What Does a Panera Bread General Manager Do?

Panera Bread is a fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in freshly-baked breads, sandwiches, salads, and soups. The company has over 2,000 locations in the United States and Canada.

A Panera Bread General Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a Panera Bread restaurant. This includes managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining a safe and clean environment. The General Manager is also responsible for developing and implementing strategies to increase sales and profitability. They must also ensure that all company policies and procedures are followed.

Panera Bread General Manager Job Duties

A Panera Bread General Manager typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Lead and motivate a team of employees to ensure the highest level of customer service, quality products, and cleanliness
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures, including safety and security standards
• Monitor daily operations, ensuring that all areas are properly staffed and managed
• Develop strategies for increasing sales and profitability while controlling costs
• Train and develop staff in order to maximize their potential and performance
• Manage inventory levels and ordering processes to ensure adequate supplies and product availability
• Maintain accurate records of financial transactions and payroll information
• Create weekly schedules to ensure proper staffing levels
• Handle customer complaints and inquiries in a professional manner
• Analyze operational reports to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
• Participate in local marketing initiatives to increase brand awareness
• Foster an environment of collaboration and teamwork among staff members

Panera Bread General Manager Salary

The salary of a General Manager at Panera Bread is determined by a variety of factors, including the size of the restaurant, the location, the number of employees, and the amount of responsibility the individual is expected to take on. Additionally, the amount of experience the individual has in the field and the amount of education they have received can also play a role in determining the salary.

• Median Annual Salary: $89,605 ($43.08/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $118,450 ($56.95/hour)

Panera Bread General Manager Job Requirements

To be considered for the position of General Manager at Panera Bread, applicants must have a minimum of three years of restaurant management experience. This experience should include a proven track record of success in leading a team, managing operations, and achieving financial goals. In addition, applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and have the ability to travel to multiple locations.

Applicants must also have a high school diploma or equivalent, and a college degree in business or hospitality management is preferred. Candidates should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to motivate and lead a team. Additionally, applicants must have a strong understanding of food safety and sanitation regulations. Finally, a working knowledge of computer systems and software is required.

Panera Bread General Manager Skills

Panera Bread General Manager employees need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication Skills: As a general manager, you communicate with many people on a daily basis. You may be in charge of training new employees, communicating with suppliers and communicating with the company’s executive team. Effective communication skills can help you convey your ideas and messages clearly and concisely.

Creativity: As a general manager, you may be responsible for developing marketing campaigns, planning special events and developing new menu items. Creativity is an important skill for a general manager to have as it can help them develop strategies that help their business grow.

Problem Solving: As a general manager, you may be responsible for resolving issues that arise in the restaurant. You may need to identify the source of the problem and find a solution that satisfies all parties. For example, if a customer is dissatisfied with their meal, you may need to find a solution that satisfies the customer and ensures the kitchen continues to operate smoothly.

Conflict Resolution: Conflict resolution is the ability to diffuse a situation and help people work together. As a general manager, you may be responsible for resolving disputes between employees, customers and suppliers. You can use your conflict resolution skills to help your team and customers feel valued and respected.

Leadership: A general manager oversees the daily operations of a restaurant, so they need strong leadership skills. You can use your leadership skills to motivate your team, delegate tasks and improve the customer experience. You can also use leadership skills to ensure your team follows health and safety regulations and maintains a clean and safe work environment.

Panera Bread General Manager Work Environment

The work environment for a Panera Bread General Manager is fast-paced and demanding. The General Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the restaurant, including managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining a safe and clean work environment. The General Manager typically works a 40-hour week, but may be required to work additional hours during peak times. The General Manager must be able to handle stress and multitask in a fast-paced environment. The General Manager must also be able to travel to other locations for training and meetings.

Panera Bread General Manager Trends

Here are three trends influencing how Panera Bread General Manager employees work.

Strategic Leadership

Strategic leadership is an emerging trend in the restaurant industry, and Panera Bread General Managers are at the forefront of this shift. Strategic leaders focus on developing a vision for their team and organization that aligns with the company’s overall mission and goals. They also create plans to achieve those objectives, while motivating and inspiring their teams to reach them.

