Director, Retail Operations - Indianapolis

Panera Bread•Saint Louis, LA

1d•$111,808 - $134,169

About The Position

The Director, Retail Operations is responsible for delivering Panera operational expectations across bakery-cafes by translating brand objectives into action for cafes and associates. The role leads and develops cafe leaders to create strong associate and guest experiences, build trust and loyalty, grow sales, and deliver profit growth. The Director creates and executes the market strategy for guest service, operating systems, profitability, new-unit growth, food quality and safety, and people development. The role coaches and holds cafe management teams accountable for business results and operational standards, communicates business priorities, and champions the sustained implementation of new products, processes, and programs. It partners with market- and region-level support teams to provide resources and strengthen execution. The position develops cafe management teams and the market’s talent pipeline through recruitment, selection, inclusion, compensation, training, performance management, coaching, and succession planning. It also validates compliance with operational standards, company policies, employment laws, and food and workplace safety requirements, while fostering an inclusive work environment free of discrimination and harassment. The role requires up to 95% travel within the market, some overnight travel for cafe visits and company meetings, and potentially other out-of-market travel. Work includes extended walking and standing during cafe visits, lifting heavy items or boxes, desk and office administration, and commuting between cafe locations. The position is based at the Saint Louis Support Center. Competitive pay is listed as $111,808–$134,169; actual compensation depends on factors including experience, knowledge, skills, and geographic location.

Requirements

Firm understanding of business outcomes, including sales and profit drivers and the ability to read P&Ls and financial reports.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence others.
Self-motivated, with the ability to plan, prioritize, schedule, and manage a market-wide calendar.
Ability to build high-performing teams through selection, coaching, and development; strong coaching skills to develop managers.
Ability to motivate and inspire teams, create role clarity, and hold leaders at different organizational levels accountable.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, internet-based tools, and basic computer functions.
Strong work ethic and ability to work long and unusual hours.
Ability to travel up to 95% within the market, with some overnight and other out-of-market travel as business needs require.
Ability to walk and stand for long periods during cafe visits, lift heavy items or boxes, perform desk and office administrative work, and commute between cafe locations.

Nice To Haves

Multi-unit experience or related experience.
Some college education, certification, or related experience.

Responsibilities

Create the market strategy and vision for executing Panera standards for guest service, operating systems, profitability, new-unit growth, food quality and safety, and people development.
Achieve key business results and grow the business by coaching, developing, and holding cafe management teams accountable for execution.
Understand, apply, and communicate business priorities and Panera operating systems across the market.
Champion collaboration, communication, implementation, and sustained management of new products, processes, and programs.
Partner with market- and region-level support functions, including Operations, HR, and business development, to provide resources and improve channel execution.
Ensure cafe management teams practice the processes and behaviors needed to meet market goals and protect Panera’s brand identity and purpose.
Build the capabilities and performance of cafe management teams through Panera’s Guiding Values and people practices, including recruitment, selection, DE&I, compensation, training and development, performance management, coaching, and succession planning.
Create the market’s people strategy and maintain a talent pipeline to meet market growth and talent needs.
Ensure cafes comply with operational standards, policies, federal and state employment laws, and food and workplace safety requirements.
Ensure cafes maintain an inclusive and engaging environment where associates can show up authentically and are free from discrimination and harassment.