Associate Director of Retail Operations - Full Time - San Diego Zoo

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.


HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
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
◦ Five years’ experience in retail/food service/hospitality management
◦ Five years’ experience in leading large teams in high paced environments
◦ Experience in multi-unit or large theme park gift, shared revenue, food service, and merchandising store operations
◦ Experience working with represented labor union
• 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
IMPORTANT DETAILS
• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Salaried Exempt Position
• Salary Range: $130,422 - $146,724
About The Salary Ranges
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.
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