Director, Retail Operations- Central Missouri

Director, Retail Operations – Central Missouri

Must live in or be willing to relocate within the Columbia, MO market. Job Purpose: Director, Retail Operations is responsible for delivering world class execution of Panera operational expectations in the bakery‑cafes by translating brand objectives to cafes and associates. This means acting like an owner as well as leading and developing leaders to deliver great experiences to associates and guests in a way that builds trust that creates loyalty with our team members and guests and creating value in the market through growing sales and delivering profit growth.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Business Understanding, Strategic Planning and Execution: Responsible for creating the strategy and vision for the market to achieve the execution of all Panera standards for guest service, market-wide operating systems, profitability, new unit growth, food quality and safety, and people development; achieve key business results and grow the business through coaching, development, and accountability of cafe management teams; act as SME of Panera’s operating systems; champion results through collaboration, communication, implementation, and sustained management of new products, processes, and programs; partner cross‑functionally; ensure right processes and behaviors practiced by each cafe’s management team to deliver on the market’s established goals and protect Panera’s brand identity.
• People Development: Unlock and build capabilities and performance of cafe management teams through recruitment, selection, DE&I, compensation, development/training, performance management and coaching, succession planning; create the market’s People strategy and maintain a talent pipeline to support growth and elevate employee performance.
• Brand Protection & Validation: Ensure cafes comply with all established operational standards, policies, and federal and state employment laws; maintain an inclusive and engaging work environment where every associate can show up authentically, free of discrimination and harassment.

Top Leadership Competencies

• Acts like an owner
• Defines vision and purpose
• Unlocks potential
• Builds trust
• Collaborates
• Delivers results

Qualifications (Education & Experience)

• Multi-unit experience or related experience preferred.
• Some college education/certification or related experience preferred.
• Firm understanding of business outcomes (sales drivers, profit drivers, reading P&L and financial reports).
• Excellent communication skills to influence others.
• Self‑motivated with 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.
• Motivational with ability to inspire teams, create role clarity, and hold leaders accountable.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong work ethic; can work long and unusual hours.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Up to 95% travel within the market and some overnight travel for cafe visits based on market geography and for company meetings. Other out-of-market travel for business needs may be required. Requires walking/standing during long periods while on cafe visits (including lifting heavy items or boxes), desk/office administrative work, and commuting between cafe locations.

Competitive Pay

$111,808 – $134,169 (actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location).