Operations Manager

Saint Paul, MN, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $42,800.00 - $80,900.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k

employee discount

Educational opportunities

Paid Time Off

Job Description

Surdyk's is a beloved Minneapolis institution known for its exceptional selection of cheese, charcuterie, wine, spirits, and top-tier hospitality services. As a family-owned and community-rooted business for over 90 years, Surdyk's has earned a remarkable reputation for its carefully curated products and passionate team dedicated to providing memorable customer experiences. This specialty food business has established itself as an iconic destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a welcoming environment where quality and hospitality are paramount. Surdyk's commitment to excellence is evident not only in its diverse selections but also in the professional and enthusiastic approach of its staff, fostering a strong connection with the community it serves.

We are currently seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the daily operations at Surdyk's Cheese Shop, a vital part of the Surdyk's family that focuses on food retail and hospitality. This role is integral to maintaining and enhancing the shop's high standards by overseeing staffing, scheduling, employee management, operational standards, and facility supervision. The ideal candidate for this position is deeply passionate about hospitality, adept at managing dynamic and fast-paced environments, and excels in building and nurturing strong teams dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

The Operations Manager will work closely with ownership and leadership teams to ensure operational consistency and smooth execution of daily activities across all customer-facing operations. They will be responsible for overseeing various administrative and operational tasks including labor management, financial oversight, facility maintenance, and customer service excellence. A key aspect of the role is fostering a professional and respectful workplace culture that values accountability and collaboration among employees.

This position offers a collaborative and supportive working environment, competitive compensation based on experience, and the opportunity to contribute to the legacy and future growth of one of Minneapolis’ most respected specialty food businesses. Additional benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k plan with employer match, employee discounts across all business areas, access to educational opportunities such as classes and tastings, and paid time off. Joining Surdyk’s means becoming part of a team that values both professional growth and personal passion for food, wine, and hospitality.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred
Minimum 3 years of experience in a management role within hospitality, retail, or food service
Proven leadership skills and team-building abilities
Strong knowledge of labor management and scheduling software
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to multitask and handle stressful situations effectively
Availability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays
Commitment to high standards of customer service and operational excellence
Certification in ServSafe or willingness to obtain
Physical ability to stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring physical activity
Pass background check and comply with health and safety regulations.

Job Qualifications

3-5+ years of management experience in hospitality, restaurant, retail, specialty food, or related industries
Strong leadership and people management experience, including hiring, training, scheduling, and employee accountability
Experience managing labor costs, operational budgets, and food or retail cost controls
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
Strong computer skills including scheduling platforms, POS systems, payroll/timeclock systems, spreadsheets, email, and operational software
Ability to manage teams and multiple priorities in fast-paced environments
Hands-on leadership style with strong floor presence and attention to detail
Passion for hospitality, food, wine, restaurants, and specialty retail
ServSafe certification preferred or willingness to obtain.

Job Duties

Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, discipline, and termination processes for customer-facing staff
Manage and support teams across retail and hospitality operations
Supervise and develop Supervisors/Leads across multiple service environments
Foster a professional, respectful, and accountable workplace culture
Address employee concerns and performance issues promptly and professionally
Maintain clear communication and operational consistency across departments
Create and manage staff schedules to ensure appropriate coverage and labor efficiency
Monitor staffing levels based on business volume, events, and seasonal needs
Oversee payroll-related responsibilities including timeclock review, approval, attendance tracking, and labor management
Monitor labor costs and staffing performance to ensure operational efficiency and financial responsibility
Coordinate shift coverage and respond to day-to-day staffing needs
Maintain operational oversight of labor, cost of goods, and day-to-day financial performance
Work closely with culinary leadership and ownership to support healthy margins, inventory management, waste reduction, and purchasing efficiency
Monitor operational trends and identify opportunities to improve profitability, workflow, and cost control
Support ownership in maintaining financial accountability across the business
Oversee day-to-day customer-facing operations and ensure smooth execution
Maintain high standards for cleanliness, organization, maintenance, and facility presentation
Coordinate facility repairs, maintenance requests, and vendor/service appointments
Ensure compliance with health, sanitation, and workplace safety standards
Support smooth daily operations and troubleshoot operational issues
Partner with culinary leadership and ownership to ensure strong communication and alignment
Collaborate on operational improvements, staffing strategy, and business needs
Support special events, seasonal transitions, promotions, and projects
Help maintain exceptional hospitality and customer service standards
Support teams in delivering knowledgeable, welcoming, and efficient service
Lead by example in creating warm, memorable guest experiences
Assist with customer concerns or escalated service situations.