Catering Operations Manager

SSA Group at Columbus Zoo is looking for a talented Catering Operations Manager to join our team!

Please note that for this position, we accept applications on an ongoing basis. There is no set deadline for submitting your application. We encourage interested candidates to apply at any time, and we will review applications as they are received. This approach allows us to continuously consider potential candidates and ensures that opportunities remain open until the ideal candidate is found. 

Catering OperationsManager

Who are we:

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.

Position Title: Catering OperationsManager

Reports to: Director of Catering (where applicable) and General Manager

Responsibilities 

• Maintain communication with the other Catering Manager(s) and/or Director and unit specific contacts. 
• Maintain communication with vendors. 
• Work closely with Management team (as necessary) regarding client relationship, maintain professional communication and display excellent client management skills with regard to events and operation. 
• Ensure your direct team is managed with the business need in mind: hire & recruit for new talent, integrate new team members, supervise assigned personnel, evaluate performance, develop, coach, issue documentation, and manage employee exits. 
• Develop training programs to train, motivate, and mentor employees. 
• Act as onsite client event liaison during event day, and be available for client requests as needed. 
• Flexibility and adaptability in response to client requests and changes. 
• Remain knowledgeable of and manages in accordance with 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. 
• Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client. 
• Complete full operations plan of each catered event prior to event day, including diagrams, pull sheets, staff needs, product and rental ordering, food signage, etc.  
• Participate in weekly BEO meetings with Chefs and Catering leadership. Come prepared with diagrams and pull sheets for upcoming events.  
• Schedule appropriate staff levels in accordance with budget and business forecast 
• Maintain client correspondence, when applicable, in a timely manner. 
• Maintain a strong positive relationship with all Brookfield Zoo clients and partners. 
• Fulfill guests’ needs quickly and efficiently as well as resolve complaints effectively. 
• Oversee quality, product levels and inventory of product. 
• Facilitate the maintenance and repairs of the facility and equipment as necessary. 
• Create eye catching & innovative displays with Executive Chef/Chef team and implement with catering staff. 
• Manage operations of events and oversee team when multiple events occur. 
• Have a thorough understanding of the catering menus including dietary restrictions, serving recommendations, and platter / serving equipment requirements. 
• Comply with all food safety regulations and practices.  
• Maintain client correspondence in a timely manner.  
• Process invoices to the office team ensuring smooth communication so that all vendors are paid within terms. 
• Work with Director of Catering to report event p&l to General Manager as necessary. 
• Forecast weekly sales, complete and maintain sales analysis with respect to controllable costs for department and unit management. Manage payroll and controllable profit within established budget.  Meet & manage department payroll budget expectations by being strategic with scheduling coverage, on-call shifts, etc 
• Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities. 
• Minimize controllable costs associated with operation.  
• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach at the Unit.  
• Supports unit in being 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 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 to Five years minimum catering operations and/or event planning management in off-site catering, hotel or cultural attraction catering venue. 
• BEO knowledge and execution a must. 
• ServSafe or Food Handling Certified a plus. 
• 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 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) 

SSA Group, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity through our commitment to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. 

Compensation and Benefits

• Full-Time 
• Salary – based on range in consideration of relevant job experience and certification/education; if position is physically in Colorado or California, salary range will be posted above following EPFEW Act
• Vacation or TAFW (time away from work) Plan – we want our team to take time as they need, so don’t accrue hours but rather give you freedom to schedule within scope of the business and your needs 
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance; employee premiums applicable 
• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored; scaled-salary pay following submission and approval of leave 
• Birthing Parent Plan covers up to (6-8) weeks fully paid leave, based on birthing event 
• (4) Week fully paid Parental leave following birth, adoption or foster event, can be coupled with Birthing Parent Plan to extend above timeline 
• 401k program, eligible for enrollment after (1) year of employment during January or June open enrollment periods, company is not matching at this time 
• $75 monthly cell phone stipend 

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.