General Managers must be able to think strategically about how to best utilize resources, such as staff, technology, and customer feedback, to maximize efficiency and profitability. Additionally, they need to stay up-to-date on trends in the industry and use data to make informed decisions. By understanding strategic leadership, Panera Bread General Managers can ensure their restaurants remain competitive and successful.

Managing Multiple Generations

As the workforce continues to diversify, Panera Bread General Managers must be prepared to manage multiple generations. With Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers all working together, it is important for managers to understand how each generation works differently in order to create a cohesive team.

Managing multiple generations requires an understanding of different communication styles, work ethics, and expectations. It also means being able to recognize generational differences and use them to your advantage. For example, leveraging the experience of Baby Boomers while encouraging the creativity of Gen Zers can help foster collaboration and innovation. By understanding the nuances of each generation, Panera Bread General Managers can ensure that their teams are productive and successful.

Technology-Enabled Management

Technology-enabled management is becoming increasingly important for Panera Bread General Managers. With the rise of digital ordering, delivery services, and mobile apps, GMs must be able to use technology to manage their stores more efficiently. This includes using data analytics to track customer trends, optimize staffing levels, and ensure that orders are fulfilled quickly and accurately.

GM’s also need to understand how to leverage technology to improve customer experience. This could include utilizing online ordering platforms, creating loyalty programs, or implementing automated systems to streamline processes. By understanding how to effectively utilize technology, GMs can create a better overall experience for customers while increasing efficiency and profitability.

Advancement Prospects

As a Panera Bread General Manager, you have the opportunity to advance your career by taking on additional responsibilities and learning new skills. You may be able to move up to a higher-level management position, such as a District Manager or Regional Manager. You may also be able to move into a corporate position, such as a Director of Operations or a Vice President of Operations. With the right experience and qualifications, you may even be able to move into a position with a larger restaurant chain.

Interview Questions

Here are five common Panera Bread General Manager interview questions and answers.

1. Describe how you would go about training new employees.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you would train your team members and ensure they’re all working to the same standards. Use examples from previous training experiences, such as how you prepared for training sessions or what methods you used to make sure everyone was on the same page.

Example: “I find that it’s important to have a plan in place before starting any new employee training. I like to meet with each new hire individually to learn more about their background and interests so I can tailor my training accordingly. For example, if someone is interested in baking, I might spend some extra time during our training session teaching them how to bake breads and pastries.”

2. What is your favorite Panera Bread product and why?

This question is a great way to see if you are passionate about Panera Bread’s products. It also shows the interviewer that you have tried many of their offerings and can make recommendations for customers. When answering this question, pick one product and explain why it’s your favorite.

Example: “My favorite Panera Bread product is the Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken. I love how fresh all of the ingredients taste, and I think the poppyseeds add a unique flavor. The salad is filling enough to be a meal but light enough to eat during the summer months. I would recommend this salad to anyone looking for something healthy but still flavorful.”

3. How would you handle an upset customer?

As a general manager, you may need to handle upset customers. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills needed to diffuse a situation and keep it from escalating. In your answer, explain how you would use your communication skills to help an upset customer feel heard. Share what steps you would take to resolve the issue or calm the customer down.

Example: “I once had a customer who was upset because they didn’t like their sandwich. I listened to them as they explained why they were upset. Then, I apologized for their experience and offered them a free meal on us. They seemed satisfied with my response and left happy.”

4. Provide examples of the steps you would take to resolve conflicts between employees.

Conflict resolution is an important skill for a general manager to have. It’s their job to ensure that employees are working together and resolving any issues they may be having with one another. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide examples of how you would handle the situation or what steps you would take to resolve the conflict.

Example: “I would first make sure I understood both sides of the issue. Then, I would speak with each employee individually to get more information about the problem. After that, I would meet with them together to discuss solutions to the conflict. If needed, I would also involve human resources to help mediate between the two employees.”

5. Can you tell me about a time where you had to improve performance within your team?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle challenges and motivate your team. Use examples from your experience to explain how you helped your team improve performance, increase productivity or solve a problem.

Example: “At my previous position as general manager of a local restaurant, I noticed that our servers were taking longer than usual to take orders at the counter. This was causing customers to wait longer for their food, which in turn caused them to leave negative reviews online. After talking with my staff about this issue, we realized that some of our employees had not been properly trained on how to take orders over the phone. We created a training program to ensure all employees knew how to take orders efficiently.”