Food Service - Lead

SSA Group has been a leader in creating exceptional hospitality experiences for over 50 years. By partnering with cultural attractions, SSA Group focuses on integrating admissions, culinary services, and retail operations to deliver a seamless and memorable guest journey. Their commitment to innovation, operational intelligence, and human connection sets them apart as a unique hospitality company dedicated to supporting their partners' missions. Known for their branded approach called 452 Hospitality, SSA Group emphasizes a foundation built on people, innovation, and excellent service to create special moments that leave lasting impressions. They operate in various locations including Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington D.C., Colorado, Maryland, and Washington state. This broad presence highlights their ability to manage hospitality services across diverse markets and cultural settings.

The Food Service Lead role is integral within SSA Group's food service operations, reporting directly to Food Service Supervisors and Food Service Operations Managers. This position is designed for someone who embodies the 452 Hospitality principles by providing warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences to every guest and client. The Food Service Lead ensures that daily food service locations or stands are adequately stocked, prepped, and staffed, working closely with supervisors and direct reports to meet operational needs. Additionally, this role assists with restaurant and food service preparation both on the front of house and line to ensure smooth daily operations. Adhering to safety and quality standards is a key responsibility, including participation in safety logs related to food temperatures, rotation, and waste management. Maintaining high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and a safe work environment aligned with SSAFETY rules is essential.

The Food Service Lead also actively supports the team by managing daily prep tasks, responding efficiently to guest and client feedback, and communicating operational issues to supervisors and managers. Knowledge of all menu items, pricing, and specials is expected to provide accurate information to guests, enhancing their experience and satisfaction. Beyond operational duties, the role requires demonstrating professionalism, energy, flexibility, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should be physically capable of performing the job’s requirements such as standing for extended periods and lifting boxes ranging from 10 to 35 pounds. The position requires flexibility in scheduling, including working nights, weekends, and holidays as needed, supplying coverage and support wherever necessary within the operation.

SSA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace as part of their IDEA + Belonging initiative. They promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within their brand teams, focusing on removing barriers and empowering growth opportunities for all employees. The Food Service Lead plays a role in promoting sustainability and conservation efforts and engages with the community through various outreach and giving-back programs. SSA encourages learning and leadership by example, supporting the professional development of unit staff concerning sustainability and business practices.

Compensation for this role includes eligibility for overtime pay and participation in the On-Demand Pay Program, which allows employees to access a portion of earned wages before the scheduled payday. Additional benefits include meal plans and employee discounts at applicable locations, enrollment in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match for eligible employees, tuition discounts through partnership colleges, bereavement leave up to 8 hours, holiday pay at 1.5 times the regular rate on holidays such as Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day, and paid sick leave in compliance with various state laws. SSA Group welcomes applicants from all educational and experiential backgrounds, encouraging a diverse candidate pool. They uphold equal opportunity employment practices, emphasizing diversity and inclusion as critical facets of their hiring approach. This position is open until filled, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis at thessagroup.com.