General Manager

Lead the retail operations at one of Chicago’s most iconic institutions! SSA Group is seeking a dynamic General Manager to oversee the guest experience, sales performance, and team leadership within the Field Museum’s retail environment.

General Manager

Who are we:

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.

Position Title: General Manager

Reports to: Regional Vice President and District Manager

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison between SSA Group and client:
• Responsible for maintaining an excellent relationship and ensuring client and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee Retail Operations Manager, Unit Controller and employee team.
• Ensure all Retail functions and oversight are met or exceeded by Operations Manager.
• Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client.
• Maintains knowledge and implementation of contract between SSA Group and Client with professional discretion.
• Hosts all meetings for senior staff employees.
• Conducts training sessions as needed, assuring that each manager is properly and thoroughly trained for their positions.
• Supports progressive discipline documentation in field through ongoing establishment with management team and staff.
• Ensures that all fiscal deadlines are met to HQ.
• Manages final check on all invoices processed through account in detailed, consistent, and timely manner.
• Maintains a close relationship with direct client report and the client's staff to ensure a positive working relationship.
• Attends Client meetings and reports monthly (or as dictated) to the Regional Manager(s)-District Manager.
• Provides precise reports to the Regional District Manager for cash reconciliation, flash reporting, item analysis, monthly inventory, and payroll percentages.
• Assumes an active role in the long-range planning for all Retail programs.
• Remains knowledgeable of and manages in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
• Perform other tasks deemed necessary.
  
  

IDEA Belonging

• 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.
  
  

Job Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client 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, planning and leadership skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.
  
  

Previous Experience

• Two - five years retail management experience in cultural, iconic, amusement or museum attraction preferred.
• Strong experience with retail gifts, financial statements, building projects, contract and client management, personnel management and development, communication and computer skills are a must for all applicants.
• All education backgrounds accepted, must be 18 or older.
  
  

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)

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.

Compensation And Benefits

• Full-Time, Exempt
• Final compensation determined by experience, education, and internal equity
• Flexible Vacation or Time Away From Work (TAFW) plan: no accruals; employees are encouraged to schedule time off as needed within business scope.
• 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 (eligible after one year of employment).
• Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored; scaled-salary pay following submission and approval of leave
• Birthing Parent Plan covers up to (6-8) weeks fully paid leave, based on the birthing event
• (4) Week fully paid Parental leave following birth, adoption or foster event, can be coupled with Birthing
• Parent Plan to extend above timeline
• Up to 5 days Paid Bereavement Leave
• $75 monthly cell phone stipend
• Accrued paid sick leave provided in accordance with state law, state/location confirmed in job posting
  
  

SSA Group, LLC and its family of companies — including SSA Holdings, A&F Souvenir, and Behavioral Essentials — are equal opportunity employers. Employment for each position is offered through the specific affiliated entity that aligns with the business operation and location of the role. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in all hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, recognizing that a diverse team strengthens our impact.

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. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document. 

We accept applications for this position on a rolling basis. Apply anytime at thessagroup.com. Applications are reviewed as received, and the position remains open until filled