discounts where applicable.

Requirements

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, team development, and partnership building.
Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills, combined with organization skills.
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 move and handle boxes weighing up to 35 pounds as needed, including lifting and performing the role's functions.
Ability to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
At least two years of Operations Manager experience, depending on sales; additional experience may be applicable.
ServSafe or Food Handling certification.
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 team members; onboard, supervise, evaluate, develop, coach, document, and manage employee exits.
Build and develop the department leadership team through positive coaching and performance challenges.
Oversee staff training and integration according to the onsite handbook and set expectations.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment and comply with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Work with the Executive Chef on food program execution, quality, and daily oversight.
Maintain a close working relationship with client staff.
Uphold company policies and procedures and set expectations for SSA EXTRA Guest Service.
Ensure cash-handling procedures are followed and troubleshoot and maintain POS functionality.
Build, implement, and drive operational systems, processes, and policies in support of organizational, client, and SSA expectations.
Participate in seasonal planning for food concepts, equipment needs, and operational excellence.
Manage day-to-day food service functions and programs, with a focus on front-of-house operations.
Work with the Executive Chef on equipment maintenance schedules and provide training in safety, lifting, hazardous-material and chemical control, and basic first aid.
Facilitate facility and equipment maintenance and repairs.
Support the Director of Food Service Operations with department operations, including inventory processes.
Process invoices and coordinate with the office team to ensure vendors are paid within terms.
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.
Address guest needs promptly and resolve complaints effectively.
Maintain food quality and facility cleanliness.
Support financial forecasts, information management, business processes, and organizational planning.
Manage merchandising to promote consistency, impulse sales, and per-capita revenue.
Manage payroll and controllable profit within guidelines, and meet payroll budget expectations through strategic staffing coverage.
Schedule staffing levels in accordance with budgets and business forecasts.
Set an example in achieving sales, per-capita, and controllable-budget targets.
Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the unit and brand team, remove barriers, and empower team growth and opportunity.
Support sustainability and conservation efforts, apply relevant practices in the business, and provide opportunities to teach staff.
Support community engagement and giving-back efforts through hiring and engagement activities.
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 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 coverage.
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 family medical conditions.
Up to five days of paid bereavement leave.
On-demand pay program providing 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.