Retail Operations Manager - San Diego Zoo

Retail Operations Manager

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

The Retail Operations Manager provides leadership and oversight of all merchandise and food operations for assigned departments. This position is responsible for but not limited to budgeting, revenue generation, inventory management, merchandising, food services, shared revenue, banquets, ordering, guest service, employee relations, food safety management, facility management and menu development. This position reports to the Associate Director of Retail Operations or the Restaurant General Manager.

Leads and inspires quick service food/retail staff and is responsible for hiring, training and development, mentoring, and performance management. Motivates staff and creates and environment conducive to driving employee engagement.

Oversees quick service food/retail operations including but not limited to: scheduling and staffing, ensuring a high quality guest experience, menu development, safety, cleanliness, and facility maintenance or improvement needs. Assists with project management of facility(s) as needed. Acts as Duty Manager of department as scheduled.

Exercises fiscal accountability and responsibility for assigned budget(s) including but not limited to: implementing strategies to maximize revenue, managing cost of goods, managing labor and operating supplies. Develops and manages shared revenue contracts and business operations that create new business relationships, and increase revenue and enhance the guest experience as directed.

Responsible for inventory management for assigned operations. Oversees point of sale and inventory software solutions for revenue and data integrity and functionality. Oversees and manages multiple venue inventory accuracy and operating costs.

Develops and manages safety programs with the goal of preventing employee and guest injury. Ensures compliance with health, safety, sanitation and alcohol awareness standards. Ensures kitchen/culinary best practices are established and followed.

Must have at least two years prior management experience in a retail or food setting required. Experience working with represented labor preferred.

Bachelor's Degree in business administration, hospitality, or related field preferred. Servesafe Manager Certification within 90 Days required.

Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team in a diverse environment. Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Able to handle highly complex interactions with employees and guests with a high level of tact and diplomacy. Able to operate Point of Sale (POS) systems. Knowledge of inventory best practices. Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs. Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment while producing a high level of results. Understanding of budgets, profit and loss statements.

Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Family Passes. Complimentary Tickets. Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Local and In-House Discounts. Employee Assistance Program. Wellness Program.

Location: San Diego, CA. Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position. Salary Range: $77,225 to $81,660.

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests' experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to View email address on click.appcast.io and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.