General Manager

Flynn Group entered the Panera system in 2015 with the acquisition of 47 cafes. Since then, we have more than tripled in size to become the 2nd largest Panera franchisee in the world and continue to grow by building new stores and acquiring other franchise operators.  

Flynn Panera is a franchisee of Panera Bread. Flynn Panera is built on a decentralized business model, which means that each geographic area is led by a Market Leader. Reporting to the ML are Area Directors, who are multiple unit operators, responsible for the overall functions of the cafés in their areas. Reporting to the Area Directors are the General Managers, who are the chief Cafe managers responsible for the overall running of their café. Aiding the management of the Cafe are Assistant Managers, who are responsible for running of their departments and who help with every-day management responsibilities. Rounding out the cafe leadership are Team Managers.  

We strive to hire only the best, starting with our leadership. Our leaders within Flynn Panera have over 190+ years of experience in the restaurant industry, and 60+ years with Flynn Group. 

We are one of seven premier brands of Flynn Group, which was founded in 1999 by Greg Flynn. It has grown since then to the largest franchise operator in the world. Flynn owns and operates a diversified portfolio of restaurants in iconic, world class brands across diverse segments, including Applebee’s, Arby’s, Panera Bread, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Planet Fitness. Our primary mission is to be the premier operator within each of these brands. We will achieve this by focusing on our core values; Care Genuinely for People, Play like a Champion, and Win as One. 

Position Description 

When you join Flynn Panera, as a General Manager, you join in our belief that food should not only taste good, but also be good for you. As a General Manager, you will be a part of something special where you will have the opportunity to connect with our amazing customers, impact our growing business, and most importantly serve local communities across the country.  

Come make a difference with Panera as a General Manager today! This is a great opportunity to hone and develop your management skills in preparation for advancement with Flynn - Panera. 

General Managers at our growing cafes supervise up to 60 staff members to ensure a top-quality service experience for our guests. 

• As a Manager at Panera Bread, you would be responsible for providing 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. 
• Our managers must maintain high standards of restaurant cleanliness, sanitation, food quality, and facility management. At Panera Bread, warmth is our business. It's what we do best. We look for like-minded individuals who are ready to surround themselves with fresh food and great people. 
• We are looking for experienced restaurant professionals with a steady, stable employment track record, attention to detail, and outstanding interpersonal skills. This is an excellent opportunity to join a rapidly growing concept. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

Restaurant management combines strategic planning, shift organization and day-to-day management activities. At Panera Bread, restaurant management is fast paced, highly demanding and very rewarding.  

• Demonstrates sustainable long-term success, and the ability to maintain a profitable business. 
• Ensures prompt, friendly service according to company guidelines, achieving established objectives of the unit on customer feedback reports. 
• Directs overall activities and performance of employees on a shift-by-shift basis. 
• Creates an Employer of Choice environment by encouraging a culture in accordance with Flynn Panera values and beliefs. 
• Ensures the immediate response and rectifying of all guest complaints. 
• Ensures guest contact as a priority with completion of required table visits established Flynn Panera standards. 
• Maintains adequate inventory levels and adjusts par levels as needed. 
• Ensures product preparation and presentation uncompromisingly meets company standards, using line checks to Flynn Panera standards. 
• Effectively oversees/schedules employees to meet sales demands. 
• Maintains effective safety and security programs according to company policy and government standards. 
• Corrects unsafe practices or conditions. 
• Promotes and leads restaurant organization, cleanliness and sanitation in compliance with Ecosure and Health Department standards. 
• Performs routine maintenance and immediately advises Area Director of needed repairs. Institutes preventive maintenance and needed repairs of building and all equipment. 
• Advises Area Director of any non-routine situations. 
• Communicates with other managers daily through management log and shift change meetings and weekly through manager meetings. 
• Ensures quality recruitment and referrals of potential management candidates. 
• Maintains a trained staff through effective use of employment orientation, individual training sessions, employee meetings and implementation of company polices and training sessions. 
• Ensures the constant development of employees through consistent heart-checks, one-on-one meetings and performance reviews, assessing the effectiveness of employees, providing candid, fair feedback and continuously working with employees on their areas of development. 
• Ensures accurate staffing levels, using detailed interviews and company guidelines for proper selection of employees, based on competency identification. 
• Partners with Area Director and Human Resources when additional staffing support is needed. 
• Ensures acceptable employee performance and documents situations that require or could lead to disciplinary or corrective actions, involving the Area Director and Human Resources when investigations need to take place. 
• Responsible for controlling costs in the restaurant by closely managing the Profit and Loss statement on a period-by-period basis. 
• Ensures objectives are achieved while operating within all company guidelines, cultural values and following ethical business practices. 
• Completes all other assigned duties and responsibilities. 

Education and Experience 

• At least 3 years restaurant management experience 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Degree or equivalent experience in Hospitality or Hotel/Restaurant Management is preferred 
• Serve Safe Food Certification a plus 
• Must have the "Run it Like you Own It Mentality" 

Perks for our employees: 

• Competitive Salary 
• Profit Sharing (varies by Market) 
• Meal Discounts 
• Health Benefits 
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match 
• Paid Vacation 
• Development Opportunities 

Physical Standards: 

• Mobility required during the entire shift, up to 10 hours. 
• Standing for extended periods of time. 
• Ability to safely bend, reach, carry, and stoop. 
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs. repetitively throughout a shift. 

The manager is responsible for performing the crucial responsibilities of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. The manager should notify Flynn Panera of any reasonable accommodation requests and may need to provide supporting medical documentation. This job description may not list all duties for this position and the manager 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. 

Why Work for Flynn Panera?  

Flynn Panera is a growing franchise within Flynn Group that offers stability, opportunity for advancement as well as 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!