Catering Lead

Panera LLC; Franklin Township (NJ); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Free meals

Flexible scheduling

Paid time off

Insurance and 401(k)

Tuition discounts

Career advancement

Job summary

Panera LLC is seeking a Catering Lead to help guests plan events and ensure seamless service from order to delivery. You will manage catering orders, deliver orders to events, and uphold Panera’s standards for food quality and safety.

This role rewards friendly communication, proactive follow‑ups, and teamwork as you market Panera Catering to local businesses and schools. Night and weekend availability, own vehicle, and reliable scheduling are required.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Have or complete basic food safety training (Food Handler's Card).
• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Own a vehicle for delivering orders and valid driving record.
• Able to lift 25–50 pounds and stand/walk for up to 3 hours.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage and produce catering orders for guests.
• Create memorable experiences with warm, friendly service and proactive follow-ups.
• Assist with delivering orders to guests’ events.
• Adhere to health and food safety standards.
• Maintain Panera’s high standards for food quality.
• Market Panera Catering to local businesses, schools, and events.
• Support Managers and Team Members as needed.
• Help build a culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Time management

Organizational skills

Self-motivation

Flexible schedule

Driving

Physical stamina

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Food Handler's Card

Job description

Job Overview

As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in catering operations, helping guests plan events and ensuring seamless service from order to delivery.

Responsibilities

• Manage and produce catering orders for guests.
• Create memorable experiences with warm, friendly service, effective communication, and proactive follow‑ups to ensure every guest leaves satisfied.
• 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 training (Food Handler’s Card, as required by law).
• Enjoy working with people and possess effective communication skills.
• Self‑starter capable of meeting goals with limited supervision.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
• Own a vehicle suitable for delivering orders and have an acceptable driving record.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and in a fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing 25–50 pounds.
• Capability to stand and walk for up to 3 hours.
• Must be able to understand and communicate quickly in a loud environment.

Benefits

• Competitive pay: $17.00 – $20.25, eligible for team tips.
• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Disabled/Veterans. Panera Bread® is an Equal Opportunity Employer.