Eco Eatery Manager

Dayton, OH, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Professional Development

Paid holidays

Job Description

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is a vibrant, interactive museum located in Dayton, Ohio, dedicated to inspiring curiosity and discovery across all age groups with its unique blend of science, technology, and natural history exhibits. As a community-focused institution, it offers hands-on experiences, educational programs, and special events that enrich the lives of visitors and foster lifelong learning. The Museum serves as a cultural hub where families, schools, and visitors from all backgrounds can explore and engage with exhibits that stimulate creativity and scientific thinking.

Within this dynamic environment, the Eco Eatery plays a crucial role by providing guests with a welcoming dining experience that complements their visit to the museum. The Eco Eatery Manager position is full-time and salaried, reporting directly to the President and CEO of the museum. This leadership role is entrusted with the overall operation, administration, and success of the Eatery. The Manager is responsible for creating and maintaining an inviting, professional, and guest-centered dining atmosphere while rigorously adhering to food safety, sanitation, liquor control, and health department regulations to ensure the Eatery operates at the highest standards.

The Eco Eatery Manager oversees daily food service operations, including inventory management, purchasing, staffing, budgeting, cash handling, and customer service excellence. While the position demands proven experience in managing food service operations and ensuring regulatory compliance, advanced culinary or chef-level expertise is not required. Instead, the focus is on operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and regulatory adherence. The Manager is tasked with hiring, training, supervising, scheduling, and evaluating the Eatery staff, fostering an atmosphere of teamwork and outstanding guest service that reinforces the museum's overall visitor experience.

In addition to internal management duties, this role involves active support of museum functions and special events by providing food and beverage services that align with the museum’s strategic initiatives. The Manager collaborates closely with the museum’s President and CEO to help plan and implement initiatives that support organizational goals. This includes maintaining accurate and compliant food preparation, storage, service, and alcohol sales, as well as managing budgets and financial controls to maximize revenue and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate for the Eco Eatery Manager will be a dedicated leader who excels in staff development, customer service, inventory control, and financial management within a visitor-focused or nonprofit environment. They will be proficient in point-of-sale systems, cash handling procedures, and alcohol service regulations. The Manager ensures that all visitors receive a warm welcome, high-quality service, and an enjoyable dining experience throughout their visit. Their leadership directly contributes to the sustainability and growth of the Eco Eatery as a beloved dining destination within the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.

Job Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of experience in food service, restaurant, café, catering, hospitality, or related operations management
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
Experience supervising, training, and scheduling staff
Experience managing inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships
Strong customer service and communication skills
Experience handling cash management and point-of-sale (POS) systems
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and special events as needed

Job Qualifications

Minimum of 3 years of experience in food service, restaurant, café, catering, hospitality, or related operations management
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
Experience supervising, training, and scheduling staff
Experience managing inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships
Strong customer service and communication skills
Experience handling cash management and point-of-sale (POS) systems
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and special events as needed
Food Protection Manager Certification (ServSafe Manager or equivalent) preferred
Experience overseeing alcohol service and beverage inventory preferred
Experience working with liquor permits, licensing, and responsible alcohol service practices preferred
Experience developing and managing budgets preferred
Experience in a museum, nonprofit, hospitality, or visitor-focused environment preferred

Job Duties

Direct and oversee the daily operations of the Eco Eatery
Create and maintain a welcoming, clean, safe, and professional dining environment
Ensure efficient service, high-quality guest experiences, and smooth daily operations
Develop, implement, and maintain operating procedures for food service, sanitation, cash handling, and guest service
Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities for increased efficiency and revenue generation
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local food service regulations and health department requirements
Oversee proper food handling, preparation, storage, labeling, and sanitation practices
Maintain required food service permits, certifications, inspection readiness, and documentation
Train and regularly reinforce staff compliance with food safety standards and organizational policies
Respond appropriately to health and safety concerns and implement corrective actions when necessary
Manage purchasing, inventory, storage, and control of alcoholic beverages
Ensure compliance with all alcohol service laws, regulations, permits, and licensing requirements
Train and supervise staff involved in alcohol service and monitor adherence to responsible beverage service practices
Maintain accurate records related to alcohol inventory and sales
Support museum events that include alcohol service and ensure all requirements are met
Order food, beverages, supplies, and operating materials as needed
Maintain accurate inventory records and controls
Establish and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers
Monitor product quality, pricing, and availability
Minimize waste and maintain appropriate inventory levels
Demonstrate mastery of all approved cash-handling and accounting procedures
Monitor daily sales, deposits, and financial controls
Assist in developing and managing the annual operating budget for the Eco Eatery
Track expenses and revenues to achieve established financial goals
Identify opportunities to increase profitability while maintaining service quality
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate Eco Eatery staff
Establish ongoing training programs related to customer service, food safety, alcohol service, and operational excellence
Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable work environment
Ensure adequate staffing levels to support daily operations and special events
Provide and model exceptional customer service standards
Resolve guest concerns in a professional and timely manner
Promote menu offerings, programs, and special events
Coordinate with Guest Services staff to support a positive museum experience
Support museum programs, private events, fundraisers, and special functions with food and beverage service
Coordinate menu selections, supplies, staffing, and event logistics as needed
Work collaboratively with museum departments to support organizational goals and strategic initiatives
Work alongside the President and CEO in planning and implementing initiatives that support the Society’s strategic goals
Perform other duties as assigned