Assistant Manager – Ben & Jerry’s, Smithsonian National Zoo (Washington, DC)
Do you love ice cream, animals, and leadership? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, people-first environment and want to help create joy for guests from around the world?
We’re looking for a motivated and service-driven Assistant Manager to join our team at the Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops located inside the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, DC. This is a seasonal, full-time leadership role supporting the General Manager in overseeing daily operations, developing talent, and delivering exceptional guest experiences in one of the most unique environments in the country.
This position is outdoors and operates from March through November, serving thousands of guests daily, ranging from school groups and families to summer camps and tourists. Strong candidates will bring energy, integrity, and a servant leadership mindset, along with the ability to manage high-volume service with care and efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support daily operations to ensure smooth, efficient service in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
- Coach, train, and motivate team members to deliver world-class hospitality rooted in Ben & Jerry’s values and the Primo Partners mission
- Assist the General Manager in maintaining labor goals, inventory accuracy, cleanliness, and team scheduling
- Model and uphold all Smithsonian Zoo safety standards, food safety practices, and operational procedures
- Resolve guest concerns with empathy and action, creating “WOW” moments through positivity and service
- Track sales goals, shift performance, and provide accurate reporting to leadership
- Support community engagement initiatives and represent the brand with professionalism and joy.
What You’ll Bring
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience in retail, food service, or hospitality preferred
- A passion for people development and delivering joyful customer experiences
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
- Ability to thrive in outdoor, physically active work conditions
- Federal background check clearance (required by Smithsonian Zoo)
- Availability to work weekends, holidays, and peak hours
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage + tips
- Schedule flexibility and full-time hours during the season
- Opportunities for growth into a General Manager role within Primo Partners
- A workplace culture rooted in Servant Leadership, Hospitality, and Growth
