Food and Beverage Operations Manager

At Lincoln Children’s Zoo, our mission is to enrich lives through interaction with living things. We provide hands-on experiences for more than 250,000 guests per year and care for over 400 creatures. We are champions of STEM education through camps and programs, and help families make memories by producing special events and experiences throughout the year.

As a team, we are serious about using our Core Values to guide our actions:

1. We are there for each other.

2. We generate enthusiasm.

3. We are humble.

4. We go above and beyond.

Position Summary: The Food and Beverage Manager is responsible for management and development of all food & beverage functions at the Zoo. Responsibilities include but are not limited to; management of multiple year-round food and beverage entities, including catering for Zoo events, weddings, rentals and Zoo camps. Additionally, responsibilities include multiple seasonal satellite food and beverage locations within the Zoo.

Essential Job Functions

• Inventory management and loss control
• Budget and food cost management, per cap development
• Facility & equipment management
• Menu management and development
• Team performance management; coaching & development
• Collaborating with multiple Zoo departments during event & rental planning
• Relationship development with Guests & Vendors
• All other duties as assigned. This position is also responsible for the general guest experience operations at the Zoo, which includes some oversight of opening, closing, daily management duties, and supporting the Assistant Manager Team in daily operations.

Preferred Talents

• Enthusiasm: Realizes that attitudes, both good and bad, are contagious; models the positive orientation that staff are expected to exhibit to guests.
• Problem-Solving Ability, Creativity & Flexibility: Anticipate challenges and be proactive in addressing them. Looks ahead and anticipates upcoming challenges. Uses creativity and has an open mind in solving problems. Is open to direction and feedback and welcomes other viewpoints and suggestions. Ability to “think fast,” communicate and change direction quickly in a way that is supportive of the team, guests and site.
• Strong delegation skills; Develops team members to increase their skill set to best support their growth and team function.
• Innovation: Always on the lookout for process improvements and other ways to improve the guest and team experience.
• Systems Thinking: Believes that most organizational problems are process problems not people problems; design roles and processes to position staff for success.
• Relationship Building: Understand that our work frequently crosses department boundaries, and a friendly team approach yields the best results. A definite team-oriented attitude is necessary to thrive in this position.

Qualifications

• Management experience in retail, food service management, or theme parks is preferred.
• High school diploma/GED, required.
• Management experience in a quick-serve restaurant.
• Must be able to work a varied schedule including weekend, evening, and holiday work.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must have experience in successfully building and coaching a team.
• Must have experience with menu development and inventory management.
• Must possess excellent communication skills.

Physical Requirements

This position must be able to stand for long periods of time, operate a computer, office equipment, and lift to 50 pounds.

Working Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to both indoor and outdoor conditions. This position may also be exposed to extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions; the environment may consist of wet, icy, or muddy conditions. Must be able to work nights and weekends.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person