Manager of Food Services

Duties: Working under minimal supervision by the Zoo Director, the Manager of Food Services is responsible for:

• Within overall Peoria Park District policies, operating with wide latitude for independent judgment and decision-making while performing substantial and diverse supervisory/managerial functions.
• Implementing, administering, and operating all aspects of the Peoria Zoo concession initiatives and activities. Provide feedback and recommendations to the Zoo Director as requested.
• Overseeing hiring, training, scheduling, directing, rewarding, disciplining, and evaluating subordinate staff.
• Serving as the working lead for daily concessions provision during normal operating hours.
• Supporting other department functions as requested.
• Within recognized professional standards, accept accountability for the performance of each subordinate team member as well as the overall team achievements and/or results.
• Ordering alcohol for Peoria Zoo, Luthy Botanical Garden, Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, and Peoria Zoological Society.
• Assisting in providing concessions staff with ongoing training, leadership, and motivation to support excellence in guest relations.
• Building customer loyalty and optimizing revenues through innovative product development and service delivery.
• Ensuring that guest concerns are addressed promptly and professionally.
• Handling special projects as assigned by the Zoo Director.
• The position will require a flexible schedule including nights and weekends.
• Following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Supporting all aspects of the Park District’s safety program.
• Performing all other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions: The work requires periodic physical exertion in handling supplies, equipment, and materials typical of the hospitality industry. Prolonged standing, bending, stooping, and the ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds are required on a periodic basis. Must have the ability to manipulate a keyboard, phone, and cash machines. Must be able to bend at waist and knees in order to file and stock. The indoor work environment is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Periodic outdoor work will expose the incumbent to a wide range of weather patterns and environmental surroundings.

Education: A four-year college degree with a major in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a closely related field preferred. Although a degree is preferred, extensive experience in a similar position with similar duties and responsibilities may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirement.

Experience: Requires a minimum of three years of experience in food sales, customer service, POS systems, and cash control measures. Additional experience in personnel management and computer software applications is highly desirable.

Certification: Required to hold a Food Service Manager, Allergens, and all other appropriate Health Department Certifications.

Required to hold BASSETT Training Certificate (must be obtained within 120 days of hire).

Knowledge and Ability:

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of sound business management relating to the food and beverage industry.
• Ability to effectively coordinate, supervise, and evaluate the duties and responsibilities of subordinate personnel.
• Ability to plan, organize, implement, supervise, and evaluate critical program components within concession functions.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously with a minimal degree of supervisory oversight.
• Knowledge of best practices within the areas of bookkeeping and general record keeping.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with co-workers, other park district personnel, vendors, and the general public.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers. 
• Must continually demonstrate a customer-friendly personality while performing all duties in a manner that shows reliability, initiative, tact, and resourcefulness.

Benefits and Perks:

• Paid sick days, vacation days, and holidays.
• Longevity bonus program and wellness program.
• Pension and retirement programs and Social Security participating.
• Exceptional health plan.
• Paid Life Insurance.
• Disability Insurance.
• Full-time employees and dependents enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.  

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.  

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.