Catering Lead

Panera LLC; Mount Vernon (IL); On-site; USD 22,041 - 26,518; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-shift meals & unlimited fountain beverages

Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

401(k) with match available

Career advancement opportunities

Tuition discounts

Job summary

Panera LLC in Mount Vernon is seeking a Catering Lead to manage catering operations and ensure timely deliveries. Ideal candidates have strong communication skills and must adhere to food safety standards while creating memorable guest experiences.

This full-time role offers flexible hours, competitive pay between $16.00 and $19.25, and several employee benefits, including medical and dental insurance.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 18 years.
• Complete basic food safety training (Food Handler’s Card).
• Self-starter with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Manage and produce catering orders for guests.
• Deliver orders to guests’ events.
• Adhere to health and food safety standards.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Customer service

Job description

Catering Lead – At Panera, our people come first.

We are looking for a leader to support our catering operations and help guests plan, choose, and receive delicious Panera dishes for their events. The role involves managing orders, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries, and providing exceptional service.

What’s In It for You?

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

Your Role Includes

• Manage and produce catering orders for guests
• Create memorable experiences with warm, friendly service, effective communication, and proactive follow‑ups to ensure satisfaction
• Assist with delivering orders to guests’ events
• Strictly adhere to health and food safety standards
• Maintain Panera’s 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

This Opportunity Is for You If

• Minimum age 18 years
• Complete basic food safety training (Food Handler’s Card)
• Enjoy interacting with people and have effective communication skills
• Self‑starter who can meet goals with limited supervision
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills
• Own a vehicle for deliveries and have an acceptable driving record
• Flexible hours, including nights and weekends
• Able to lift or move objects 25-50 pounds and stand/walk up to 3 hours
• Can clearly communicate and understand directions in a noisy environment
• Embodies our Guiding Values and Behaviors (smile, learn, grow together, find solutions, take initiative, teamwork, celebrate success)

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disabled/Veterans

Competitive pay: $16.00–$19.25 (based on experience, knowledge, skills, location)

Location: Mt. Vernon, IL – N. 44th St