Restaurant General Manager - $68k +

Job Description

Job Description

Position: General Manager

Location: Okemos, MI

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Director, Retail Operations

About the Opportunity

We're seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead our bakery-cafe team and create memorable guest experiences in our community. As a General Manager, you'll be part of something special—leading connections with amazing guests, directly impacting our growing business, and serving your local community.

At Panera, how we do things is as important as what we do. We pride ourselves on being the most guest-responsive team in the world while showing Panera Warmth to our guests and one another. You'll lead a popular neighborhood bakery-cafe to success by owning key decisions, problem-solving, and building a culture of excellence.

What You'll Do

Leadership & Team Development

• Own all aspects of bakery-cafe team leadership including staffing, scheduling, people development, career progression, performance management, training, and succession planning
• Hire, onboard, and train new team members while motivating, energizing, engaging, inspiring, and celebrating the entire team
• Create subject matter experts within your bakery-cafe by developing managers on people processes and Panera's Guiding Values & Behaviors
• Manage team performance to ensure operational goals, quality standards, and extraordinary guest service expectations are consistently met

Operations & Guest Experience

• Follow operational procedures designed to ensure successful execution of all company strategies and initiatives
• Build engaging relationships that lead to long-term, loyal guests
• Make sure every guest is delighted by the quality of our food, service, and staff
• Maintain the bakery-cafe's overall costs and inventory effectively
• Ensure a healthy and safe workplace that meets Panera's health, food safety, and company culture standards

Compliance & Standards

• Ensure all team members follow company policies and procedures and comply with federal, state, and local regulations
• Maintain adherence to Panera's dress code across all team members
• Follow all company policies including Cash Handling policy and Code of Conduct

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of restaurant General Manager experience preferred
• Proven ability to drive positive results and strong business acumen
• Demonstrated ability to run and lead great shifts while directing, motivating, coaching, and developing others in a fast-paced environment
• Minimum age: 18 years of age
• ServSafe certification (or ability to achieve) required
• This position requires a criminal background check

Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional leadership and team-building capabilities
• Strong communication skills in high-volume, loud environments
• Strategic thinking with hands-on execution
• Flexibility to work nights and weekends as needed
• Problem-solving mindset with ability to make key decisions independently

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects up to 50 pounds as needed
• Capability to walk for up to 6 hours during shifts
• Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guest and team member directions in a loud environment

Working Conditions

• This role requires flexible hours including nights and weekends in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
• High-volume, dynamic bakery-cafe setting with constant guest interaction

Why Join Us

• Lead a respected neighborhood bakery-cafe with a strong community presence
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunity to develop and grow your management career with a nationally recognized brand
• Culture focused on warmth, hospitality, and making a positive impact
• Support from a dedicated leadership team and robust operational systems