Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $77,225.00 - $81,660.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Family passes
Complimentary tickets
Free parking at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Local discounts
in-house discounts
Employee assistance program
Wellness Program
Job Description
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a renowned international nonprofit conservation organization that operates two world-famous facilities: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Combining wildlife health and care, science, and education, the organization is dedicated to the development of sustainable conservation solutions that protect endangered species and promote biodiversity worldwide. The Alliance is highly respected for its commitment to animal welfare, research innovations, and impactful community outreach programs. As a multifaceted entity, it provides an enriching guest experience while advancing conservation science and education on a global scale.
The Retail Operations Manager position at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a full-time, salaried role based in San Diego, CA, with a salary range of $77,225 to $81,660. This role plays a critical part in supporting the organization’s mission by providing leadership and oversight over merchandise and food operations within assigned departments. The Retail Operations Manager is responsible for managing budgets, revenue generation, inventory control, merchandising, food services, shared revenue agreements, banquets, ordering processes, guest service excellence, employee relations, food safety compliance, and facility management. This role reports directly to either the Associate Director of Retail Operations or the Restaurant General Manager.
Leadership is a key component of this position, as the manager will lead and inspire a team of quick service food and retail staff. Responsibilities include hiring, training, mentoring, and motivating employees to create an engaging work environment that fosters performance excellence. The manager oversees operational standards such as scheduling, menu development, cleanliness, safety, and facility maintenance, ensuring everything aligns with the organization’s high standards. They also implement strategies to maximize revenue while managing costs effectively, and they take accountability for inventory accuracy and point-of-sale system integrity across multiple venues.
This position involves developing and managing safety programs with the goal of preventing injury to both employees and guests, ensuring adherence to health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol awareness regulations. The Retail Operations Manager must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and handle complex interactions with diplomacy, manage budgets and financial reports proficiently, and operate various computer software systems including point-of-sale and inventory management tools. To thrive in this fast-paced, dynamic environment, the ideal candidate exhibits strong leadership, a commitment to high-quality guest service, and a strategic mindset focused on operational excellence.
Working at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance offers unique rewards, including free admission to both the Zoo and Safari Park, family passes, complimentary tickets, free parking, local and company discounts, access to employee assistance programs, and wellness initiatives. The Alliance celebrates diversity and fosters a culture of belonging, making it a welcoming workplace committed to equal opportunity and compliance with federal hiring practices.
The Retail Operations Manager position at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a full-time, salaried role based in San Diego, CA, with a salary range of $77,225 to $81,660. This role plays a critical part in supporting the organization’s mission by providing leadership and oversight over merchandise and food operations within assigned departments. The Retail Operations Manager is responsible for managing budgets, revenue generation, inventory control, merchandising, food services, shared revenue agreements, banquets, ordering processes, guest service excellence, employee relations, food safety compliance, and facility management. This role reports directly to either the Associate Director of Retail Operations or the Restaurant General Manager.
Leadership is a key component of this position, as the manager will lead and inspire a team of quick service food and retail staff. Responsibilities include hiring, training, mentoring, and motivating employees to create an engaging work environment that fosters performance excellence. The manager oversees operational standards such as scheduling, menu development, cleanliness, safety, and facility maintenance, ensuring everything aligns with the organization’s high standards. They also implement strategies to maximize revenue while managing costs effectively, and they take accountability for inventory accuracy and point-of-sale system integrity across multiple venues.
This position involves developing and managing safety programs with the goal of preventing injury to both employees and guests, ensuring adherence to health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol awareness regulations. The Retail Operations Manager must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and handle complex interactions with diplomacy, manage budgets and financial reports proficiently, and operate various computer software systems including point-of-sale and inventory management tools. To thrive in this fast-paced, dynamic environment, the ideal candidate exhibits strong leadership, a commitment to high-quality guest service, and a strategic mindset focused on operational excellence.
Working at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance offers unique rewards, including free admission to both the Zoo and Safari Park, family passes, complimentary tickets, free parking, local and company discounts, access to employee assistance programs, and wellness initiatives. The Alliance celebrates diversity and fosters a culture of belonging, making it a welcoming workplace committed to equal opportunity and compliance with federal hiring practices.
Job Requirements
- Must have at least two years prior management experience in a retail or food setting
- Experience working with represented labor preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, hospitality, or related field preferred
- Servesafe Manager Certification within 90 days required
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Ability to operate Point of Sale systems
- Knowledge of inventory best practices
- Ability to operate moderately complex computer software
- Understanding of budgets and profit and loss statements
Job Qualifications
- Must have at least two years prior management experience in a retail or food setting
- Experience working with represented labor preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, hospitality, or related field preferred
- Servesafe Manager Certification within 90 days required
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team in a diverse environment
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Able to handle complex interactions with tact and diplomacy
- Ability to operate Point of Sale systems
- Knowledge of inventory best practices
- Ability to operate moderately complex computer software
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment while producing high results
- Understanding of budgets and profit and loss statements
Job Duties
- Leads and inspires quick service food/retail staff including hiring, training, mentoring, and performance management
- Oversees quick service food/retail operations including scheduling, staffing, guest experience, menu development, safety, cleanliness, and facility maintenance
- Exercises fiscal accountability including budgeting, maximizing revenue, managing cost of goods, labor, and operating supplies
- Develops and manages shared revenue contracts and business operations to increase revenue and enhance guest experience
- Responsible for inventory management and oversees point of sale and inventory software for multiple venues
- Develops and manages safety programs ensuring compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol standards
- Acts as Duty Manager as scheduled and assists with facility project management
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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