General Manager

Houston Zoo, 1513 Cambridge, Houston, Texas, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 5:00 AM

SSA Group at Houston Zoo is looking for a talented General Manager to join our team!

Prior experience in theme/amusement parks, zoos, waterparks, or other cultural attractions preferred.

All applications should be submitted within 7-days following posting of the job; applications will be prioritized based upon time submitted and may not be reviewed beyond this time. The employer reserves the right to shorten or expand this timeframe as necessary to the job scope.

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: Area General Manager and Regional Vice President

Responsibilities

• Coach, supervise, direct all department managers so operational needs (financial, staffing, product, merchandising, client expectations, etc.) are met on a daily basis.
• Schedule management personnel as necessary.
• Assist designated management team or individuals in developing training standards for alcohol service, customer service, safety, harassment, etc.
• Hosts all meetings for management team. Conducts training sessions as needed, assuring that each department head is properly and thoroughly trained for their positions
• Work with Executive Chef, Retail Operations Manager and Buyer to track, maintain and budget inventory and Cost of Goods (COG) as necessary.
• Acts as main liaison between the Client and SSA.
• Maintains a close relationship with direct client report and the client's staff to insure a positive working relationship
• Responsible for close liaison with marketing to drive company efforts, guest experience and operational output to the highest levels possible.
• Attends Client meetings and reports monthly (or as dictated) to the Regional Manager(s).
• Remains knowledgeable of and manages in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal laws.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
• Accountable for unit’s financial management through budgeting, forecasting, and management of sales/per cap, controllable expenses. Ultimately oversees reporting and management team responsibilities.
• Ensures that all fiscal deadlines are met to HQ.
• Manages final check on all invoices processed through account in detailed, consistent and timely manner
• Provides precise reports to the Regional Manager for cash reconciliation, flash reporting, item analysis, monthly inventory, and payroll percentages.
• Completes business assessment with comparable market pricing to assess business model and drive per cap revenue.
• Forecast weekly sales, complete and maintain sales analysis monthly sales.
• Manage payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines. Meet payroll budget percent expectations by being strategic with coverage, on-call shifts, etc; in management of Department Managers.
• Set precedent to achieve Sales, Per Cap & Controllable Budget.
• Minimize controllable costs associated with the operation. Continually strategize on revenue avenues, areas of opportunity, and negotiation necessary to achieve goals with client.
• Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client. Engage with Department Managers on ensuring EXTRA Guest Service at all levels of team.
• Responsible for the day to day functions of all applicable departments (based on unit location and contract).
• Maintains knowledge and implementation of contract between SSA and Client with professional discretion.
• Supports progressive discipline documentation in field through ongoing establishment with management team and staff.
• Keeps operating manuals up to date for all locations.
• Reviews and approves all plans for major special events.
• Manages the design and implementation of all menus and pricing.
• Assumes an active role in the long-range planning for all department programs.
• Manages all capital projects, involved pieced therein, to client and SSA expectation.
• Manages all business legal needs through communication and partnership with HQ.
• Ensures employee integration and exit are managed appropriately under the legal and HQ guidelines as necessary.
• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach at the Unit.
• Assure editorial role on all unit publications (newsletters, calendars, memos, etc.)
• Ensures unit strives to be an example for Company & Client guidelines with regard to Sustainability/Conservation efforts. Displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
• Supports SSA / Unit in driving community effort through hiring efforts, engagement activities, and focus on opportunities of giving back.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

Job Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, Area General Manager 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.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

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.

Previous Experience

• Five years operations management. Two years management experience in cultural, iconic, amusement or museum attraction a plus.
• ServSafe Certified a plus.
• 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. The Company 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)

Compensation and Benefits

• Full-Time, Exempt
• Final compensation determined by experience, education, and internal equity
• Bonus eligible based on company guidelines
• 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 Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective 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.

Houston Zoo, 1513 Cambridge, Houston, Texas, United States of America