Director of Growth Operations & Standards

Panera Bread; Newton (MA); On-site; USD 177,000 - 213,000; Full time

Job summary

Panera Bread in Newton, Massachusetts is seeking a visionary Director to lead Growth Operations and Operations Standards, shaping cafe expansion, governance, audits, and continuous improvement across the system.

The role oversees senior managers, drives portfolio readiness, and partners with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, standards-driven growth. Location shifts to Weston, MA planned for 2027, with competitive compensation and executive leadership responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in restaurant operations, growth operations, new-unit openings, operational standards, food safety, quality assurance, project or portfolio management, franchise operations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated people-leadership experience with responsibility for leaders, teams, complex programs, or enterprise portfolios.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives and operational programs in a multi-unit environment.

Responsibilities

• Set vision, strategy, priorities, and roadmap for Growth Operations and Operations Standards.
• Translate growth, franchise, operations, food-safety, and brand priorities into functional plans and measurable outcomes.
• Define governance, decision rights, service levels, escalation paths, and performance expectations.
• Advise executive sponsors on portfolio risks, standards performance, capacity, investment priorities, and recommended actions.

Skills

Project planning

Business acumen

Influence without authority

Executive communication

MS Office

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Project-management tools

Job description

Panera Bread in Newton, Massachusetts is seeking a visionary Director to lead Growth Operations and Operations Standards, shaping cafe expansion, governance, audits, and continuous improvement across the system.

The role oversees senior managers, drives portfolio readiness, and partners with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, standards-driven growth. Location shifts to Weston, MA planned for 2027, with competitive compensation and executive leadership responsibilities.