Director, Workplace Experience

Panera LLC; United States; On-site; USD 155,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

Panera LLC's Newton, MA campus is seeking a Director, Workplace Experience to lead strategy for workplace operations and employee experience, ensuring facilities, amenities, and culture align with Panera's values.

You will partner with HR, Facilities, IT and business leaders to deliver safe, efficient, engaging, and inclusive environments that attract and retain talent, while guiding events, space planning, and budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• 8+ years of leadership in workplace experience or related functions.
• Experience managing budgets, vendors, and cross‑functional initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive workplace experience strategy aligned with business objectives and company culture.
• Oversee facilities operations, space planning, and workplace programs.
• Lead employee events, engagement initiatives, and culture-building activities.
• Partner with HR, IT, Security, and leaders to drive safe, inclusive, and productive workplaces.

Skills

Workplace strategy

Facilities management

Employee engagement

Budget management

Vendor negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Location: Newton, MA

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.

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

With more than 2,000 Panera LLC and independent franchise bakery-cafes in the Panera Bread® family, and more locations opening all the time, it’s no wonder our company has been an excellent source of career and personal growth opportunities for more than 25 years. In neighborhoods across the U.S. and Canada, customers enjoy flavorful, handcrafted meals centered around freshly baked artisan bread. To us, that means serving food like we serve our own families – free of any of the items on our ‘No No’ List. Along the way, we also like to give back to our community. We enjoy working together, shoulder to shoulder with our customers, to confront a serious problem plaguing communities across this country – Hunger. Through our Panera Cares community cafes, we offer a dignified dining experience in an uplifting environment. In addition, we support our communities through day-end donations at our bakery-cafe locations and partner with local non-profit organizations. It’s this warmth that you’ll find when you join Panera Bread. From our competitive compensation and benefits packages to our unique cultural values, we’re confident you’ll find us a rewarding and fun place to work.