Assistant Manager

Panera; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Panera Bread Ocala is seeking an Assistant Manager who leads with purpose and works hands-on on the cafe floor. You will oversee daily operations, uphold food safety, and keep the team energized from prep through guest service in a fast-paced environment.

We offer a 45-hour structured week (40 regular and 5 overtime), no overnights, with clear growth paths and strong support. Ideal candidates have prior management experience, a disciplined leadership style, excellent communication, and reliable

Qualifications

• Previous management or supervisory experience in food service.
• Strong, structured leadership and hands-on mentality.
• Excellent communication and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily café operations.
• Lead from the front and work on the floor.
• Develop and mentor team members.

Skills

Management experience

Leadership

Communication

Coaching

Job description

Lead with Purpose. Grow with Structure. Thrive in a Healthy Culture.

Ready to take your leadership career to the next level in a fast-paced, high-energy environment built on purpose and structure?

At Panera Bread, our mission is simple : “To elevate everyday meals into moments of comfort, connection, and joy”

We believe food should be good and good for you. We believe work should be structured, supportive, and growth focused.

And we believe leaders should be hands-on, present, and committed to building strong teams.

As an Assistant Manager in our franchise organization with a strong corporate backbone, every process we follow is intentional. Every system is proven. Every leader is developed with purpose.

If you’re a structured, hands-on leader who thrives in a healthy, organized environment — we want to meet you.

What You’ll Do:

Lead From the Front

Our managers are fully hands-on. You’ll work side-by-side with your team in production, prep, dining, baking, and guest service. We don’t lead from the office — we lead from the floor.

Drive Operational Excellence

• Oversee daily café operations
• Maintain food quality and safety standards
• Keep the team operating at peak performance

Develop People with Purpose

• Provide structured onboarding and training
• Coach and mentor team members
• Deliver clear expectations and consistent feedback
• Build future leaders through accountability and support

Foster a Healthy Work Environment

• Promote positivity, respect, and teamwork
• Maintain a clean, organized café
• Create a culture where people feel supported and valued
• Encourage work-life balance within a structured schedule

Compensation & Schedule:

• Hourly Paid Assistant Manager
• 45-hour structured work week

• 40 regular hours
• 5 hours overtime each week

• Operating hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
• No overnight shifts

Our leadership roles are designed with balance in mind — structure creates stability.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

Clear Growth Path

We believe in performance-based growth. Raises and promotions are performance-based.

Upper-Level Support

You’ll never wonder what to do next. Expectations, processes, and tools are clearly defined.

Healthy Brand, Healthy Culture

You’ll represent a company known for clean ingredients, fresh food, and an environment focused on well-being — for both guests and team members.

Hands-On Training

We don’t “throw you in.” We train you thoroughly, support you consistently, and develop you intentionally.

What We’re Looking For:

• Previous management or supervisory experience (restaurant or production-based preferred)
• Strong, structured leadership style
• Hands-on mentality — you enjoy working alongside your team
• Passion for coaching and mentoring
• Open availability within operating hours (5 AM – 11 PM)
• Reliable transportation (valid driver’s license & vehicle)
• Strong communication skills
• Positive mindset
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Our Values at Panera

We live our values every day:

• Own It– Take responsibility and lead with accountability.
• Win Together– Build strong teams and support one another.
• Be Kind– Treat everyone with respect and compassion.
• Rise Above– Stay positive, resilient, and growth-focused.

If you’re looking for a supportive and growth-driven environmentwhere leadership is hands-on and culture truly matters,

this is your opportunity.

Lead with purpose. Grow with structure. Build something meaningful at Panera.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We use eVerify to confirm U.S. Employment eligibility.

Compensation: Competitive salary