Retail Operations Manager

Retail Operations Manager

SSA Group at Milwaukee County Zoo is looking for a talented Retail Operations Manager to join our team!

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• Show dynamic leadership ability and motivate staff to exceed expectations of the customer and our client.
• Ensure your department's team is set with the operation in mind: hire & recruit for new talent, integrate new team members, supervise assigned personnel, evaluate performance, develop, coach, issue documentation, and manage employee exits.
• Builds & develops department's leadership team, pushing for innovative performance, leadership through positive coaching and challenging.
• Develop training programs to train, motivate, and mentor employees.
• 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
• Maintain a strong positive relationship with the client.
• Maintain communication with the buyer and vendors.
• Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client. Set expectations for department under EXTRA Guest Service.
• Ensure all cash handling procedures are in effect at all times. Troubleshoot and maintain POS functionality for daily operation or as necessary.
• Manage POS and back-end data system.
• Oversee proper logistics of product distribution among all shop(s) and/or carts.
• Oversee cleanliness of all shop(s) and displays.
• Ensure all company merchandise presentation standards are met to maximize sales. Merchandise product to maximize sales.
• Ensure sales are maximized through having the right product and communicating inventory opportunities to the Retail Operations Manager and Buyer.
• Oversee stock and display product in shops. Oversee completion of daily "Shop List" as necessary.
• Facilitate the maintenance and repair of the retail facility and equipment as necessary.
• Develop warehousing plan to assure easy access and accountability of merchandise.
• Ensure deliveries of merchandise are received and processed.
• Oversee inventory of product and place orders as needed in conjunction with your buyer.
• Manage all operational functions of the Retail Department; inclusive of inventory process as set by business standard.
• Process invoices so that all vendors are paid within terms.
• Merchandise product to maximize sales.
• Report daily, weekly, and monthly sales through an internal Ledger.
• Increase sales by promotion items or suggestive selling and instill this within all staff members.
• Prepare operational reports and analyses setting forth progress, trends and make appropriate recommendations.
• Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities.
• Manage payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines. Meet payroll budget percent expectations by being strategic with coverage, on-call shifts, etc.
• Schedule appropriate staff levels in accordance with budget and business forecast.
• Set precedent to achieve Sales, Per Cap & Controllable Budget.
• 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.

Job Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, General Manager, Buyer 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 stay in one place for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (10-35lbs) as necessary to operation.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

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.

Previous Experience

• Three to Five years in retail operations management.
• All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 years 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)

Compensation and Benefits

• Full-Time, Exempt
• $75 monthly cell phone stipend
• Flex Time Off: no accruals; employees are encouraged to schedule time off as needed within business scope.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; employee premiums applicable.
• Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods).
• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored; scaled-salary pay following submission and approval of leave
• Parental Leave: Birthing Parent Plan covers up to (6-8) weeks fully paid leave, based on the birthing event.
• SSA Paid Benefit: Up to 120 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying reasons, including Parental Bonding and your family's serious medical conditions.
• Up to 5 days Paid Bereavement Leave
• On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
• Meal Plan & Employee Discounts where applicable
• Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.

SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.