Catering Lead

Panera Bread; New Hanover Township (NJ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Team tips

Free on-shift meals

Paid vacation

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with match

Perks & rewards for team members

Team member assistance program

Job summary

Panera Bread is seeking a Catering Lead to orchestrate events, plan and produce catering orders, and ensure guest satisfaction with warm, friendly service. You will respond to inquiries, customize menus, and guarantee timely, accurate deliveries.

You will deliver orders to events, uphold food safety standards, and promote Panera Catering to local businesses, schools, and events. This role supports managers and team members while fostering a culture of warmth and trust.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 18.
• Basic food safety understanding and practice training (Food Handler's Card as required by law).
• Own vehicle for delivering orders with acceptable driving record.
• Flexible hours, including nights and weekends in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects 25–50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 3 hours.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Self-motivated

Customer service

Driving

Job description

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way- you're in the right spot. We're here to help you succeed every day, in every way.

Get ready to rise and come join the fun where you will be a part of making the familiar fantastic! Because at Panera, the best thing of bread is sharing it!

What's In It for You?

• Competitive pay & eligible for team tips
• Free on-shift meals & unlimited fountain beverages
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays for full-time team members
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, pet insurance & 401(k) with match available
• Perks & rewards for team members
• Team member assistance program
• And much, much more!

As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering operations. You help guests plan and choose delicious, familiar and fantastic Panera dishes for their events, respond to their inquiries and requirements, and guarantee hassle-free hosting with craveable food delivered promptly and accurately.

As a Catering Lead at Panera, Your Role Includes:

• Manage and produce catering orders for our 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 exceptional standards for craveable food quality.
• Build excitement and interest in Panera's products and services.
• Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events.
• Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed.
• Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

This Opportunity Is for You If:

• Minimum age: 18 years of age.
• Complete basic food safety understanding and practice training. (Food Handler's Card, as required by law).
• Enjoy people and have effective communication skills.
• A self-starter who can meet goals with limited supervision.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Must have your own vehicle that you can use for delivering orders and an acceptable driving record.
• This role requires flexible hours, including nights and weekends in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects 25-50 pounds.
  • Capability to stand and walk for up to 3 hours.
  • Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates’ directions in a loud environment.
• Be an ambassador of our Guiding Values and Behaviors by making people smile, learning and growing together, finding solutions and taking initiative, working (and winning) as a team, having fun and celebrating success, and seeing the best in others!

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Equal Opportunity Employer: Disabled/Veterans