Food Service Operations Manager

Springfield, MO, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $58,000.00 - $63,000.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

full-time employment

$75 monthly cell phone stipend

Flex Time Off

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan with 15% company match

short-term disability

long-term disability

Parental leave

Paid leave up to 120 hours

paid bereavement leave

on-demand pay program

meal plan

Employee Discounts

Paid sick leave

Job Description

SSA Group at Wonders of Wildlife is a leading service provider specializing in the integration of dining, retail, admissions, and other hospitality services within zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions across the United States. With over 50 years of experience, SSA Group has developed an exceptional reputation for enhancing revenue opportunities for partners by combining industry best practices with innovative solutions tailored to each unique client. Their commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation drives a transformative approach within the cultural attraction industry, helping partner organizations deliver exceptional guest experiences while promoting conservation and community engagement.

SSA Group operates as a family-oriented business, placing deep value on dedication, care, and personal connection in all they do. They take pride in not only implementing tested industry standards but also customizing best practices specifically for each partner to continually raise the bar on service excellence. Their teams work closely with partner staff to support missions, elevate guest satisfaction, and foster meaningful community involvement. SSA Group’s strong foundation in family values and innovative leadership makes it a sought-after collaborator by cultural institutions nationwide.

The Food Service Operations Manager role at SSA Group is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing front-of-house food service operations within a dynamic cultural attraction environment. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the manager will provide strategic direction and hands-on supervision to a team delivering high-quality food service aligned with safety, operational, and guest experience standards. This role requires an experienced leader with the ability to motivate and develop staff, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, manage day-to-day operations, collaborate with culinary teams, and maintain strong client relationships.

As the Food Service Operations Manager, you will drive operational excellence by implementing efficient systems, policies, and processes that support the organizational mission and business goals. You will play a key role in recruitment, training, performance management, and employee development to build a skilled, motivated, and engaged workforce. Additionally, you will manage vendor relations, inventory processes, cash handling, and financial forecasting to ensure profitability and operational sustainability.

This full-time exempt role offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid leave, 401(k) with company match, and flexible time off, among others. In addition, SSA Group emphasizes inclusivity and sustainability, promoting opportunities for team members to engage in conservation initiatives and community efforts. The Food Service Operations Manager will contribute actively to these initiatives within the cultural attraction setting, enhancing both internal culture and external community impact.

The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. Serving as a role model for company values, this position offers the opportunity to lead a department to new heights, fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace culture and ultimately delivering memorable experiences for every guest. If you are passionate about food service management within a meaningful and impactful context, SSA Group invites you to join their dedicated team at Wonders of Wildlife.

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
Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning and leadership skills
Demonstrates the 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

Job Qualifications

Two years Operations Manager experience dependent on sales, more years' experience may be applicable
ServSafe or Food Handling Certified
All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 or older

Job Duties

Show dynamic leadership ability and motivate staff to exceed expectations of the customer and our client
Ensure your department's team is set with the operation in mind: hire & recruit for new talent, integrate new team members, supervise assigned personnel, evaluate performance, develop, coach, issue documentation, and manage employee exits
Builds & develops department's leadership team, pushing for innovative performance, leadership through positive coaching and challenging
Oversee food service training and integration of all staff according to the onsite handbook and set expectations by your guidance
Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment
Remain knowledgeable of and manages in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws
Work directly with Executive Chef on execution of food programs, quality and daily oversight
Maintains a close relationship with the client's staff to ensure a positive working relationship
Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures
Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client
Set expectations for department under EXTRA Guest Service
Ensure all cash handling procedures are in effect at all times
Troubleshoot and maintain POS functionality for daily operation or as necessary
Build, implement and drive operational systems, processes and policies in support of organizations mission, business needs, client & SSA expectations
Assumes an active role in upcoming season planning for food concepts, equipment needs and operational excellence
Responsible for the day to day functions of all food services and programs
With specific focus to front of house operations
Work with Executive Chef on established maintenance scheduled in conjunction with manufacturer's instructions for all equipment, provides safety training in lifting, carrying, hazardous material control, chemical control and basic first aid
Facilitate the maintenance and repairs of facility and equipment
Support Director of Food Service Operations in all operational functions of the Food Department
inclusive of inventory process as set by business standard
Process invoices so that all vendors are paid within terms
Ensure overall consistency and high quality across the various operations
plan menus based on such factors as market trends, customer preferences and nutritional considerations
Ensure SSAfety training(s) completed with all staff upon hire
Fulfill guest's needs quickly and efficiently as well as resolve complaints effectively
Maintains quality and facility cleanliness
Support department financial forecasts, information flow and management, business processes and organization planning
Manages merchandising for consistency, impulse sales, and driving per cap
Process invoices to office team ensuring smooth communication so that all vendors are paid within terms
Manage payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines
Meet payroll budget percent expectations by being strategic with coverage, on-call shifts, etc
Schedule appropriate staff levels in accordance with budget and business forecast
Set precedent to achieve Sales, Per Cap & Controllable Budget
Promote an inclusive & supportive approach at the Unit
Supports unit in being an example for Company & Client guidelines with regard to Sustainability/Conservation efforts
Displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary
Supports SSA / Unit in driving community effort through hiring efforts, engagement activities, and focus on opportunities of giving back
Perform other tasks as deemed necessary