Catering Lead

Panera LLC; Ramsey (NJ); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Team tips

Free meals

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Health benefits

401(k)

Career development

Tuition discounts

Employee assistance

Job summary

Panera LLC is seeking a Catering Lead to plan, manage, and execute catering orders while delivering warm, efficient service for events in the Ramsey area. You will respond to inquiries, coordinate deliveries, and uphold Panera’s high standards for food quality and guest satisfaction.

The role emphasizes proactive communication, teamwork, and representing Panera’s values in a fast-paced environment, including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Must be 18+
• Food safety training (Food Handler's Card as required by law)
• Excellent communication skills
• Self-starter with ability to work with limited supervision
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills
• Own a vehicle with acceptable driving record
• Flexible schedule including nights and weekends
• Ability to lift 25–50 pounds
• Stand/walk for up to 3 hours
• Clear communication in loud environments
• Act as ambassador of Panera’s Guiding Values and Behaviors

Responsibilities

• Manage and produce catering orders for guests.
• Provide warm, friendly service with proactive follow‑ups to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Assist with delivering orders to events.
• Strictly adhere to health and food safety standards.
• Maintain Panera’s standards for craveable 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.

Job description

Catering Lead at Panera places people first and plays a pivotal role in catering operations, helping guests plan and choose delightful Panera dishes for their events, responding to inquiries, and ensuring a hassle‑free, prompt service.

What’s In It for You?

• Competitive pay & 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
• And much, much more!
• Competitive pay: $17.00 - $20.25 (dependent on experience and location)

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 guests are 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.
• Market Panera catering to local area businesses, schools, and events.
• Assist and support Managers and Team Members as needed.
• Help build our culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

This Opportunity Is for You

• Minimum age: 18 years of age.
• Complete basic food safety training and practice (Food Handler’s Card, as required by law).
• Enjoy people and possess effective communication skills.
• Self‑starter who can meet goals with limited supervision.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
• Own a vehicle suitable for delivering orders with an acceptable driving record.
• Flexible work schedule, including nights and weekends in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing 25–50 pounds.
• Capability to stand and walk for up to 3 hours.
• Clear communication and quick understanding in loud environments.
• Acts as ambassador of Panera’s Guiding Values and Behaviors: making people smile, learning and growing together, solving problems, teamwork, fun, celebrating success, and seeing the best in others.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Panera Bread is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusiveness. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Location

601471 Ramsey, NJ - Route 17 North