General Manager - Apex, NC

Panera Bread is a renowned bakery-cafe chain known for its commitment to quality food, exceptional customer service, and community involvement. As a leader in the fast-casual dining industry, Panera has built a strong brand reputation rooted in its Guiding Values and Behaviors, focusing on warmth, belonging, growth, and trust. The company offers a welcoming workplace culture where employees are celebrated and supported, with numerous opportunities for career advancement and leadership development. Panera provides competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of its team members. This includes paid vacation, sick time, holidays, medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance, as well as a 401(k) plan with matching contributions. Other perks include free on-shift meals, unlimited fountain beverages, tuition discounts, and a team member assistance program.

The General Manager at Panera Bread plays a critical role in the success of their neighborhood bakery-cafe, leading a high-performing team to deliver exceptional guest experiences every day. This is a full-time leadership position that requires a dynamic individual who is passionate about cultivating a positive and engaging work environment while maintaining high operational and quality standards. As the General Manager, you will be responsible for all aspects of bakery-cafe operations, including staffing, scheduling, people development, training, and ensuring compliance with company policies and safety regulations. Your leadership will be instrumental in energizing, inspiring, and motivating your team to uphold Panera’s standards and create memorable moments for guests. Managing costs, inventory, and operational initiatives will also be key responsibilities.

In your role, you will focus on building a culture where team members feel valued and have clear pathways for career growth. You will ensure that every shift runs smoothly and that guests leave delighted by the quality of food and service. As a strategic thinker, you will make informed decisions that align with corporate goals and community expectations, fostering long-term loyalty among guests and staff alike. This position requires flexibility, including the ability to work nights and weekends, and demands physical stamina for tasks like lifting, standing, and clear communication in a lively environment.

Joining Panera Bread as a General Manager means becoming part of a team dedicated to making the familiar fantastic. You will enjoy a welcoming culture, great perks, and the chance to make a real impact, contributing to a company that values leadership, development, and shared success. This role is ideal for someone with proven restaurant management experience who is ready to lead by example and help grow Panera’s legacy of warmth and excellence.