Catering Lead

Panera LLC; Wheeling Township (IL); On-site; USD 22,041 - 26,518; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-shift meals

Flexible scheduling

Paid vacation and sick time

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

Panera LLC is looking for a Catering Lead in Wheeling Township, Illinois. In this role, you will manage catering orders, ensure food quality, and create memorable experiences for guests. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and possess excellent communication and organizational skills.

The position offers competitive pay of $16.00 to $19.25/hour, with benefits such as flexible scheduling, free meals, and medical insurance. Join a supportive team environment at Panera!

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 years required.
• Must complete basic food safety training and hold a valid Food Handler’s Card.
• Self-starter with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Manage and produce catering orders for guests.
• Create memorable experiences with warm, friendly service.
• Strictly adhere to health and food safety standards.

Skills

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Time-management skills

Job description

About This Role

As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering operations, helping guests plan and choose delicious, familiar Panera dishes for their events, responding to inquiries, and ensuring hassle‑free hosting with prompt delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 exceptional standards for food quality.
• Build excitement and interest in Panera’s products and services.
• Market Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools, and events.
• Support Managers and Team Members as needed.
• Help build a culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum age 18 years.
• Complete basic food safety training and hold a valid Food Handler’s Card as required by law.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time‑management skills.
• Self‑starter capable of meeting goals with limited supervision.
• Own vehicle for deliveries and 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 25–50 pounds and stand or walk for up to 3 hours.
• Ability to clearly communicate and understand directions in a loud environment.

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive pay: $16.00–$19.25 based on experience.
• Eligible for team tips.
• Free on‑shift meals and unlimited fountain beverages.
• Flexible & 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 & leadership development opportunities.
• Tuition discounts.
• Perks & rewards for team members.
• Team member assistance program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Panera Bread is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants regardless of disability, veteran status, age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other legally protected status.