Catering Lead Assistant

Company Overview

Flynn Group entered the Panera system in 2015 with the acquisition of 47 cafés. Since then, we have more than tripled in size to become the 2nd largest Panera franchisee in the world and continue to grow by building new stores and acquiring other franchise operators.

Flynn Panera is a franchisee of Panera Bread. It is built on a decentralized business model, which means that each geographic area is led by a Market Leader. Reporting to the ML are Area Directors, who are multiple‑unit operators responsible for the overall functions of the cafés in their areas. Reporting to the Area Directors are the General Managers, who are the chief café managers responsible for the overall running of their cafés.

Assistant Managers help run their departments and support everyday management responsibilities. Team Managers complete the café leadership team.

We strive to hire only the best, starting with our leadership. Our leaders within Flynn Panera have over 190+ years of experience in the restaurant industry, and 60+ years with Flynn Group.

Flynn Group, founded in 1999 by Greg Flynn, is the world’s largest franchise operator. It owns and operates a diversified portfolio of iconic restaurants including Applebee’s, Arby’s, Panera Bread, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Planet Fitness. Our primary mission is to be the premier operator within each of these brands by focusing on our core values:
Care Genuinely for People, Play Like a Champion, and Win as One.

Our Panera Bread cafés are upscale, friendly cafés that feature baked breads and pastries. We serve made‑to‑order soups, salads, and sandwiches as well as specialty espresso beverages. No fryers and no late nights—our environment is grease‑free and alcohol‑free. As a manager, you will enjoy a morning schedule.

Managers at our growing cafés supervise up to 75 staff members to ensure a high‑quality service experience for guests.

• Provide outstanding leadership to your team.
• Be passionate about the industry, inspiring others, coaching, counseling, creating a profitable environment, and delivering an exceptional customer experience.
• Maintain high standards of restaurant cleanliness, sanitation, food quality and safety, and facility management.
• Seek like‑minded individuals who want to surround themselves with fresh food and great people.
• Maintain a steady, stable employment track record, attention to detail, and outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Join a rapidly growing concept with great opportunities for career growth.

As a Catering Lead, you will be part of something special where you will connect with our amazing customers, impact our growing business, and serve local communities across the country. It’s a great opportunity to develop catering and sales skills and prepare for a potential catering career path with Panera.

• Process, prepare and deliver orders to the client.
• Assist in organising a team of employees, when needed, to execute large catering orders.
• Provide excellent customer service by following up with customers after an order is complete.
• Manage existing accounts to ensure ongoing repeat catering sales.
• Work closely with café teams and the Regional Catering Sales Manager to uncover and pursue additional business.
• Create a targeted game plan for increasing catering sales, involving strategic planning, cold calling, presentation skills and effective closing techniques.
• Utilise Outlook Calendar and other online resources to maximise organization, game plan and follow‑up.
• Communicate effectively via email.

• High School degree or equivalent.
• Excellent organisation, customer service and time management skills.
• Enthusiasm, energy and a positive attitude.
• Work well under pressure and with a diverse group of people.
• Proven track record of success.
• Valid driver’s licence and reliable transportation.
• Reference checks.

• Competitive hourly rate including tips.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Meal discounts.
• Health benefits.
• Development opportunities.

• Must be able to stand and exert well‑paced mobility for up to ten (10) hours in length.
• Must…