The SSA Group reviews

3.3

57% would recommend to a friend

(374 total reviews)
avatar

Sean McNicholas

78% approve of CEO

47% positive business outlook

The SSA Group has an employee rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars, based on 374 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The The SSA Group employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Arts, Entertainment & Recreation industry (3.9 stars).

Reviews by job title

374 reviews
3.0
Nov 11, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent food. Pretty good benefits. Great place to see and experience the wonderfullness of the marine life on the Monterey Peninsula and really appreciate the beautiful sanctuary!

Cons

I worked for SSA for almost 1 1/2 years. I started as a supervisor and promoted to Asst. Mngr of the Restaurant and Cafe. I was told I had to take the position, which I did, and did a great job. I was trained on the Steven Covey 7 Habits, (another "had to"), and did. I actually enjoyed that training and implemented a lot of that training into my style of management. (Upper management constantly preached the 7 Habits in every meeting, and in daily conversations with the team.). I was released from my position in August, very abruptly, and out of the blue. I wasn't given a reason as to why I was released, nor was I treated respectfully during my exit. Upper management treated me like a common criminal, as I was practically shoved out of the door, in front of approximately 25 people who were within the perimeter of the building from where I was being, "escorted out" of. (Many of these people were lining up to enter the facility.). I also was told later by an employee still working there, (for SSA), that the "team" was told to block me from any correspondence and contact with them. Now I can understand this if I was some sort of a goofball, but I can assure you, I am not! In fact, up until just 2 days prior to my release, I received high praises from the GM and the HR manager, for doing an awesome job! To add, I have received close to 20 praises from both managers, (which I have saved in emails), stating how great a job I was doing and what a pleasure I was to work with, etc., etc., only to be released on a whim, without an explination of any sort, and basically pushed out of the door. My upper managers were not who they portrayed themselves to be. Nor were they professional and respectful as they claimed either. (I had observed this behavior from both, during instances, involving other "team" members in the past, as well.). Since my unfortunate departure, I found out my GM had put in his resignation. I Imy know why he did, just that he did. So..with that stated, I have absolutely nothing good to say with regard to SSA. Perhaps in the future some "corporate team members" will take some time and really see what goes on in the "real time" work world. Lastly, and one more little tidbit to learn.. My upper management team spent quite a bit of company money on "upper management team" birthdays, anniversaries, etc., (as many as 30 in my short tenure), and didn't do the same spending, (or any spending at all, for that matter), on lower management, or any subordinate team members. Just sayin..

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The SSA Group Response
9y
We were glad to hear that you enjoyed the food and the benefits while you were with SSA. We can assure you that we take your comments and statements very seriously regarding both your employment with SSA and how you feel you were treated upon your departure. We are communicating with the current management team at Monterey to discuss your concerns/comments and make any necessary recommendations for future situations like yours. Thank you again for the feedback, we really do appreciate it.
1.0
May 11, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

If you are Lazy you will fit in. The management will like you if you have no interest in climbing the ladder, they don't want anyone who may challenge their ridiculous positions. Also room mates and friends to the management should apply. All you will be responsible for is punching in.

Cons

TOP management will yell at you in front of customers and fellow employees during a food rush. Other management is a joke. They are the pets and favorites for reasons that have nothing to do with their work ethic. Favoritism runs rampant. People get promotions based purely on management having a crush on certain employees. Zero professionalism. Your fellow employees will be friends of friends REGARDLESS of their work ethic. If you are a strong worker be prepared to be responsible for the majority of the work, as the other workers are not expected to work. Management will pick and choose who works where out of favoritism, not for the better of the company and from the other reviews here it seems to be a pattern within the company, do yourself a favor if you want a career in food service move on from here.

2.0
Sep 19, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Hourly associates have very little to do, get away with alot and get great tips.

Cons

Really disorganized upper management, who will not listen if you are being mistreated. They are constantly changing so they don't ever really know what they're doing and just want to keep their boss happy to get their big money. Operation managers are great only reason the place works, but stressed because they the ones that actually do all the work and aren't paid much. They get mistreated by the General Managers who don't last anyhow. If the Zoo knew what was going on all the time, they'd be mad.

Viewing 16 - 18 of 374 Reviews

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