Director of Food Service Operations

Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, California, United States of America

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 5:00 AM

SSA Group at Monterey Bay Aquarium is looking for a talented Director of Food Service Operations to join our team!

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.

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.

Director of Food Service Operations

The General Manager

Coach, supervise, direct Food & Catering managers so operational needs (financial, staffing, product, merchandising, client expectations, etc.) are met on a daily basis.

Administer and oversee scheduling for Food Operation and Catering department(s) as necessary, giving oversight/insight to Catering Operations Manager and Director of Catering Sales as needed.

Assist designated management team or individuals in developing training standards for alcohol service, customer service, safety, harassment, etc.

Work with Regional Executive Chef, warehouse & chef teams to track, maintain and budget inventory and Cost of Goods (COG) as necessary.

Work closely with Resident Area General Manager and General Manager regarding partnership onsite, maintain professional communication and display support when necessary to client.

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 General Manager and/or Resident Area General Manager.

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 in departments of oversight.

Completes business assessment for Food department and supports Director of Catering Sales for Catering with comparable market pricing to assess business model and drive per cap revenue.

Minimize controllable costs associated with the operation. Continually strategize with General Manager and Resident Area General Manager 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 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.

Manages employee life-cycle management, inclusive of progressive discipline documentation in field through ongoing establishment with management team and staff.

Determine appropriate level of operation on daily basis based on weather, events, partnership expectations, etc.

Assumes an active role in the long-range planning for Catering & Events department programs.

Interact &…