General Manager - Raleigh, NC

Panera Bread is a renowned bakery-cafe chain celebrated for its warm, inviting atmosphere and high-quality food offerings. As a leader in the fast-casual dining industry, Panera prides itself on delivering exceptional guest experiences through freshly baked goods, delightful beverages, and nourishing meals. With a commitment to community, innovation, and growth, Panera has built a strong reputation as a beloved neighborhood bakery-cafe that emphasizes not only great food but also a welcoming team culture. The company values its employees as the cornerstone of its success and consistently works to create a supportive environment that fosters both professional development and personal satisfaction.

Joining Panera means becoming part of a vibrant team committed to sharing not just the best bread but also the best moments with guests. The company recognizes that talented leadership is essential to maintaining its standards of service and is dedicated to nurturing leaders who can inspire their teams, drive performance, and cultivate a culture of warmth and belonging. As a General Manager at Panera, you will be at the heart of this mission, playing a pivotal role in the day-to-day and strategic operations of the bakery-cafe. This full-time position offers competitive pay along with eligibility for quarterly bonuses, making it an attractive opportunity for those aspiring to grow their careers in restaurant management.

The General Manager is responsible for leading a high-performing team and overseeing the entire operation of the bakery-cafe to ensure its success. This role requires a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, someone who can skillfully balance managing staff, elevating guest satisfaction, and upholding rigorous standards for quality and safety. You will have full ownership over various elements including staffing, scheduling, training, and performance management. Your leadership will directly influence the motivation and engagement of your team members as you onboard new hires and foster an energetic, inspiring workplace culture.

Beyond managing daily operations, the General Manager will be instrumental in building subject matter experts within the team by developing managers aligned with Panera’s Guiding Values and Behaviors. You are also expected to ensure compliance with all company policies and local regulations, maintain food safety standards, and manage costs effectively to keep the bakery-cafe financially healthy. Building long-term relationships with loyal guests through exceptional service and maintaining a safe, positive work environment are core to this position.

Panera offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance, paid vacation and sick time, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Additional perks include tuition discounts, career advancement opportunities, team rewards, and a supportive culture dedicated to employee well-being. The role requires flexibility to work nights and weekends and the physical ability to stand and move for extended periods, lift up to 25 pounds, and communicate clearly in a bustling environment.

If you are a dynamic, results-driven leader with a passion for people and food service excellence, Panera provides an enriching environment where you can not only grow professionally but also make a meaningful impact every day. Step into a role where your leadership transforms a familiar neighborhood bakery-cafe into a fantastic destination for guests and a thriving workplace for your team.