Catering Lead

Panera LLC; City of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 23,419 - 27,896; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

401(k) with match

Career advancement opportunities

Tuition discounts

Job summary

Panera LLC in Ithaca is seeking a Catering Lead to play a key role in catering operations, assisting guests with event planning and managing orders. The role emphasizes high-quality service, adherence to food safety standards, and creating memorable experiences for customers.

The ideal candidate will be 18 or older, possess effective communication skills, and have their own vehicle. This position offers competitive pay and benefits including medical, vision, and dental insurance, as well as paid time off for full-time team members.

Qualifications

• Minimum age: 18 years.
• Food Handler's Card as required by law.
• Must have vehicle with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Manage and produce catering orders for guests.
• Assist with delivering orders to guests' events.
• Maintain Panera's high standards for food quality.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Organizational skills

Self-starter

Time-management skills

Job description

Catering Lead – Panera

As the Catering Lead at Panera, you play a key role in our catering operations, helping guests plan events, managing orders, and ensuring high‑quality service.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and team‑tip eligibility
• Free on‑shift meals and unlimited fountain beverages
• Flexible and reliable scheduling
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays for full‑time team members
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, pet insurance, and 401(k) with match
• Career advancement and leadership development opportunities
• Tuition discounts
• Perks and rewards for team members
• Team‑member assistance program

Responsibilities

• Manage and produce catering orders for guests
• Create memorable experiences with warm, friendly service and effective communication
• Assist with delivering orders to guests' events
• Strictly adhere to health and food safety standards
• Maintain Panera's high standards for food quality
• Build excitement and interest in Panera's products and services
• Market Panera Catering to local businesses, schools, and events
• Assist and support managers and team members as needed
• Help build a culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust

Qualifications

• Minimum age: 18 years
• Complete basic food safety understanding and practice training (Food Handler's Card as required by law)
• Enjoy working with people and have effective communication skills
• Self‑starter who can meet goals with limited supervision
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills
• Must have your own vehicle for deliveries with an acceptable driving record
• Flexible hours, including nights and weekends, in a fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing 25‑50 pounds
• Capability to stand and walk for up to 3 hours
• Must be able to clearly communicate and understand directions in a loud environment
• Be an ambassador of Panera's Guiding Values and Behaviors

Equal Opportunity & Compensation

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disabled and Veterans. Competitive pay: $17.00–$20.25 per hour. The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, job‑related knowledge, skills, and geographical location.