SSA Group at San Antonio Zoo is seeking a dynamic Assistant General Manager with a focus on Culinary Operations . This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who thrives on the fast pace of daytime operations, has a sharp eye for health department compliance, and knows how to turn great food and guest service into a signature part of a world-class visitor experience. You'll oversee everything from event programming and team development to branding and signage — including support oversight of the on-site franchised Starbucks — all while partnering closely with zoo leadership to drive results across the business.
Key Responsibilities:
Daytime operations management
Health department compliance
Guest experience leadership
Zoo/consumer event execution
Employee corrective action and performance management
Labor management and scheduling
Branding, signage, and graphics oversight
Support oversight of franchised Starbucks operations
All applications should be submitted within 7-days following posting of the job; applications will be prioritized based upon time submitted and may not be reviewed beyond this time. The employer reserves the right to shorten or expand this timeframe as necessary to the job scope.
Assistant General Manager
Who are we:
For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused.
We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey.
Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities.
Position Title: Assistant General Manager
Reports to: General Manager
Responsibilities
- Coach, supervise, direct all department managers so operational needs (financial, staffing, product, merchandising, client expectations, etc.) are met on a daily basis.
- Schedule management personnel as necessary.
- Assist designated management team or individuals in developing training standards for alcohol service, customer service, safety, harassment, etc.
- Work with Executive Chef, Retail Operations Manager and Buyer to track, maintain and budget inventory and Cost of Goods (COG) as necessary.
- Work closely with General Manager regarding client relationship, maintain professional communication and display support when necessary to client.
- Support General Manager in oversight of all departments (or as assigned), responsible for coaching and documentation of management and operations.
- Remains knowledgeable of and manages in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal laws.
- Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
- Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
- Forecast weekly sales, complete and maintain sales analysis monthly sales with GM.
- Manage payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines. Meet payroll budget percent expectations by being strategic with coverage, on-call shifts, etc; in management of Department Managers.
- Set precedent to achieve Sales, Per Cap & Controllable Budget.
- Minimize controllable costs associated with the operation. Continually strategize with GM on revenue avenues, areas of opportunity.
- Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client. Engage with Department Managers on ensuring EXTRA Guest Service at all levels of team.
- Oversee, support and assist in driving operational systems, processes and policies in support of organization’s mission, business needs, client & SSA expectations.
- Ensure the unit is compliant with company policies and standards; Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, laws, and policies.
- Determine appropriate level of operation on daily basis based on weather, events, client needs, etc.
- Support GM and Unit Controller in monthly safe audit.
- Interact with the facility personnel to obtain operational needs (security, cleaning, maintenance, etc.)
- Develop new and innovative operational items in all departments.
- Assist with construction or renovation plans and their execution as designated by GM.
- Audit Worker Compensation Compliance.
- Promote an inclusive & supportive approach at the Unit.
- Assure editorial role on all unit publications (newsletters, calendars, memos, etc.)
- Ensures unit strives to be 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.
IDEA + Belonging
- Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units.
- Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
- Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
- Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back.
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 that is 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.
Previous Experience
- Three years of operations management.
- ServSafe or Food Handling Certified a plus.
- All education backgrounds accepted, must be 18 or older.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)
Compensation and Benefits
- Full-Time, Exempt
- $75 monthly cell phone stipend
- Flex Time Off: no accruals; employees are encouraged to schedule time off as needed within business scope.
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; employee premiums applicable.
- Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods).
- Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored; scaled-salary pay following submission and approval of leave
- Parental Leave: Birthing Parent Plan covers up to (6-8) weeks fully paid leave, based on the birthing event.
- SSA Paid Benefit: Up to 120 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying reasons, including Parental Bonding and your family’s serious medical conditions.
- Up to 5 days Paid Bereavement Leave
- On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
- Meal Plan & Employee Discounts where applicable
- Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.
- Locations include: Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., Colorado: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Maryland: Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, as required under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Washington: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, in accordance with the Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time.
SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.
All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").
San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.
