Albert's Restaurant General Manager - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a renowned international nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to saving species worldwide. With two primary visitor attractions, the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the alliance integrates wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable solutions for wildlife conservation. This organization is committed to leading the fight against extinction by combining expertise in wildlife care and conservation science with efforts to inspire passion for nature among the public. As a multifaceted conservation organization, it operates with a deep sense of responsibility toward environmental stewardship, community engagement, and global wildlife preservation.

The Albert's Restaurant General Manager role is a pivotal position within the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, tasked with the full operational and strategic management of The Albert's Restaurant and additional retail outlets on-site. This role is responsible for budgeting, revenue generation, inventory management, merchandising, ordering, guest service, employee relations, food safety, and kitchen and facility management. Reporting to the Director of Retail Operations, the General Manager is the ultimate decision-maker for restaurant operations and plays a critical role in aligning the restaurant's goals with the broader mission of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

The General Manager provides leadership for both the front-of-house and back-of-house teams, ensuring exceptional service and high culinary standards. Key responsibilities include recruiting, onboarding, and training employees, implementing incentive programs, and fostering a culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement. The General Manager collaborates with the executive and concept chefs on menu development and works closely with retail leadership and various departments to ensure operational efficiency and financial viability.

In addition to managing daily operations, the General Manager oversees facility integrity and long-term projects, ensuring high standards for food safety, storage, cleanliness, and equipment maintenance. This role also leads event management and themed culinary programs, coordinating among stakeholders and vendors to enhance the overall guest experience. A strong emphasis is placed on compliance with health, safety, and food safety regulations as well as developing best practices that meet or exceed local and federal requirements.

Budget management is a core function of this role, encompassing revenue tracking and cost controls for goods, labor, and operating supplies. The Albert's Restaurant General Manager also directs marketing and branding efforts to optimize revenue streams. Inventory management is handled with precision, maintaining accurate stock levels and overseeing procurement and employee cash control systems.

This position requires someone with significant experience in retail, food service, and hospitality management, particularly in high-paced environments with large teams. Knowledge of multi-unit operations, labor union work environments, and comprehensive hospitality management is highly valued. The role demands excellence in communication, leadership, financial acumen, project management, and a commitment to sustainability, aligning restaurant operations with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation mission.

The position is a full-time, salaried role based in San Diego, CA, with a competitive salary range of $99,482 - $111,917. The organization offers an inclusive, diverse workplace, emphasizing a culture of belonging and respect. Employees benefit from numerous perks, including free admission to both Zoo locations, family passes, complimentary tickets, and wellness programs, supporting a healthy and engaged workforce. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance adheres to strict ethical hiring practices and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.