Food Service - Assistant Operations Manager

370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218, USA

Posted Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Assistant Food Service Operations Manager - Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

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.

Reports to:
Food Service Operations Manager and General Manager (as applicable)

• Live out 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client.
• Support implementation of operational systems, processes and policies in support of organizations mission, business needs, client & SSA expectations.
• Assumes a supportive and strategic role in upcoming season planning for food concepts, equipment needs and operational excellence.
• Supports department financial forecasts as necessary, information flow and management, business processes and organization planning. Supports oversight of merchandising for consistency, impulse sales, and driving per cap.
• Oversee food service training and orientation of all staff according to the onsite handbook and set expectations by your guidance.
• 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.
• Progressively document and discipline employees to promote better work performances compliant to the company policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment for all employees and guests.
• Supportive role in the responsibility of the day to day functions of all food services and programs. With specific focus to front of house operations.
• Support facilitation of the maintenance and repairs of facility and equipment.
• Maintains a close relationship with the client's staff to ensure a positive working relationship.
• 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 invoices are given to office team ensuring smooth communication so that all vendors are paid within terms.
• Supports management of all operational functions of the Food Department.
• Supports management of payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines. Meet payroll budget percent expectations by being strategic with coverage, on-call shifts, etc.
• Manage employees in accordance with State and Federal labor laws.
• Schedule appropriate staff levels in accordance with budget and business forecast.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.

• 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 .

• 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…