About the Role
SSA Group at the Buffalo Zoo is seeking an Assistant Retail Operations Manager to oversee multiple Gift Shop and Gift Kiosk/Carts locations. This role requires dynamic leadership to motivate staff, ensure operational efficiency, and enhance the guest experience.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- Develop training programs to train, motivate, and mentor employees.
- Remain knowledgeable of and manages in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws.
- Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
- 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.
- Support store leadership in management of all inventory control programs as necessary.
- Ensure all company merchandise presentation standards are met to maximize sales.
- Complete daily department functions in reporting daily, weekly and monthly sales through an internal Ledger.
- Ensure sales are maximized through having the right product and communicating inventory opportunities to the Retail Operations Manager and Buyer.
- Ensure all cash handling procedures are in effect at all times.
- Troubleshoot and maintain POS functionality for daily operation or as necessary.
- Oversee cleanliness of all shops and displays.
- Issue One-Minute Meeting to team on daily basis.
- Forecast daily/weekly sales, complete and maintain sales analysis with respect to controllable costs for department and unit management.
- Support management of payroll and controllable profit within established budget.
- Meet & manage department payroll budget expectations by being strategic with scheduling coverage, on-call shifts, etc.
- Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities.
- Identify new ways to generate sales and achieve goals.
- Set precedent to achieve Sales, Promo, Per Cap & Controllable Budget.
- Promote an inclusive & supportive approach at the Unit.
- Supports unit in being an example for Company & Client guidelines with regard to Sustainability/Conservation efforts.
- Displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
- Supports SSA / Unit in driving community effort through hiring efforts, engagement activities, and focus on opportunities of giving back.
- Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.
- Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units.
- Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
- Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
- Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus on opportunities of giving back.
Requirements
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, Management team, Buyer and HQ personnel.
- Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
- Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
- Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, and planning skills.
- Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
- Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
- Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.
- All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 or older.
Skills
- Leadership
- Staff Motivation
- Recruiting
- Training Development
- Mentoring
- Legal Compliance
- Workplace Safety
- Policy Adherence
- Guest Service
- Inventory Control
- Merchandise Presentation
- Sales Reporting
- Sales Analysis
- Cash Handling
- POS Systems
- Cleanliness Standards
- Payroll Management
- Budget Management
- Sales Maximization
- Problem Solving
- Decision Making
- Organization
- Financial Management
- Merchandising
- Analytical Skills
- Planning Skills
- Flexibility
- Computer Proficiency
- Visual Merchandising
Location
- Buffalo Zoo
Work Type
- Full-Time
- Non-exempt
- Eligible for overtime pay
Experience Level
- Two to Three years Retail Management experience preferred
- Visual Merchandise experience necessary
Education Level
- All education backgrounds eligible
Benefits
- Paid Time Off plan: up to 144 hours based on tenure.
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; employee premiums applicable.
- Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods).
- SSA Paid Benefit: Up to 120 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying reasons, including Parental Leave and your or your family’s serious medical conditions.
- Up to 40 hours Paid Bereavement.
- On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
- Meal Plan & Employee Discounts where applicable
- Tuition Discount through Partnership College
- Holiday pay of 1.5× the regular rate is provided for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
- Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws.
About the Company
- For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused.
- We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey.
- Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact.
- We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities.
Equal Opportunity
- SSA Group, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer.
- We embrace diversity and equal opportunity through our commitment to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.
- The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.
- All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").
- San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
- SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers.
- We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.
