San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Full Service Restaurant and Retail Manager oversees full service restaurant operations and leads the front of house restaurant team. In addition, this position will provide oversight to banquet operations and quick service food/retail operations as needed. This position reports to the Associate Director of Retail Operations.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Leads and inspires the front of the house restaurant staff and is responsible for hiring, training and development, mentoring, and performance management. Develops and administers training and incentive programs for restaurant/retail operations.
• Oversees full service restaurant operations including but not limited to: scheduling and staffing, managing food supply, ensuring a high quality guest experience, safety, cleanliness; and planning, preparation and execution of special events. In addition, will provide oversight to other operational areas as needed including banquets and quick service food/retail.
• Exercises fiscal accountability and responsibility for assigned budget(s) including but not limited to: meeting objectives set for revenue, managing cost of goods, managing labor and operating supplies. Manages restaurant's marketing and branding efforts to achieve financial goals.
• Responsible for all inventory-related activities for assigned food service operations. Manages employee cash control and register functions. Oversees inventory items, beverages, and dry goods.
• Ensures compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol awareness standards. Assists in managing food quality and safety. Supports restaurant best practices.
• Researches options to keep the restaurant aligned with sustainability and conservation in support of the organization's mission.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is seeking a dynamic and experienced Restaurant Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in full-service restaurant management, with a proven track record of delivering exceptional guest experiences. Additionally, experience in managing banquets and events is essential for this role. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of restaurant operations, including staff training, budgeting, and ensuring high levels of guest satisfaction. 

JOB EXPERIENCE

• 2-3 years management experience in a full service restaurant environment
• Training and certification in safe food handling
• Experience managing multiple venues
• Experience working with represented labor union

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree In hospitality, business administration or a related field
• ServSafe Certificate Required within 90 days of Employment within 90 Days

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of Safe Food Handling requirements
• Able to operate Point of Sale (POS) systems
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and motivate a team in a diverse environment
• Outstanding customer service skills and the ability to diffuse complex situations with a high level of tact and diplomacy
• Able to work effectively in a high volume operation
• Able to manage multiple priorities under pressure
• Able to communicate effectively both verbal and in writing
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs
• Understanding of budgets and profit and loss statements

SOME OF THE PERKS 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
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Salaried, Full-Time, Exempt Position
• Hourly Rate: $66,560 to $71,640  

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

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 sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org 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. 

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.