Operations Manager

Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History, 805 S Kiwanis Ave, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America

Posted Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5:00 AM

SSA Group at Great Plains Zoo is looking for a talented Operations Manager, Food Service & Catering 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

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.

The Operations Manager reports directly to the General Manager.

* This position will have oversight of Food Service (50%) and Catering (50%).

• Show dynamic leadership ability and motivate staff to exceed expectations of the customer and our client.
• Ensure your department’s team is set with the operation in mind: hire & recruit for new talent, integrate new team members, supervise assigned personnel, evaluate performance, develop, coach, issue documentation, and manage employee exits.
• Builds & develops department’s leadership team, pushing for innovative performance, leadership through positive coaching and challenging.
• Oversee training and integration of all staff according to the onsite handbook and set expectations by your guidance.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
• Remain knowledgeable of and manages in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws.
• Work directly with department managers in the execution of departmental programs, quality and daily oversight.
• Maintains a close relationship with the client's staff to ensure a positive working relationship.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.

• Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client. Set expectations for department under EXTRA Guest Service.
• Ensure all cash handling procedures are in effect at all times. Troubleshoot and maintain POS functionality for daily operation or as necessary.
• Build, implement and drive operational systems, processes and policies in support of organizations mission, business needs, client & SSA expectations.
• Assumes an active role in upcoming season planning for food concepts, equipment needs and operational excellence.
• Responsible for the day to day functions of all food services and programs. With specific focus to front of house operations.
• Work with all department maangers on established maintenance scheduled in conjunction with manufacturer's instructions for all equipment, provides safety training in lifting, carrying, hazardous material control, chemical control and basic first aid.
• Facilitate the maintenance and repairs of facility and equipment.
• Support all Operations in all operational functions of the Departments; inclusive of inventory process as set by business standard.
• Process invoices so that all vendors are paid within terms.
• Ensure overall consistency and high quality across the various operations; plan menus based on such factors as market trends, customer preferences and nutritional considerations.
• Ensure SSAfety training(s) completed with all staff upon hire.
• Fulfill guest's needs quickly and efficiently as well as resolve complaints effectively.
• Maintains quality…