Assistant Manager

Panera Bread is a renowned bakery-cafe chain known for its high-quality food, warm atmosphere, and customer-first philosophy. With a commitment to creating inviting spaces where guests can enjoy fresh, healthy meals, Panera has established itself as a leader in the fast-casual dining industry. Employing thousands across numerous locations, Panera values the contributions of every team member and strives to foster an environment where employees can grow both personally and professionally. The company emphasizes a culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust, making it an excellent place for individuals seeking supportive, rewarding careers in hospitality.

The role of Assistant Manager at Panera is a key leadership position that goes beyond managing daily operations. As an Assistant Manager, you will work closely alongside the General Manager to lead the bakery-cafe toward operational excellence, exceptional customer experiences, and financial success. You will be responsible for the development and motivation of your team, ensuring staff members feel engaged, energized, and equipped to deliver high-quality service in a fast-paced environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the culture at your bakery-cafe, build lasting relationships with customers, and foster a positive work environment that supports growth and teamwork.

At Panera, Assistant Managers play a pivotal role in maintaining Panera's high standards of food quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. The role involves supervising and coaching all cafe staff, managing staffing requirements, scheduling shifts, and supporting career and succession planning for team members. You will be entrusted with managing labor costs, inventory, and profitability while ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, which is critical to maintaining the brand’s reputation. Panera offers competitive wages and bonus potential, supplemented by comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K with company matching, paid vacation, and sick pay. With eight weeks of paid on-the-job training and career advancement opportunities, this role is tailored for individuals looking to grow within the hospitality industry.

Working as an Assistant Manager at Panera requires a passion for people, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to work in a dynamic, ever-changing environment. Candidates should be flexible in their availability, including nights and weekends, and have a commitment to health and food safety practices. The company values leadership abilities such as motivating, coaching, and developing team members, along with demonstrated experience running efficient, effective shifts. This role is ideal for those interested in progressing to General Manager positions or wanting to develop skills that lead to long-term career growth within Panera's supportive framework. Panera’s equal opportunity employer status ensures a fair and inclusive hiring process for all applicants.