Cafe Operations Leader - Develop Teams & Guest Experience

Panera Bread; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits (medical, dental, etc)

401k with company match

Paid Time Off

Meal and cafe discounts

Dining perks across brands

Job summary

Panera Bread is hiring a Restaurant Manager to oversee daily cafe operations, develop future leaders, and deliver the brand’s warm guest experience. The role involves travel between cafe locations and requires a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.

You will lead a high-performing team, ensure food quality and safety, and drive sales and cost controls while maintaining Panera’s standards and guest-focused culture.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Reliable personal vehicle for travel between locations.
• 1–3+ years of restaurant or retail management experience.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and communication skills.
• Passion for guest service and team development.
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day cafe operations and ensure a warm, welcoming guest experience.
• Maintain Panera food quality, safety, and service standards.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and local, state, and federal regulations.
• Hire, train, coach, and develop a high-performing cafe team.
• Foster a people-first culture built on respect, teamwork, and growth.
• Empower Assistant Managers, Shift Supervisors, and staff to succeed and advance.
• Drive sales, labor efficiency, and cost controls to meet business goals.
• Support financial performance through planning, execution, and accountability.
• Protect company assets and maintain strong operational controls.
• Represent Panera Bread within the local community.
• Support cafe marketing initiatives and guest engagement efforts.
• Live Panera mission of serving food with purpose every day.

Skills

Driver's license

Personal vehicle

Restaurant management

Leadership

Communication

Guest service

Fast-paced environment

Job description

Panera Bread is hiring a Restaurant Manager to oversee daily cafe operations, develop future leaders, and deliver the brand’s warm guest experience. The role involves travel between cafe locations and requires a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.

You will lead a high-performing team, ensure food quality and safety, and drive sales and cost controls while maintaining Panera’s standards and guest-focused culture.