Director, Workplace Experience

Panera Bread; Georgia; On-site; USD 155,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

Panera Bread seeks a Director of Workplace Experience to lead the development of a world-class work environment at its Newton area operations. The role partners with HR, Facilities, IT, and security to align facilities, culture, and services with company goals and values.

The position oversees office operations, space planning, employee events, and engagement programs to attract, retain, and inspire talent. Strong leadership is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Facilities Management, Hospitality, Organizational Development, or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in workplace experience, facilities management, or related functions.
• Experience leading operational and employee-focused workplace programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive workplace experience strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Lead programs that foster collaboration, engagement, inclusion, well-being, and organizational effectiveness.
• Oversee facilities, space planning, and vendor relationships; manage budgets.
• Partner with HR, IT, Security, and leadership to deliver a safe, engaging workplace.
• Drive continuous improvement using KPI data and feedback to optimize the employee experience.
• Create and sustain inclusive culture initiatives across multiple locations.

Skills

Strategic planning

Facilities management

Employee engagement

Change management

Program management

Budgeting

Vendor management

Space planning

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Facilities Management, Hospitality, Organizational Development, or related field.

Master’s degree preferred.

Job description

Director, Workplace Experience

Position Summary

The Director, Workplace Experience is responsible for creating and maintaining a workplace environment that enables employees to thrive, collaborate, and perform at their best. This role provides strategic leadership for both workplace operations and employee experience initiatives, ensuring that office facilities, amenities, culture, engagement programs, and workplace services align with organizational goals and values.

The Director serves as a key partner to Human Resources, Facilities, IT, Security, and business leaders to deliver a safe, efficient, engaging, and inclusive workplace experience that attracts, retains, and inspires talent. This position oversees facility operations, space planning, workplace programs, employee events, and culture initiatives that enhance employee connection, productivity, and well-being.

Location: Newton, MA

Key Responsibilities

Workplace Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive workplace experience strategy aligned with business objectives and company culture.
• Lead workplace programs that foster collaboration, employee engagement, inclusion, well-being, and organizational effectiveness.
• Establish and monitor key performance metrics related to workplace satisfaction, utilization, engagement, and operational excellence.
• Partner with senior leaders to evaluate and evolve workplace practices that support a positive employee experience.
• Manage departmental budgets, vendor relationships, and strategic workplace investments.

Facilities & Workplace Operations

• Oversee all corporate office facilities, ensuring safe, efficient, and well-maintained work environments.
• Direct facility operations including maintenance, repairs, space planning, workplace design, environmental health and safety, and building services.
• Lead office expansion, relocation, renovation, and workplace transformation projects.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety, regulatory, and building requirements.
• Manage third-party vendors and service providers, including janitorial, catering, security, maintenance, and property management partners.
• Optimize workplace utilization, occupancy planning, and office amenities.

Employee Experience & Engagement

• Design and implement workplace initiatives that strengthen employee connection, engagement, and organizational culture.
• Lead employee events, recognition programs, celebrations, volunteer activities, and workplace campaigns.
• Collaborate with HR to support onboarding experiences, employee listening strategies, and engagement survey action plans.
• Develop programs that enhance employee well-being, belonging, and workplace satisfaction.
• Create consistent and meaningful workplace experiences across all office locations.

Culture & Community Building

• Serve as a culture champion by promoting company values and supporting initiatives that strengthen employee engagement.
• Partner with leadership and HR teams to drive programs that foster inclusion, collaboration, and employee connection.
• Develop workplace communications that promote engagement, awareness, and participation in company initiatives.
• Support employee resource groups, culture committees, and community involvement efforts.
• Identify innovative workplace trends and practices that improve the employee experience.

Vendor & Budget Management

• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets for workplace operations and engagement programs.
• Negotiate contracts and manage performance of workplace vendors and service providers.
• Analyze workplace data, utilization metrics, and employee feedback to drive continuous improvement and cost-effective solutions.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Facilities Management, Hospitality, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in workplace experience, facilities management, employee engagement, corporate services, hospitality, or related functions.
• Experience leading both operational and employee-focused workplace programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, vendors, and workplace projects.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and drive cross-functional initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Strategic workplace planning
• Facilities and office operations management
• Employee engagement and culture development
• Change management and organizational effectiveness
• Program and project management
• Budgeting and financial management
• Vendor negotiation and contract management
• Space planning and workplace design
• Employee communications and event management
• Data analysis and KPI tracking
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disabled/Veterans

Competitive Pay $155,476 - $186,572 annually

The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

Newton Support Center