Food Service - Assistant Operations Manager

702 S Randall Ave, Madison, WI 53715, USA

Posted Monday, February 16, 2026 at 6:00 AM

JOIN OUR FRONT OF HOUSE TEAM AT THE HENRY VILAS ZOO!

We are looking for an Assistant Food Service Operations Manager to start this by March!

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. With pillars of focus like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, SSA is transforming the cultural attraction industry.

SSA was built by families, for families, with a family’s sense of love and dedication. We don’t just rely on the best practices in our industry, we customize best practices for each partner to set the bar higher and higher, always. We do all we can to further the mission of our partners because their guests and the communities they serve,deserve it.

Reports to: Food Service Operations Manager and General Manager

• Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience 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 .

• Must be available to work a minimum of 32 hours per week, including some weekends - preferably Sundays. Hours of operation are 9 am to 5:30 pm but may require…