The Associate Director of Retail Operations leads a complex retail operation that includes full-service restaurants, quick service retail/food establishments, banquets, merchandise, display, inventory management, procurement, and warehousing. This position reports to the Director of Retail.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Leads and inspires the retail operations team.
- Is responsible for the recruiting efforts for the department and ensures adequate staffing levels are in place and flexes according to forecasted business volume.
- Oversees training, mentoring, performance management, and conflict resolution. Is responsible for motivating and driving high level of employee engagement.
- In collaboration with the Retail Director, oversees and provides financial operational direction to multiple, complex food and merchandising venues with multi-million-dollar valuations. Exercises fiscal accountability and responsibility for departmental budget.
- Participates in strategic short-term and long-term planning, forecasting, and complex project management.
- Assists with facility and menu design to support revenue and organizational goals. Looks for opportunities to drive revenue and enhance guest experience.
- Provides high-level oversight to operations in a multitude of retail/restaurant facilities including full-service restaurants, quick service establishments, merchandising, and shared revenue operations for maximum productivity and efficiency.
- Responsible for facility and building maintenance and strategic improvements and for facility equipment, diagnostics, and repair/replacement coordination. Forecasts capital expense requirements.
- Oversees inventory and procurement operations for the retail department including: food and supply procurement, warehouse receiving/delivery operations, point of sale and inventory software solutions, inventory accuracy and operating costs, merchandising, and visual displays.
- Develops and manages department safety programs with the goal of preventing employee and guest injury.
- Ensures all food, beverage, and alcohol health and safety regulations are in place and adhered to.
- Ensures kitchen/culinary best practices and cleanliness are established and followed.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
JOB EXPERIENCE
- At least five years’ experience in retail/food service/hospitality management required
- At least five years’ experience in leading large teams in high-paced environments required
- Experience in multi-unit or large theme park gift, shared revenue, food service, and merchandising store operations preferred
- Experience working with represented labor union preferred
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, hospitality management, or a related field preferred.
- State ServSafe Food Handlers certification within 120 Days
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Advanced knowledge of commercial merchandising/food operations/hospitality
- Demonstrated ability to effectively lead diverse teams
- Able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
- Knowledge of direct retail, shared revenue, full-service restaurant operations, catering, quick service, and merchandising operations
- Knowledge of health and safety regulation
- Ability to develop and manage assigned budgets
- Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs
- Understand union contracts regarding labor use restrictions
SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
- 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
