Duties: Working under minimal supervision by the Zoo Director and Owens Ice Center General Manager, the Manager of Food Services is responsible for the following:

• Within overall Peoria Park District policies, operate with wide latitude for independent judgment and decision-making while performing substantial and diverse supervisory/managerial functions.
• Effectively handle the following; hiring, training, scheduling, directing, rewarding, disciplining, and evaluating subordinate staff.
• Within recognized professional standards, accept accountability for the performance of each subordinate team member as well as the overall team achievements and/or results.
• Planning, implementing, administering, operating, and evaluating all aspects of concession initiatives and activities. These include, but are not limited to food and beverage services. Food and beverage sales and execution will be for Peoria Zoo and Owens Ice Center.
• Providing concession staff with on-going training, leadership, and motivation to support excellence in guest relations.
• Building customer loyalty and optimizing revenues through innovative product development and service delivery.
• Serving as on-site observer, as needed, to maintain quality control of concession operations.
• Developing and implementing organizational goals and objectives in coordination with other members of the Peoria Zoo and Owens Ice Center management team.
• Designing and maintaining an effective annual budget, plus corresponding control mechanisms to ensure financial goals are achieved.
• Ordering alcohol for Peoria Zoo, Owens Ice Center, Luthy Botanical Garden, Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, and Peoria Zoological Society.
• Position will require a flexible schedule to include nights and weekends. Baseline workweek will be Tuesday Saturday.
• Position will need to work front line shifts when necessary.
• Position will implement the concession plan provided by Profitable Food Facilities Worldwide.
• Ensuring that guest concerns are addressed promptly and professionally.
• Handling special projects as assigned by the Zoo Director and Owens Ice Center General Manager.
• Following and 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 ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds are required on a periodic basis. Must have the ability to manipulate 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: Four-year college degree with major in business administration, hospitality management, or closely related field preferred. An exceptional service record in these fields may substitute for part or all of the degree preference.

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

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.
• Required to hold a Food Service Manager, Allergens and all other appropriate Health Department Certifications.
• Required to hold BASSETT Training Certificate (must be obtainedwithin 120 days of hire).
• 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.