Food Service - Assistant Operations Manager

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, 730 W. Sunshine, Springfield, Missouri, United States of America

Posted Friday, December 26, 2025 at 6:00 AM

SSA Group at Wonders of Wildlife is looking for an experienced Food Service Operations Assistant Manager for the food operations in the Aquarium.

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.

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 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.

• Two years operations management experience dependent on sales, more years experience may be applicable.
• Serv Safe or Food Handling Certified.
• All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 or older.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions…