WSB Operations Manager

West Side Bazaar Operations Manager 

FLSA Status: Full-Time (Non-Exempt) 

Starting Salary: $23-25 per hour 

Benefits: Once eligible, 3% match for Individual Retirement Account, vision, life, health, and dental insurance 

Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday, 12:00–8:30 PM, with flexibility for occasional Mondays and after-hours emergencies 

Location: Buffalo, NY

Organization Overview

WEDI (Westminster Economic Development Initiative) strengthens communities through a continuum of educational and financial resources for all Western New Yorkers. Founded in 2006 on Buffalo’s West Side, WEDI operates at the intersection of education and economic development and is home to the West Side Bazaar—a nationally recognized small business incubator.

The West Side Bazaar houses 8 restaurants, 4 retail vendors, two nonprofit organizations, a counseling service, commissary kitchen, and a bar within a 16,000 sq. ft. facility at 1432 Niagara Street.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is a hands-on, on-site leader responsible for the day-to-day operations, safety, and enforcement of standards at the West Side Bazaar. This role ensures that tenants, staff, and vendors consistently follow WSB policies, NYS labor laws, health codes, and safety protocols.

This is a highly visible role requiring consistent physical presence during operational and closing hours. Success in this position depends on clear communication, firm but fair enforcement, and the ability to work effectively with entrepreneurs from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.

Core Responsibilities

Operations & Facility Management

• Oversee daily operations of the West Side Bazaar during operational and closing hours
• Conduct daily walkthroughs of the facility to identify maintenance, safety, or compliance issues
• Ensure adequate inventory levels by ordering building supplies through approved vendors
• Maintain property appearance and ensure repairs are documented and completed in a timely manner
• Serve as primary point of contact for service contractors and vendors
• Maintain maintenance logs, service requests, and contractor records
• Identify when issues require external contractors and coordinate accordingly
• Respond to facility alarms, system failures, and emergencies

Authority & Tenant Accountability

• Enforce WSB Handbook policies consistently across all businesses
• Ensure all tenants complete required opening and closing procedures
• Hold businesses accountable for cleanliness, and common-area responsibilities
• Collaborate with WSB Program Manager on the proper tracking of warning and fine issuances
• Address violations directly with business owners and document issues as required
• Maintain professional boundaries while applying standards evenly and without favoritism

Bar Operations

• Manage day-to-day operations of the bar, including opening and closing procedures, inventory management, and staffing schedules.
• Supervise bar staff to deliver high-quality service and maintain welcoming atmosphere
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding the sale and service of alcohol.
• Monitor and control beverage costs and implement strategies to maximize profitability.
• Collaborate with the kitchen team to develop and update drink menus, ensuring offerings are suitable for families and align with the venue's brand.
• Handle customer inquiries, comments, and complaints in a professional and timely manner.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar area, including equipment maintenance and sanitation standards.

Safety & Emergency Leadership

• Serve as on-site incident lead during emergencies
• Develop, implement, and document emergency response plans
• Lead and document quarterly safety drills (fire, evacuation, power outage, equipment failure)
• Ensure unsafe conditions are corrected promptly
• Complete incident reports within 24 hours

Staff Supervision & Collaboration

• Supervise and support the Bazaar Assistant
• Verify staffing coverage to ensure proper opening and closing of the building, and building upkeep during service hours
• Work closely with the Events and Catering Manager regarding commissary kitchen operations and events
• Assist with event setup, breakdown, and cleanup as needed

Commissary Kitchen Oversight

• Verify tenant licenses, insurance, and compliance for commissary use
• Enforce commissary rules and access protocols
• Coordinate scheduling and operational needs with the Events and Catering Manager

Communication & Community Engagement

• Serve as a primary point of contact for tenants regarding operational matters
• Maintain clear and timely communication with staff, tenants, vendors, and leadership
• Participate in community engagement and programming when appropriate
• Content creation or social media support is a plus but not a primary responsibility

Qualifications

Required

• Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Technical degree or relevant experience in restaurant operations or event space management
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to enforce rules and manage conflict professionally
• Ability to work independently and make sound judgment calls
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and access to a personal vehicle
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Preferred

• Experience working with food-based businesses or shared commercial kitchens
• Multilingual abilities (Spanish, Arabic, Burmese, African or Asian languages)
• Active involvement in the local community
• Familiarity with, or willingness to learn building systems (HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, etc.)
• Familiarity with, or willingness to learn safety regulations and OSHA standards

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Regular walking throughout a 16,000 sq. ft. facility
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Combination of office-based and on-site operational work
• Frequent interaction with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds