Director, Retail Operations- San Antonio, TX

Director, Retail Operations - San Antonio, TX

Must live in or be willing to relocate within the market.

Job Purpose

Director, Retail Operations is responsible for delivering world‑class execution of Panera operational expectations in the bakery‑cafés by translating brand objectives to cafés and associates. The role acts like an owner and leads and develops leaders to deliver great experiences to associates and guests, building trust that creates loyalty with 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. Responsible for achieving key business results and growing the business through coaching, development, and accountability of café management teams for the execution against these standards and processes. Effectively understands, applies, and communicates the business’ priorities, and is considered an SME of Panera’s operating systems, and the application throughout the market. Responsible for championing results through collaboration, communication, and implementation and sustained management of all new products, processes, and programs. A proactive partner working cross‑functionally with market and region‑level support (Operations, HR, business development, etc.) creates discipline around channel execution by providing resources and supporting cafés that ultimately drive business results. Ensures the right processes and behaviors are practiced by each café’s management team to deliver on the market’s established goals and to protect Panera’s brand identity and purpose.

People Development

• Responsible for unlocking and building the capabilities and performance of café management teams demonstrated through Panera’s Guiding Values and our people practices. These consist of recruitment, selection, DE&I, compensation, development/training, performance management and coaching, as well as succession planning.
• Creates the market’s People strategy and maintains a pipeline of talent to support the growth and talent needs within the market, continually elevating employee performance and capability.

Brand Protection & Validation

• Responsible for ensuring cafés comply with all established operational standards, policies, and federal and state employment laws, around employment and food and workplace safety.
• Ensures cafés foster and 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, but not required.
• Some college education or certification or related experience preferred, but not required.
• Firm understanding of business outcomes (sales drivers, profit drivers, reading P&L and financial reports).
• Excellent communication skills and can leverage these skills to influence others.
• Self‑motivated and can plan, prioritize, schedule, and manage a market‑wide calendar.
• Has the ability to build high‑performing teams through selection, coaching and development and has strong coaching skills to continuously develop a team of managers.
• Is motivational and can inspire teams to perform at a high level, create role clarity and hold leaders at different organization levels accountable.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), internet‑based and complete other basic computer functions.
• Must have a strong work ethic, with the ability to work long and unusual hours.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

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

Competitive Pay

Competitive Pay: $111,808 – $134,169. The 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. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

About the Company

Panera Bread® works to create a healthier and happier world by running best‑in‑class operations guided by tried‑and‑true restaurant practices that always strive to innovate for our guests and associates. With more than 2,000 Panera LLC and independent franchise bakery‑cafés in the Panera Bread® family and more locations opening all the time, we offer excellent career and personal growth opportunities. We serve food like we serve our own families, and we give back to our community through Panera Cares community cafés and day‑end donations at bakery‑café locations, partnering with local non‑profit organizations.