Catering Lead

Panera; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Flexible schedules

Meal discounts

Health benefits

Development opportunities

Job summary

Flynn Panera is seeking a Catering Lead to oversee catering operations for Panera Bread stores. You will process orders, coordinate staff for large catering deliveries, and maintain strong customer relations to drive repeat business.

The role emphasizes teamwork with café staff and regional sales leadership, with a focus on growing catering revenue and delivering exceptional service to local communities.

Qualifications

• High School degree or equivalent.
• Excellent organization, customer service and time management skills.
• Enthusiasm, energy and a positive attitude.
• Proven track record of success.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Process, prepare and deliver orders to the client.
• Organize a team of employees to execute large catering orders.
• Provide excellent customer service by following up with customers after an order is complete.
• Manage existing accounts to ensure ongoing repeat catering sales.
• Collaborate with café teams and the Regional Catering Sales Manager to uncover and pursue additional business.
• Create a targeted game plan for increasing catering sales, including outreach and closing techniques.
• Utilize Outlook Calendar and other resources to maximize organization and follow-up.

Education

High School degree or equivalent

Job description

Flynn Group entered the Panera system in 2015 with the acquisition of 47 cafes. Since then, we have more than tripled in size to become the 2nd largest Panera franchisee in the world and continue to grow by building new stores and acquiring other franchise operators.Flynn Panera is a franchisee of Panera Bread. Flynn Panera is built on a decentralized business model, which means that each geographic area is led by a Market Leader. Reporting to the ML are Area Directors, who are multiple unit operators, responsible for the overall functions of the cafés in their areas. Reporting to the Area Directors are the General Managers, who are the chief Cafe managers responsible for the overall running of their café. Aiding the management of the Cafe are Assistant Managers, who are responsible for running of their departments and who help with every-day management responsibilities. Rounding out the cafe leadership are Team Managers.We strive to hire only the best, starting with our leadership. Our leaders within Flynn Panera have over 190+ years of experience in the restaurant industry, and 60+ years with Flynn Group.We are one of seven premier brands of Flynn Group, which was founded in 1999 by Greg Flynn. It has grown since then to the largest franchise operator in the world. Flynn owns and operates a diversified portfolio of restaurants in iconic, world class brands across diverse segments, including Applebee’s, Arby’s, Panera Bread, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Planet Fitness. Our primary mission is to be the premier operator within each of these brands. We will achieve this by focusing on our core values; Care Genuinely for People, Play like a Champion, and Win as One.Position DescriptionOur Panera Bread cafes are upscale, friendly cafes which feature baked breads and pastries. We serve made-to-order soups, salads and sandwiches as well as specialty espresso beverages.No Fryers and No Late Nights. We’re known for our artisan breads, quality soups, salads and sandwiches which results in a grease and alcohol-free environment for our associates. As a manager, this means no late nights, but we do hope you’re a morning person.Managers at our growing cafes supervise up to 75 staff members to ensure a top-quality service experience for our guests.As a Team Manager at Panera Bread, you would be responsible for providing outstanding leadership to your team.You should be passionate about the industry, inspiring others, coaching, counseling, creating a profitable environment, and delivering an exceptional customer experience.Our managers must maintain high standards of restaurant cleanliness, sanitation, food quality and safety, and facility management. At Panera Bread, warmth is our business. It's what we do best. We look for like-minded individuals who are ready to surround themselves with fresh food and great people.We are looking for experienced restaurant professionals with a steady, stable employment track record, attention to detail, and outstanding interpersonal skills. This is an outstanding opportunity to join a rapidly growing concept.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesAs a Catering Lead, you will be a part of something special where you will have the opportunity to connect with our amazing customers, impact our growing business, and most importantly serve local communities across the country.Come make a difference with Panera as a Catering Lead today! This is a great opportunity to begin developing your skills in catering and sales, and to prepare for a potential career path in catering with Panera.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProcess, prepare and deliver orders to the client.Assists in organizing a team of employees, when needed, to execute large catering orders.Providing excellent customer service by following up with customers after an order has been complete. Promptly follows up on all customer calls and requests in an efficient and expedient manner.Manages existing accounts to ensure ongoing repeat catering sales.Works closely with café teams as well as with the Regional Catering Sales Manager to uncover and pursue additional business.Creates a targeted game plan for increasing catering sales. This involves strategic planning, cold calling, presentation skills and effective closing sales techniques.Utilizes Outlook Calendar as well as other online resources to maximize organization, game plan and follow up.Ability to effectively communicate via email.Education and ExperienceHigh School degree or equivalentExcellent organization, customer service and time management skillsEnthusiasm, energy and a positive attitudeWork well under pressure and be able to work with a diverse group of peopleProven track record of successHave a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.Reference checksPerks for our employees:Competitive hourly rate including tips.Flexible work schedulesMeal DiscountsHealth BenefitsDevelopment opportunitiesPhysical Standards:Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to ten (10) hours in length.Must have the ability to safely lift pots, pans, glassware, boxes, etc. up to 50 pounds in weight.Must be able to read and write to facilitate communication.Must possess finger and hand dexterity for using small tools and equipment.The associate is responsible for performing the essential responsibilities of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. The associate should notify Flynn Panera of any reasonable accommodation requests and may need to provide supporting medical documentation. This job description may not list all duties for this position and the associate in this position may be required to perform other duties to meet business needs. Flynn Panera, reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment, and either the associate or Flynn Panera may terminate employment at any time.Why Work for Flynn Panera?Flynn Panera is a growing franchise within Flynn Group that offers stability, opportunity for advancement as well as a great environment, training and benefits. We are committed to helping each employee work and live to their fullest potential within a culture you won’t want to quit!Flynn Group is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and providing reasonable accommodations/adjustments for individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodation or adjustments throughout the application process, please let us know. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our premier team!