Saint Louis Zoo
Food Service General Manager (Full-Time Benefit Eligible)
Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, 63146
Posted: November 5, 2025
Location: Saint Louis Zoo
Department: Food & Beverage
Classification: Exempt
Position Type: Full-Time
Summary This position is responsible for managing all aspects of a multi-unit food service operation at the Saint Louis Zoo, directing 26 food service units that serve approximately 2.8 million guests annually. The role requires business acumen, culinary insight, creativity, leadership skills, and a strong dedication to guest service. The individual supports the Zoo mission, vision, and core values aligned with Integrity, Service, Quality, and Excellence, and reports to the Director of Food & Beverage.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Financial Management: Oversee budgets, manage variable and fixed costs, control inventory, forecast revenues, schedule labor, payroll, and analyze financial reports.
Guest Service Excellence: Lead the team to deliver positive guest experiences, standards for engagement, appearance, and overall service.
Operations Oversight: Ensure units run on time and efficiently, manage supply chain logistics, coordinate with vendors, maintain quality, cleanliness, and appearance.
Food & Beverage Innovation: Collaborate with the Director on menu innovation, introduce new creative items, and focus on incremental revenue.
Staff Leadership: Hire, train, coach, develop staff, foster a productive environment, complete training, and conduct annual performance reviews.
Compliance and Policy: Ensure adherence to health, safety, sanitation regulations and internal policies.
Collaboration: Plan and coordinate with other departments to facilitate events and activities.
Qualifications / Essential Skills
High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred.
At least 3 years of full-service, quick-service restaurant, or theme park restaurant management experience.
Proficient leadership skills capable of managing up to 50 staff members.
Experience in recruitment, training, and development to reduce turnover.
Solid knowledge of food and beverage budgeting and P&L analysis.
Experience with restaurant POS systems, back-of-house reporting, menu configuration.
Comprehensive knowledge of labor scheduling and payroll platforms.
Background in inventory management, ordering, receiving, PAR levels, and minimizing waste.
Background in menu creation with ongoing development.
ServSafe Certification preferred; ASHI First Aid & CPR Certification preferred.
Other Employment Requirements
Physical ability to push, pull, bend, squat as needed.
Standing and walking throughout the day; indoor and outdoor work.
Flexible work schedule: occasional evenings, weekends, holidays.
Provide employment references and undergo criminal background check and drug test.
Benefits Benefit eligible, including paid vacation and a vested pension plan after 5 years of full-time service with the City of St. Louis.
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Summary This position is responsible for managing all aspects of a multi-unit food service operation at the Saint Louis Zoo, directing 26 food service units that serve approximately 2.8 million guests annually. The role requires business acumen, culinary insight, creativity, leadership skills, and a strong dedication to guest service. The individual supports the Zoo mission, vision, and core values aligned with Integrity, Service, Quality, and Excellence, and reports to the Director of Food & Beverage.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Financial Management: Oversee budgets, manage variable and fixed costs, control inventory, forecast revenues, schedule labor, payroll, and analyze financial reports.
Guest Service Excellence: Lead the team to deliver positive guest experiences, standards for engagement, appearance, and overall service.
Operations Oversight: Ensure units run on time and efficiently, manage supply chain logistics, coordinate with vendors, maintain quality, cleanliness, and appearance.
Food & Beverage Innovation: Collaborate with the Director on menu innovation, introduce new creative items, and focus on incremental revenue.
Staff Leadership: Hire, train, coach, develop staff, foster a productive environment, complete training, and conduct annual performance reviews.
Compliance and Policy: Ensure adherence to health, safety, sanitation regulations and internal policies.
Collaboration: Plan and coordinate with other departments to facilitate events and activities.
Qualifications / Essential Skills
High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred.
At least 3 years of full-service, quick-service restaurant, or theme park restaurant management experience.
Proficient leadership skills capable of managing up to 50 staff members.
Experience in recruitment, training, and development to reduce turnover.
Solid knowledge of food and beverage budgeting and P&L analysis.
Experience with restaurant POS systems, back-of-house reporting, menu configuration.
Comprehensive knowledge of labor scheduling and payroll platforms.
Background in inventory management, ordering, receiving, PAR levels, and minimizing waste.
Background in menu creation with ongoing development.
ServSafe Certification preferred; ASHI First Aid & CPR Certification preferred.
Other Employment Requirements
Physical ability to push, pull, bend, squat as needed.
Standing and walking throughout the day; indoor and outdoor work.
Flexible work schedule: occasional evenings, weekends, holidays.
Provide employment references and undergo criminal background check and drug test.
Benefits Benefit eligible, including paid vacation and a vested pension plan after 5 years of full-time service with the City of St. Louis.
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