Store Manager

Panda Express is a leading brand in the fast-casual dining industry, specializing in American Chinese cuisine. Established in 1983 in Glendale, California, Panda Express has grown to become the largest family-owned American Chinese restaurant concept in the United States, with close to 2,800 locations globally. The company is dedicated to delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences and is built on core family values that inspire its associates to improve their lives both professionally and personally. Panda Express prides itself on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where all employees are valued and given opportunities to grow and succeed.

Joining Panda Express means becoming part of a vibrant community that cares deeply about the success and development of its team members. The company offers extensive training, mentorship, and ongoing leadership development to help associates advance in their careers. Panda Express is committed to equality and provides accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Store Manager role is a pivotal position responsible for overseeing the operations of a single Panda Express restaurant. This leadership position involves managing staff, ensuring excellent customer experiences, and driving store financial performance. You will be responsible for hiring, training, and directing associates to meet sales goals and uphold Panda Express’s high standards for food quality, safety, and service. To prepare you for success, Panda Express provides an eight-or-more-week paid Store Management Leadership Training program that equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel.

As a Store Manager, your impact extends beyond day-to-day operations. You will lead by example, motivating your team to deliver exceptional experiences while fostering a positive workplace culture. Panda Express also emphasizes flexibility, allowing managers to work within a 50-mile radius of their location and on varying schedules, including weekends. Safety is a top priority, and managers must be Serve Safe certified.

The compensation package is competitive, starting at $33 to $36 per hour, influenced by location and experience. In addition to a strong base wage, Panda Express offers bonus opportunities as part of its comprehensive benefits plan. Employees enjoy free meals during their shifts, health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, voluntary short-term disability, cancer income protection, and income protection coverage such as life and AD&D insurance. To support work-life balance and financial wellness, the company provides paid time off, paid holidays, bereavement leave, a 401(k) plan with company match, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, and generous discounts on theme parks and gym memberships.

Panda Express values community engagement and encourages associates to participate in initiatives that give back locally. With continuous career and leadership development opportunities, including scholarships and education assistance, Panda Express stands out as an employer committed to cultivating talent and encouraging long-term growth. The company also offers attractive referral bonuses for associates who bring new talent into the Panda family.

Working at Panda Express means joining a respected industry leader dedicated to providing a dynamic, supportive, and rewarding work environment. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop strong operational and leadership skills while contributing to a company that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Whether you are stepping into management for the first time or enhancing your leadership career, Panda Express provides the tools, training, and community support to help you succeed in a fast-paced and exciting restaurant environment.