Director of Food Service Operations

Dallas Zoo, 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, Texas, United States of America Job Description Posted Monday, May 11, 2026 at 4:00 AM SSA Group at Dallas Zoo 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. Director of Food Service Operations 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: Director of Food Service Operations Reports to: The General Manager Responsibilities * Catering responsibilities applicable only at specified accounts and may not apply to this role. 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 & build working relationship with the facility personnel to obtain operational needs (security, cleaning, maintenance, etc.) Develop & support new and innovative operational items in Food Operations. Assist with construction or renovation plans and their execution as designated by RAGM and GM. Promote an inclusive & supportive approach at the Unit. Assure editorial role on all unit publications (newsletters, calendars, memos, etc.) Ensures unit strives to be an example for Company & Client guidelines with regard to Sustainability/Conservation efforts. Displays knowledge of efforts in business application and 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 partner, Resident Area 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 that are 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 (up to 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. 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 Six years of Operations Management; Management experience in cultural, iconic, amusement or museum attraction a plus. ServSafe or Food Handling Certified a plus. All education backgrounds accepted. 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). 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, 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. Locations include: Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C.. Colorado: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Maryland: Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per 0year, as required under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Washington: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, in accordance with the Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time. SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, CinchioSolutions, 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr SSA Group