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, removing systemic barriers to economic equity 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