Senior Retail Operations Manager/Food & Merchandise - Full Time - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a globally recognized, nonprofit conservation organization that operates two premier zoological destinations: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The organization aims to integrate wildlife health and care, scientific research, and educational outreach to create sustainable solutions for wildlife conservation. With a proud legacy in animal care and environmental stewardship, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is committed to inspiring guests and the community to learn about and protect wildlife and natural habitats worldwide. As a dynamic leader in conservation, the organization combines innovative strategies and collaborations to address critical environmental challenges, supporting the well-being of animal populations and ecosystems on a global scale.

The Senior Retail Operations Manager role at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a pivotal position within the Retail Operations team. This full-time, salaried exempt position based in San Diego, CA offers a salary range of $87,264 to $98,172, reflecting the candidate's experience and skills. Reporting to the Associate Director of Retail Operations, the Senior Retail Operations Manager is entrusted with managing complex projects, driving revenue growth, and overseeing all merchandise and food operations within assigned departments. The manager plays a crucial role in budget analytics, inventory management, procurement, merchandising, guest services, employee relations, and food safety compliance.

In addition to leading the retail and quick service food operations, the Senior Retail Operations Manager is responsible for ancillary retail functions such as warehouse or office management, acting as a project manager for large and complex initiatives, and serving as the duty manager as needed. A key part of this leadership position includes inspiring and supporting retail managers and teams through recruitment, training, development, staffing, conflict resolution, and performance management. Fiscal accountability is a major component of the role, which involves managing multiple business streams generating millions in annual revenue, overseeing product procurement and contract analysis, developing shared revenue contracts, and establishing new business partnerships to enhance both revenue and guest experience.

Facility management is another important responsibility, including overseeing maintenance and repairs, managing material sourcing and competitive bids, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards for safe and effective operations. The Senior Retail Operations Manager also leads inventory management, ensuring accuracy and cost-effectiveness across multiple venues through point of sale and inventory software systems. Safety and compliance are paramount, with the role demanding the development and management of safety programs, adherence to food, beverage, alcohol, and health safety laws, and implementation of best practices in kitchen and culinary operations.

This position requires a seasoned leader with at least four years of management experience in retail or food service environments, demonstrating a strong ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, dynamic settings while achieving high performance standards. The ideal candidate will have expertise in labor relations, budgeting, inventory and point of sale systems, team leadership in diverse environments, and effective communication skills. Additional qualifications include a preferred bachelor's degree in business administration, hospitality, or a related field, and obtaining ServeSafe Manager certification within 90 days of hire.

Working at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance offers unique benefits such as free admission to both zoological sites, family passes, complimentary tickets, and free parking. Employees also enjoy local and in-house discounts, wellness programs, and access to an employee assistance program. Through this role, individuals have the opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization that prioritizes conservation, education, and community engagement, making a meaningful impact on wildlife preservation and guest experience alike.