Food Service - Assistant Operations Manager

SSA Group; Brookfield (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking team as an Assistant Food and Beverage Operations Manager at a renowned cultural attraction. In this dynamic role, you will enhance guest experiences through exceptional service and operational excellence. You'll lead a dedicated team, manage food service operations, and ensure compliance with safety standards. This innovative firm values sustainability and inclusivity, offering a supportive environment for growth. If you're passionate about food service and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Supplemental Insurance

Training and Career Development

Tuition Discount

Meal Plan

Employee Discounts

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Proven leadership and team-building skills required.
• Financial management and analytical skills are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Ensure memorable experiences through excellent guest service.
• Oversee food service training and maintain quality standards.
• Support operational functions and manage payroll effectively.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Leadership Skills

Problem Solving

Financial Management

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

ServSafe or Food Handling Certification

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Basic Office Software

Job description

Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 5:00 AM | Expires Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 3:59 AM

SSA Group at Brookfield Zoo is looking for a talented Assistant Food and Beverage Operations Manager to join their team!

Who are we:

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. With pillars of focus like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, SSA is transforming the cultural attraction industry.

SSA was built by families, for families, with a family’s sense of love and dedication. We don’t just rely on the best practices in our industry, we customize best practices for each partner to set the bar higher and higher, always. We do all we can to further the mission of our partners because their guests and the communities they serve deserve it.

Reports to: Food Service Operations Manager and General Manager (as applicable)

Responsibilities:

• Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client.
• Support implementation of operational systems, processes and policies in support of organizations mission, business needs, client & SSA expectations.
• Assume a supportive and strategic role in upcoming season planning for food concepts, equipment needs and operational excellence.
• Support department financial forecasts as necessary, information flow and management, business processes and organization planning. Support oversight of merchandising for consistency, impulse sales, and driving per cap.
• Oversee food service training and orientation of all staff according to the onsite handbook and set expectations by your guidance.
• Ensure SSAfety 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.
• Progressively document and discipline employees to promote better work performances compliant with company policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment for all employees and guests.
• Support the day-to-day functions of all food services and programs, with specific focus on front of house operations.
• Support facilitation of the maintenance and repairs of facility and equipment.
• Maintain a close relationship with the client's staff to ensure a positive working relationship.
• Ensure overall consistency and high quality across the various operations; plan menus based on market trends, customer preferences and nutritional considerations.
• Ensure invoices are given to office team ensuring smooth communication so that all vendors are paid within terms.
• Support management of all operational functions of the Food Department.
• Support management of payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines. Meet payroll budget percent expectations by being strategic with coverage, on-call shifts, etc.
• Manage employees in accordance with State and Federal labor laws.
• Schedule appropriate staff levels in accordance with budget and business forecast.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.

IDEA + Belonging:

• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units.
• Focus on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
• Lead by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; display knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
• Engage with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus on opportunities for giving back.

Job 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.
• Demonstrated financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated 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.

Previous Experience:

• Two years operations management experience dependent on sales, more years experience may be applicable.
• ServSafe or Food Handling Certified.
• All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 or older.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments).

SSA Group, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity through our commitment to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Hourly, Non-Exempt. Pay is based on range in consideration of relevant job experience and certification/education.
• Paid Time Off
• Medical | Dental | Vision
• Supplemental Insurance
• Training and Career Development
• Tuition Discount through Partnership College
• Meal Plan & Employee Discounts

All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").

San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.

Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America