Catering Lead Assistant

Company Overview

Flynn Group entered the Panera system in 2015 with the acquisition of 47 cafes. Since then the company has more than tripled in size to become the 2nd largest Panera franchisee in the world, expanding by building new stores and acquiring other franchise operators. Flynn Panera is a franchisee of Panera Bread and operates under a decentralized business model led by Market Leaders, Area Directors, General Managers, Assistant Managers, and Team Managers.

Our Panera Bread cafés are upscale, friendly environments featuring baked breads and pastries. We serve made‑to‑order soups, salads, sandwiches, and specialty espresso beverages. No fryers and no late nights – we maintain a grease‑ and alcohol‑free environment for associates and expect a morning‑oriented schedule for managers.

Managers supervise up to 75 staff members to ensure a top‑quality service experience for guests.

• As a Team Manager at Panera Bread, you will provide outstanding leadership to your team.
• You should be passionate about the industry, inspiring others, coaching, counseling, creating a profitable environment, and delivering an exceptional customer experience.
• You must maintain high standards of restaurant cleanliness, sanitation, food quality and safety, and facility management. Warmth is our business; we look for like‑minded individuals ready to surround themselves with fresh food and great people.
• You should have a steady, stable employment track record, attention to detail, and outstanding interpersonal skills. This is an outstanding opportunity to join a rapidly growing concept.

As a Catering Lead, you will connect with customers, impact our growing business, and serve local communities across the country. This role offers the chance to develop catering and sales skills and a potential career path in catering with Panera.

• Process, prepare, and deliver orders to the client.
• Assist in organizing a team of employees, when needed, to execute large catering orders.
• Provide excellent customer service by following up with customers after an order has been completed, promptly responding to all calls and requests.
• 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 sales techniques.
• Utilize Outlook Calendar and other online resources to maximize organization, game plan, and follow‑up.
• Communicate effectively via email.

• High School degree or equivalent.
• Excellent organization, 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 license 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.
• Must safely lift pots, pans, glassware, boxes, etc. up to 50 pounds.
• Must read and write to facilitate communication.
• Must possess finger and hand dexterity for using small tools and equipment.

The associate is responsible for performing the essential responsibilities of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. The associate should notify Flynn Panera of any accommodation requests and may need to provide supporting medical documentation. This job description may not list all duties for this position and the associate in this position may be required to perform other duties to meet business needs.

Flynn Panera reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment, and either the associate or Flynn Panera may terminate employment at any time.

Flynn Panera is a growing franchise within Flynn Group that offers stability, opportunity for advancement, and a great environment, training, and benefits. We are committed to helping each employee work and live to their fullest potential within a culture you won’t want to quit!

Flynn Group is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and providing reasonable accommodations/adjustments for individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodation or adjustments throughout the application process, please let us know. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our premier team!